City of Elgin Organizational Grant

The Organizational Grant program is administered by the City of Elgin's Cultural Arts Commission (ECAC) to support arts organizations that bring creative and culturally enriching programming to the Elgin, Illinois community. The grant is aimed at nonprofit organizations that are registered as 501(c)(3) entities within Illinois and intend to produce specific projects or events within the city limits. This funding initiative underscores the city’s commitment to supporting the arts as a means to enhance community life, creativity, and cultural accessibility. Funding provided under this program is strictly designated for arts-related projects, exhibits, or performances, and cannot be used for general operational expenses or ongoing educational programs within schools. Additionally, capital improvements, permanent equipment purchases, and political or recreational projects are deemed ineligible. The ECAC may fund up to 50% of a project’s total budget, and the maximum request allowed per applicant is $10,000. Grant funds are disbursed after formal approval from the City Council and execution of a grant agreement, with all expenditures required to occur within the calendar year of January 1 through December 31, 2026. Eligible applicants must not be receiving other funds directly from the City of Elgin. Each organization may apply once per calendar year and can act as a fiscal agent for another organization only once per year, provided that the other party does not also hold 501(c)(3) status. Projects already in progress or previously funded by the City or ECAC are ineligible. Projects must include appropriate branding recognition for ECAC and the City of Elgin in all promotional materials. Applications for the 2026 cycle opened in August 2025 and are due no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Time on October 2, 2025. The ECAC will review submissions in November, followed by a final vote in December. After City Council approval of the 2026 municipal budget, grantees will be notified and grant agreements issued. A final project report, including a five-minute oral presentation and a typewritten document, must be submitted to the ECAC within 60 days of the project's completion to remain in good standing for future funding. Applicants are required to submit the completed application form along with a project narrative, organization budget, history, summary of prior year activities, work samples, Board of Directors list, collaborator agreements if applicable, an IRS tax-exempt letter, a Certificate of Good Standing, the most recent annual report, and audited financial statements if the budget exceeds $150,000. Questions may be directed to Amanda Harris at harris_a@cityofelgin.org or 847-931-6019.

Include outcomes, community impact, accessibility; submit complete and timely applications.