Illinois Arts Grants

This program provides financial support to local artists in Waukegan, Illinois, to help cover costs related to their artistic projects and enhance community engagement through the arts.

This initiative provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chicago to create or improve youth and community centers, addressing the urgent need for safe spaces for young people in areas with high youth populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments affected by the closure or reduced operation of the Zion Nuclear Plant, aimed at fostering economic development and addressing community impacts through various initiatives.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering a grant of over $1 million, with a total funding of $10,000,000, to educational and non-profit organizations in Urbana, Illinois, to promote bioprocessing through infrastructure and capital equipment expansion, increased training opportunities, and short course offerings, with the project having been partially funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and organizations to develop programs that prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, focusing on skills development and workforce readiness.

Applications are now being accepted for its Action Grants. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Action Grants cover projects or initiatives that explore the digital humanities, apply new techniques in audience engagement, and build new and diverse audiences. Priority is given to projects that spark more risk-taking and experimental and engaging public humanities work on the part of Illinois nonprofits. Project budgets can cover project expenses as well as engagement activities. Projects must utilize the humanities. Media projects such as oral history, filmmaking, journalism, storytelling, and other disciplines are all a part of this field. Funding Information Up to $4,000. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Organizations or projects must be Illinois-based The project must be rooted in the humanities Priority given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less Can not have an open Vision, Action, or General Operating grant For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

The Operations and Program Grant program is to provide general operating support or program support for successful ongoing efforts Donor Name: Quad Cities Community Foundation State: Illinois, Iowa County: Rock Island County (IL), Scott County (IA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: General operating support is crucial to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. This grant program aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic effort to use effective grantmaking practices including: Flexible Funding: requests for general operating support are eligible for funding, and are given preference.  Reliable Funding: One-year or Two-year requests will be considered.Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant from several different Community Foundation funds through the Operations and Program Grant program. To save time and effort, applicants submit one application and are considered for multiple funding sources. The Operations and Program Grant program continues to follow the original purposes of each fund and the intent set up by its donors. All specific fund purposes fall into one or more fields of interest: Animals & Environment; Arts & Culture; Community Development; Education; Health; and Youth Development. Fund Categories Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund: General Operating and Program requests only. Non-501(c)3 organizations and K-12 schools not eligible to apply for these funds. Must be located within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL. Chip Sunderbruch Memorial Risk Management Fund: Focuses on risk management and safety in Scott County, IA. John J. Quail Fund: Focuses on arts and culture. Roy E. Murray Fund: Focuses on youth. Funding Information Organizations submitting a 2-year grant request should request between $5,000 and $20,000 for each year (so a total request amount of between $10,000 and $40,000) Eligibility Criteria An organization must: Be located in Scott County, IA or Rock Island County, IL (Organizations that are not in those counties but are located within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL are eligible for a grant from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund only.) Organizations must NOT have received a two-year grant from the CFOI process in the prior calendar year. Organizations must comply with the Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policy.  Additional Eligibility Information 1-Year and 2-Year requests will be accepted Requests must cover the grant period of October 1– September 30 Requests must be between $5,000 and $20,000 ($40,000 total for 2-year requests) Applications from nonprofits that do not have 501(c)3 status and K-12 schools are not eligible for funding from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund. Evaluation Criteria Preference will be given to applications requesting general operating support. Preference will be given to applications supporting existing successful organizations or programs. Organization/program meets an identified community need in at least one of the six fields of interest. The organization/program demonstrates effectiveness in achieving its goals relative to the dollars used. The grant will contribute strongly to organization/program’s overall success. Organization/program advances racial and other forms of equity in the Quad Cities region through its actions and its leadership. Organization/program has a track record of success and a positive community impact. Funds that are part of the Operations and Program Grant opportunity will still be awarded in the name of that fund, and according to their individual purposes, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria. For more information, visit QCCF.

Multiplier Grants support projects that represent partnerships of a wider scope, place-based community-building efforts, and/or coalition or network building efforts. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Nonprofit organizations carrying out partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits, humanities groups, or directly with their audience or community are candidates for this project-based grant. From projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, to telling stories of forgotten history, these initiatives champion collaboration in the public humanities. Partnering with organizations in this work helps us all to make valuable connections for the humanities throughout Illinois. Preference goes toward projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, and toward telling stories of forgotten or uncovered history and themes.  Funding Information Up to $10,000 Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Organizations or projects must be Illinois-based The project must be rooted in the humanities Priority given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less Applicants can have an open Activate History, Vision, Action, General Operating, Envisioning Justice, or Foreground Rural Initiative grant Buy-in by all partners before submitting a proposal is a must. Preference will go toward initiatives that impact under-funded, under-served communities. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Illinois working to improve broadband access, digital literacy, and inclusion for underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide and promote economic development.

This grant provides financial support and professional opportunities to contemporary visual artists in select regions, helping them advance their careers and gain exposure in the art community.

