Opportunities for Communities

Opens: May, 2026

The Regional Arts Partner (RAP) Grant creates a partnership between the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) and IAC-designated organizations by providing funds to expand local mechanisms that encourage and support developing arts programs throughout the organization’s service area. Based on the assessment and perception of local needs, the RAP regranting funds make it possible for designated RAPs to develop grantmaking processes that are responsive to their service area.

Guidelines released: June 2026

Opens: Late June or July 1, 2026

Deadline: Open Deadline

Creative Project Grant (CPG) supports art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities.

Guidelines released: January 30, 2026

Opens: February 3, 2026

Deadline: Closed

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are available for Illinois non-profit organizations that provide ongoing arts programming.

Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grants provide funds to GOS grantees for individuals between the ages of 14-22.

Opens: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Deadline: Closed

Scholarship Amount: up to $1,500

Grant Period: May 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026

IAC is offering scholarship funds of up to $1,500 to cover expenses related to attending the 2026 Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference, to include registration, travel, and hotel costs. The 2026 LEAD Conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA, August 11- August 14, 2026.

Opens: May 23, 2025
Deadline: Closed

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is offering scholarship funds of up to $750 to cover expenses related to attending the 2025 One State Together in the Arts & Humanities Conference, to include registration, travel, and hotel costs. The 2025 One State Conference will be held November 5–7, 2025, in Champaign-Urbana.

The Local Arts Network (LAN) is an initiative to build capacity and excellence amongst Local Arts Agencies so they can better serve their communities and to provide opportunities for validation and support. The LAN is open to leaders from Local Arts Agencies across Illinois.

NEA Grants for Arts Projects

July Cycle (GAP 2) Application Deadline: July 9, 2026

(GAP) program offers support for diverse arts projects across the nation, promoting arts education, celebrating cultural heritage, and advancing community well-being. These grants cover numerous disciplines, including Arts Education, Dance, Literary Arts, among others. The NEA encourages applications from organizations of all sizes and communities, welcoming both first-time and returning applicants.

At IL250.org, individuals and organizations can sign up to become a promotional partner, establish an IL250 community, submit events to the local and national calendar, and access resources.

Join a statewide commemoration of the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Stay tuned for more information and program announcements from Illinois Humanities. Questions? Email IL250@ilhumanities.org.

Search for additional state and national resources for organizations through the IAC's Discipline-Specific Resources database.