Art Grant

The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund Art Grant is a competitive funding opportunity aimed at fostering the cultural vibrancy of LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties in Illinois. Administered by The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund, the program supports the development and execution of arts-related projects by non-profit arts and cultural organizations, schools, libraries, and other qualified community groups. The Fund acknowledges the vital role that the arts play in community development, inclusion, and education, and seeks to ensure widespread access to artistic experiences. This initiative is supported financially in part by the Illinois Arts Council, whose contributions help expand the reach and capacity of the grantmaking efforts. The Art Grant program runs on a biannual cycle. Projects scheduled to occur between January 1 and June 30 must submit applications between August 1 and September 15 of the prior year. Projects slated for July 1 to December 31 should apply between March 15 and April 15 of the same year. Applicants are notified of decisions within two to three weeks following the close of each submission window. All applications must be submitted via email, and they must include the completed application form, general information form, budget form, and a copy of the applicant's IRS-issued 501(c)(3) determination letter if applicable. Applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project benefits a broad segment of the community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and qualified educational and community entities such as schools and libraries. All projects must be charitable in nature and serve wide audiences—students, members, or the general public. This emphasis on inclusivity reflects the Fund’s commitment to access and equity in arts programming. Projects are evaluated by the Grants Advisory Committee using a measurable scoring system, and funding decisions are contingent upon both merit and availability of resources. Funds awarded must be used in accordance with the purpose stated in the application and must be expended before the deadline specified in the award letter. Any unused funds are required to be returned to the Fund. The grant does not appear to require matching contributions, and the total funding available per award is determined during the selection process. The grant program also mandates accountability from recipients; a final report is required within 60 days of the project’s completion. Submission of this report is a prerequisite for future funding eligibility. The Fund emphasizes its commitment to accessibility. Applicants with disabilities or specific accommodation needs are encouraged to contact the Fund to ensure full participation throughout the process. The submission process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Completed applications and all required documents must be emailed to [email protected]. The Fund provides support materials online, including downloadable application and budget forms, to guide applicants in preparing complete and compliant submissions. Overall, The Arts of Starved Rock Country Fund Art Grant is structured to support high-quality, impactful arts programming at the community level. Its recurring application cycles and clear procedural expectations reflect a commitment to fairness and transparency. By reinforcing strong project planning and community engagement, the Fund aims to ensure that the supported programs contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of the tri-county area.