Arts Capacity Grant Program

The Arts Work Fund (AWF) is a collaborative funding initiative established in 2006 to strengthen small and mid-sized arts organizations within Chicago and Cook County. Its core mission is to enhance the operational capacity of these organizations so they can better focus on their artistic goals. Through its Arts Capacity Grant Program, AWF offers responsive grants to individual arts organizations or collaborations among them. The grants are designed to support strategic adaptations, organizational resilience, and improved community engagement practices. Eligible applicants must have an arts-based mission as their primary purpose, operate as a 501(c)(3) public charity or work with a fiscal sponsor that has this designation, maintain a budget under $2 million, and be based in and serve communities in Chicago or Cook County. The program specifically prioritizes community-rooted organizations, including those led by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others from historically marginalized identities. A strong emphasis is placed on artist-centered leadership and representation within these communities. Funding can support a wide range of capacity-building projects, such as improving financial and human resources systems, developing new revenue strategies, planning for crisis resilience, undertaking strategic planning, forming strategic partnerships, and enhancing community communications. AWF does not fund general operating support, artistic program development, ongoing staffing costs, equipment, or software unless part of a broader capacity-building effort. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the AWF portal hosted by Submittable. Once submitted, applications are reviewed bi-monthly by the AWF Steering Committee. Applicants are typically notified within two months. There are no formal reporting requirements; however, AWF staff maintain regular contact with grantees to track progress and extract learnings that may benefit the broader arts field. Proposals are evaluated on several criteria, including organizational attributes and mission alignment, the relevance and urgency of the project, the proposed adaptations and implementation plan, and the expected impact on the organization’s sustainability. Although small or newer organizations are eligible, applicants must demonstrate some operational history. Declined applications may be resubmitted but only with significant revisions.

Emphasize a clear, timely capacity-building need; leadership reflecting the served community; project relevance; and realistic, implementable adaptation plans.