Illinois Arts Grants

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Impact100 Grant Program Donor Name: Heart of Illinois Community Foundation State: Illinois County: Macon County (IL), Moultrie County (IL), Piatt County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Types of Projects or Programs Supported The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation invites proposals in the areas of arts/culture/recreation, social services, conservation/environment, health, youth, and education. This application accepts proposals for operating funds. What is your organization’s greatest need right now? Do you have a one-time project that would address a critical need? Are you starting a new program or expanding a current one? Do you have an improvement project that’s beyond your organization’s means? Funding Information $200,000 available funding for 2024. Funding range per grant: no minimum to $50,000. Eligibility Criteria Have 501(c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service or be a qualified charitable, religious or government organization. Organization must be located in Macon, Piatt, or Moultrie counties or Paris, IL The grantmaking process of The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation prioritizes 501c3 organizations that are recognized by the IRS as operating public charities for a minimum of 3 years. For more information, visit HICF.

The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Commitment Grant. Donor Name: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois State: Illinois County: Champaign County (IL), DeWitt County (IL), Ford County (IL), Grundy County (IL), Iroquois County (IL), LaSalle County (IL), Livingston County (IL), McLean County (IL), Shelby County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Community Foundation of East Central Illinois invites proposals in the areas of arts and humanities, environment, education, health and human services, urban affairs and youth activities. While applications in any of these categories will be considered, awards may not be made in every category. Successful proposals will address problems to be solved or opportunities to be seized upon in the east central Illinois area. You are encouraged to submit proposals that: Suggest practical approaches to addressing community problems. Promote collaboration and cooperation among agencies. Generate community support, both professional and volunteer. Strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability. Funding Information Grants have historically ranged from $500 to $7,500. Eligibility Criteria  Any organization with an IRS Letter of Determination of a charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status or other comparable non-profit public charity that serves the residents of east central Illinois is eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFECI.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

This grant provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and public entities to undertake community projects that improve the quality of life for residents in DeKalb County, Illinois.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and public organizations in Illinois, particularly in DeKalb County, to enhance music education initiatives for underserved communities.

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes grants to provide legal assistance to low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas The IEJF grants will focus on two priority areas: Legal Assistance to Families in Crisis This includes civil legal assistance in cases involving family law (eg., orders of protection, child custody, guardianships, school disciplinary hearings,  is solution of marriage and post-decree matters), consumer law, and veterans and disability benefits.  Housing will not be a priority for funding this year due to IEJF’s eviction and foreclosure grant programs funded via IDHS and IHDA. Legal Assistance to Older Illinoisans This includes efforts to provide civil legal assistance to protect people 65 and older from physical and financial abuse and financial hardship. It includes civil legal assistance in cases involving orders of protection; guardianships; health care; consumer and credit issues; housing; and public benefits programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Uses of Grant Funds Grants will be made to support direct service staff positions at eligible legal services providers, including attorneys, paralegals and/or pro bono coordinators, and social/caseworkers that are performing duties directly supporting to the civil legal services being delivered by direct service staff. Grant funds can be used to pay for salaries, benefits, and limited overhead costs (10%) directly related to supporting the position.  The applicant must demonstrate how the proposed staff position will help the organization provide efficient and effective legal assistance to persons in one or both of the priority areas. Eligibility Criteria In the Civil Legal Assistance category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Serve persons in one or both of the two priority areas listed above (Legal Assistance to Families in Crisis and Legal Assistance to Older Illinoisans). Have been in continuous operation for at least two years prior to the date the application is submitted to the IEJF. Have received and expended at least $200,000 for the provision of civil legal assistance to low-income persons in its most recently completed fiscal year. Employ four or more full-time, licensed attorneys who provide civil legal assistance to low-income persons at the time the application is submitted to the IEJF; or have provided legal representation to at least 200 low-income persons through the services of pro bono attorneys in their most recently completed fiscal year. For more information, visit IEJF.

The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program offers forgivable loans to for-profit businesses for advancement of business operations. Donor Name: City of Rockford State: Illinois City: Rockford Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program (Program) offers up to $25,000 in gap funding to business growth projects. The Program is to encourage business development and advancement with job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. Business must be located in an eligible census tract to apply. Eligible Projects  Eligible Projects Include: Purchase of equipment. Operating expenses associated with business expansion (inventory, employee salaries, rent, operating expenses and advertising/marketing expenses). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants Include: For-profit businesses legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries. Business is located in a property zoned Commercial or Industrial Business was established by May 1, 2024 documented through registration by the State or County. Business is registered with the Official U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and will have an Active status at the time of assistance. Ineligible Applicants Include: Home-based businesses. Businesses established after May 1, 2024. Businesses that primarily engage in speculative activities that develop profits from fluctuations in price rather than through normal course of trade. Non-profits. For more information, visit City of Rockford.

