Community Projects in Cook County Suburbs

The Cook County Creative Placemaking Grant Program is a $2 million initiative designed to fund community-led arts-based projects in the suburban neighborhoods of Cook County, Illinois. Administered in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and supported by Arts Alliance Illinois, the program provides grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance the social, economic, and physical vitality of local communities through the arts. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate community embeddedness, collaborative partnerships, and active inclusion of residents, artists, local governments, and community-based organizations. Projects should aim to deepen community connections, celebrate cultural identity, and reimagine public or underutilized spaces through creative interventions. Eligible project examples include murals, neighborhood gateways, creative asset mapping, cultural planning, and community gardens. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c) nonprofit organizations with at least two years of continuous operation, and their official business address must be located in suburban Cook County (outside the City of Chicago). Applicants must demonstrate a proven record of delivering impactful community-based services and will be evaluated based on project impact, community and arts engagement, feasibility, team capacity, and experience managing federal funds. Applications are due by April 7, 2025, and must include a detailed project plan, site control documentation, timeline, budget, IRS determination letter, and financial statements for the past two years. Up to three letters of support may also be submitted. Organizations operating with a fiscal sponsor must submit a signed agreement. Technical assistance is available via 1:1 help from Arts Alliance Illinois, virtual office hours, and informational webinars. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out early to ensure application readiness. For more information or support, applicants can contact the program via info@cookcountyarts.org or visit the Help Desk and events registration page linked on the official website.