The JCS Fund and Arts DuPage, both operating under the DuPage Foundation, have announced a funding opportunity to support public art projects within DuPage County, Illinois. The JCS Arts, Health and Education Fund of DuPage Foundation (JCS Fund) has a mission to uplift instrumental music, health, education, culture, and other charitable endeavors that serve residents of DuPage County. Arts DuPage, as a local arts council and an initiative of the DuPage Foundation, plays a central role in advocating for and administering grants to the local arts community, aiming to enhance the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the region.
This specific funding opportunity offers matching grants of up to $25,000 for public art initiatives. Projects eligible for funding include both permanent and temporary public art in any medium, such as murals, sculptures, or installations. Creativity and originality are encouraged in all submissions. Funded projects must be either installed or completed by September 30, 2026. For permanent art installations, recipients are required to maintain and, if necessary, repair or replace the artwork to ensure long-term viability.
Applicants must be public charities with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or DuPage County governmental agencies including municipalities, park districts, school districts, townships, and libraries. To qualify for funding, applicants must match the awarded amount and provide documentation of the matching funds before receiving the grant disbursement. Expenses for projects that are already completed or reimbursing prior costs are not eligible.
Applications are evaluated based on a set of criteria: artistic goals and impact, originality, feasibility, project leadership and partnerships, public visibility, community engagement, and the overall community’s readiness for public art. Debbie Venezia, Director of Arts DuPage, will offer support and consultation throughout the grant period, helping ensure that artists involved possess the necessary expertise to carry out their proposed projects successfully.
Applications must be submitted through the DuPage Foundation grant portal by 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Interested parties seeking more information or guidance can reach out directly to Debbie Venezia at debbie@dupagefoundation.org or by phone at 630.598.5299.