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.

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are offered to established not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Donor Name: Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The aims of the initiative are to: Analyze the demographic distribution of IAC’s general operating support awards. Engage IAC constituents in providing feedback about their needs, experiences, and perceptions. Identify equity strengths and weaknesses in the IAC’s approach to general operating support funding. Recommend applied actions the IAC can take to work toward greater grant making equity. Serve as an evidence base in IAC’s case for the resources needed to reach more Illinois communities with state support. Focus Areas Under-resourced communities of rural, high poverty, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and disability will contribute. Funding Information Applicants do not request a specific amount. The IAC anticipates that the minimum award will be $1,000. Grant Period FY25 General Operating Support Grant supports activities occurring no sooner than November 1, 2024, and extending until August 31, 2025. Allowable Expenses  Fees for artists and contractual personnel Position support / salaries Facilities costs, such as rent and utilities Supply costs, office supplies, printing, art supplies, etc. Generally, equipment costs. For durable equipment with a useful life of more than one-year equipment may not exceed $5,000 per unit. Information Technology (e.g., computer software/hardware, captioning, streaming – including increased bandwidth, hardware, specialized audio-visual equipment, etc.) Marketing and promotion costs General overhead/administrative costs Building maintenance, cleaning services, security, personal protective equipment Indirect costs (general overhead/administrative costs may not be claimed as direct AND indirect costs) Eligibility Criteria Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.) Charitable Trusts Institutions of higher education and Religious Organizations PTOs, PTAs and other School Affiliate Organizations. Applicants must: Have been providing public arts programming and are able to provide operational financial information for at least one full fiscal year prior to the date of application. Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the organizational applicant. Have a valid FEIN and UEI number entered in the IAC grant portal Submit all required application materials by the deadline. Be pre-qualified in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. For more information, visit IACA.

Envisioning Justice Grants supports collectives, non-profit organizations, and other groups that use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Prison education programs, independent media, community dialogues, and conferences are just a few of the impactful initiatives they fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois. By supporting those doing this important work, they build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities. Funding Information Organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000. No matching funds are required. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Based anywhere in Illinois; individuals from the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: East St. Louis, Decatur, Carbondale, Galesburg, Urbana-Champaign, and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area. However, applicants from anywhere in Illinois are eligible. Priority will be given to projects that are: regional or statewide in scope partnership oriented centering impacts of mass incarceration on the following populations: currently or formerly incarcerated individuals people serving long-term sentences young people, particularly those who are justice involved women, particularly women of color and/or impacted by gendered violence LGBTQAI+ community migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants elderly populations people with disabilities Indigenous populations Or that focus on communities that are: The site of a prison or jail Experiencing significant incarceration; and/or Experiencing significant demographic change as a result of the criminal legal system For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to launch the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (the “Program”). Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This NOFO sets forth the requirements for funding for the Primes Program Leads who will deliver the Illinois Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program, as specified by the Energy Transition Act (“Climate and Equitable Jobs Act,” or CEJA), 20 ILCS 730/5-55 Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program. The Program will support the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses. Program services will be offered in 3 Program delivery areas: Northern Illinois Central Illinois Southern Illinois Primes Program Leads will provide services to a small cohort of participant businesses to help them grow their businesses, building their capacity to: Apply for appropriate State and private business opportunities. Apply for Minority Business Enterprise certification and other relevant certifications and approved vendor status for programs offered by utilities or other entities. Prepare bids and responses to Requests for Proposals. Become listed in any relevant directories and databases organized by the Department of Central Management Services. Connect with and participate in the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program (also referred to as the Adjustable Block Program) and Solar for All Programs and utility programs. Apply for financial development assistance programs such as zero-interest and low-interest loans of the Climate Bank. Services provided by Primes Program Leads to participant contractors will include: Business coaching based on the participant’s needs and opportunities to connect with participants in other Department programs Dispensing of operational support grants to support the growth of participant contractors (included in Primes Program Leads’ budget). Grants should not exceed $1,000,000 annually and are to be used for upfront project costs and pre-development funding, among others. The amount of the grant will be based on the anticipated project size and scope. Providing progressive, one-on-one business coaching based on participant needs. This will include monthly review of participant metrics and advice on achieving goals. Assistance in developing business plans, including a 5-year business strategy. Technical assistance and training. Assignment and supervision of mentors for a minimum of two years by a qualified company in the declared field for participant contractors. Connections to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Services and other Department programs. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to $Total is,000,000 for the first twelve (12) months of the award. Awards will range from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 for the delivery of the Clean Energy Primes Accelerator Program in each region.  Project Period The period of performance is expected to be September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a valid UEI number Has a current SAM.gov registration; 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2024 micro grant program is to provide a subsidy to working Waukegan artists for the production of their art. Donor Name: Waukegan Arts Council State: Illinois City: Waukegan Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants up to $500 will be awarded to artists who are actively engaged in their chosen medium and who demonstrate a need for funds to purchase supplies or equipment, secure a venue, attend a class or obtain necessary resources to engage in the applicant’s art form. The grant cannot be used to pay salaries or benefits.  Total funding for the Waukegan Arts Council 2024 micro grant program is $2500 to be divided among the grant recipients. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be artists with a Waukegan connection. Applicants must provide a description and a recent example of their art form. Applicants must provide a description of how the grant funds will be used. Applicants must demonstrate how the grant funds will benefit the Waukegan community. For more information, visit WAC.