The CHIditarod Foundation is accepting grant applications to fund local non-profits fighting to end hunger. Donor Name: CHIditarod Foundation State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Opens 2025 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The CHIditarod is offering two distinct funding opportunities this year:  The CHIditarod Program Development Grant  The CHIditarod Infrastructure Investment Grant Eligibility Criteria Operates programs focusing on: Innovative educational opportunities Building partnerships with other organizations and policy-relevant leaders engaged in local issues Health nutrition or creative work on some aspect of food Innovation to address challenges to food access and availability Is recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organization, or has a written agreement of fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) organization Operates in Northern Illinois Is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is registered with the Illinois Attorney General For more information, visit CHIditarod Foundation.

Microgrants support individuals and small organizations that invite the public to experience collections of local and regional history. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/03/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: From archives and texts to stories and photography, they support stewards of history so that they can teach and enlighten their communities and impart the value of archives. Funding Information Grants awards are $750. Optional Accessibility Fund: An additional stipend of up to $250 for services such as American Sign Language interpretation or captioning to help make events more accessible to everyone. Optional Media Fund: An additional stipend of up to $100 for services such as documentation, photography, videography, etc.  Eligibility Criteria  Any individual, nonprofit organization, or public institution (e.g., school, government institution, library, museum, or church) can apply. The applicant, the history you are engaging with, or the audience engaged should be focused in Illinois. Priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of less than $400,000. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This grant invites professional artists based in Illinois to create a permanent public art installation at the University of Illinois Springfield Library Commons, enhancing the space's focus on student success and sustainability.

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Public Art Grant program to promote art in Waukegan. Donor Name: Waukegan Arts Council State: Illinois City: Waukegan Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grants will be awarded to projects which support high quality public art experiences, encourage artistic expression, energize public participation, and promote cultural appreciation for diverse community. Preference will be given to applicants who show multiple sources of funding. Ongoing or repeat events should demonstrate an ability to continue independent of grant funds. Funding Information WAC 2024 grant program is $5000. The project must take place between June 15, 2024 and June 14, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Projects must take place within the City of Waukegan. The project must primarily benefit residents of Waukegan. The proposed project must encourage artistic awareness, public participation, and/or cultural arts appreciation. The application must provide evidence of artistic merit. The application must include a detailed budget for the project which is complete and accurate, which specifies how the grant fund will be used and which allocates adequate resources to the project. The project must recognize the support of the Waukegan Arts Council. Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required. For more information, visit WAC.

The City of Evanston is seeking applications for its Small Business Recovery Program to protect small business economy and preserve Evanston’s economic and cultural fabric. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small, independently owned businesses define Evanston’s economic and cultural identity. The Small Business Recovery Program will help existing small businesses, particularly minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses, recover from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Funding Information The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000. All other expenses are eligible for up to $10,000. Eligible Services  Eligible applicants may request any of the following services: Facade improvements Rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property Signage, including blade signs Professional Services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal) Marketing / communications technical assistance (including social media and paid advertising expenditures) Capital expenditures, including tools and equipment (software, hardware, process-specific tools or equipment) Training and certifications Relocation and expansion within Evanston (if located in qualified census tracts) Hiring and training of new employees Other expenses may be considered on a case by case basis Eligibility Criteria  Brick and mortar businesses who were open and operating on or before March 13, 2020. The business must have a physical location in Evanston which is also properly registered and/or licensed with the City of Evanston. The business has 50 or fewer employees. Completed applications must include three quotes for each service or expense for which funding assistance is requested, including at least one quote from an Evanston-based provider whenever possible. The business must demonstrate they were negatively impacted by the pandemic and how the requested expenses will aid recovery. In the event applications exceed available funding, priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts For more information, visit City of Evanston.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to improve access to fresh food within food deserts by providing incentives to establish grocery stores. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts program is intended to address the challenge of food deserts. Food deserts are census tracts meeting specific criteria related to poverty standards, population density, and limited food accessibility. This program aims to combat food insecurity by offering competitive grants to support the establishment of new grocery stores in these areas by reimbursing successful applicants for eligible capital and non-capital costs.  Performance Goals and Measures  Grantees will be required to submit performance data to the Department on a quarterly basis. Performance reporting may encompass both the implementation of projects supported by the grant and impacts on the community. Performance measures may include but will not necessarily be limited to: New Store Project Milestones Completed Quarterly food sales New Grocery Store Remaining Open 1 year after project completion Number of employees in full time equivalents Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this program is $14 million across multiple rounds. Awards will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be July 1st, 2024 through December 31st, 2026. The following expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement under this program: Land acquisition and related expenses Site development Construction of a new facility Renovations of an existing facility Furniture, fixtures, and equipment Working capital for first-year operating expenses, including: Employee wages Utility costs Initial inventory of food Other operating expenses that support the retail sale of food. This will not include expenditures on items unrelated to provision of fresh foods (e.g., video poker machines, inventory of cleaning supplies for sale) Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list (verified once entity is registered in GATA Grantee Portal); and Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list For more information, visit DCEO.

This grant provides funding for public art projects in Waukegan, Illinois, that promote cultural appreciation, artistic expression, and community engagement among its residents.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that train a diverse workforce for Illinois' film and television industry, focusing on underrepresented and underserved populations.