Opportunities for Educators

Opens: February 26, 2025
Deadline: Closed

The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) provides crucial support to artists with a goal of strengthening the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois’ economic activity.

Guidelines released: December 17, 2025

Opens: January 7, 2026

Deadline: Closed

Creative Learning Grants for Schools supports arts learning opportunities in Illinois schools. The goal of this grant is to enable schools to acquire supplies, materials, equipment, or services from Illinois artists or arts organizations that are needed to address student needs for arts learning opportunities.

Opens: November 1, 2025
Deadline: January 16, 2026

Illinois Statewide POL Contest: March 2, 2026

A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the state arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. 

Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards

Deadline: May 1

Celebrate the legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks and the creativity of K-12 writers in Illinois. These annual awards are a platform for the next generation of poets to share their voices and develop their craft.

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.

America’s Field Trip

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide student contest sponsored by America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the nation’s  250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  America’s Field Trip invites students in grades 3-12 to be part of this historic milestone by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them-with the chance to earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip experience at one of 16 different iconic American landmarks or cultural sites.   

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.