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 Community Foundation of Will County (CFWC) is accepting applications for the FY2024 Community Partner Grant Cycle. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Will County (CFWC) State: Illinois County: Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant making is at the heart of The Community Foundation of Will County’s work to enhance the quality of life in Will County. They award grants annually to not-for-profits for a broad array of charitable purposes in the area such as healthcare, human services, education and cultural arts. With the Community Partner Grants, they seek to be a responsive and proactive community partner with the not-for-profit sector. They do not provide general funding for daily operations, but may provide essential administrative costs to launch or conduct the project. Instead, the grants seek to address larger issues of importance in the community, especially those which: Reflect a strategic collaborative partnership – not-for-profits working together to address a wider need; Address a critical need impacting a wide segment of the community; Build the organizational capacity of a nonprofit to be more effective and efficient in how they do their work. For more information, visit CFWC.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant dollars to support the important work of early child care providers in Will County. Donor Name: Will County State: Illinois County: Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Child care providers pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and/or improvements to physical space and technology. The Program will provide grants to eligible Applicants including, but not limited to, the following improvements: Educational Materials Books, paper, crayons, art supplies, fine motor toys, STEAM/STEM resources, etc. Physical Environment Safety and sanitation (e.g. kitchenware, baby gates, outlet covers, door locks, safe cleaning supplies, gloves, changing tables, cubbies, etc.); Furniture, rugs, inviting child friendly environment; Paint, air filtration, water filtration; Signage; Gross motor materials/safe playground/fencing  Technology Security system(s)-Inside/Out & installation; Computer software to enhance services/tracking, enrollment, meals, waitlists, parent communication, screenings for children, etc.; Hardware for faculty (smartboard, tablets, laptops, projector/screen); Upgrading parent communication systems; Webpage software/updates Developmental Supports Developmental Screening Tools; Hiring consultant(s)/trainer(s) to meet the needs of workforce, families, children; Social emotional program enhancement; Sensory related program enhancements (e.g. soundproofing, weighted blankets, etc.); Health screenings (mobile dental/health van, hearing and vision, medical checkup, remote services); Hiring remote services that target children’s needs (gross motor, language, fine motor, dramatic play, etc.); Healthy meal programming/food purchases  Funding Information Award Ceiling: $10,000.00 Award Floor: $2,000.00 Project Period The period of performance is expected to be June 14, 2024 through October 31, 2024, pre-award costs may be permitted with approval. Use of funds Child care providers can pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and improvements to physical space and technology. Allowable use of funds include, but are not limited to, the following: Educational Materials Physical Environment Technology Developmental Supports Targeted Population Providers who serve the following populations will also receive priority: DCFS Licensed childcare providers in the Will County R3 Zones who serve children ages birth to five years of age DCFS Licensed Providers who receive Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL) DCFS Licensed Providers who qualify for the Early Intervention program (program serves children birth to 2 years 11 months with developmental delays) DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with a developmental or medical diagnosis (children birth to five years) DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with an active Individually Education Plan (IEP) in the public school system (ages 3-5 years) Eligibility Criteria All applicants must be a DCFS Licensed Childcare Provider located in Will County. For more information, visit Will County.

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.