Creative Learning Grants for Schools

The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS) 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.

K-12 School districts, public schools, and charter schools are eligible to apply for up to $20,000.

The application deadline is Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:59pm in IAC’s Salesforce grant portal. 

The grant period will be September 1, 2026-August 31, 2027.

Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select the grantees from the applications submitted in that region.

All applicants must apply using a registered Salesforce account and include proof of eligibility at the time of application.

Public K-12 school districts, schools, and charter schools are eligible to apply for up to $20,000.

FY26 CLGS grantees and private schools are not eligible for this grant.

• Review the guidelines carefully before completing the application.
• Use Chrome as your browser when working in Salesforce.
• Once logged into Salesforce, first complete updates to the Applicant Information tab.
• Questions? Watch the webinar or participate in one of the drop-ins, or contact your Program Director.

1.     The arts learning opportunity is clearly planned and supports the students’ arts education curriculum. (30 points)

2.     There is a demonstrated need for this funding to accomplish this opportunity due to a current barrier. (30 points)

3.     There are meaningful outcomes expected from this opportunity. (20 points)

4.     There is an identified lead in-school educator with school, or district, support for this opportunity. (10 points)

5.     Budget is cost effective use of funding. (10 points)

We have several opportunities for you to connect with IAC Program Staff for questions on the CLGS Grant.

CLGS Application Webinar
A Creative Learning FY27 Webinar is available that reviews application tips and best practices, including how to use the agency’s online Salesforce grant platform.  You may also click here to access a pdf of the CLGS webinar slides

CLGS Drop-ins
Drop-ins are an open hour with IAC Program staff to come with any questions you have about the grant program or application and get answers on the call.

Click the link below to join the meeting when it is time.

• Monday, January 12, 2026 at 3:00pm
• Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Noon
• Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:00pm
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 10:00am

• Guidelines and webinar released: December 17, 2025
• Grant portal opens for applications: January 7, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 18, 2026, at 11:59 pm Central time
• Review: February 2026 – July 2026
• Notifications: August 2026
• Grant Period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027
• Final Report Due: September 30, 2027

What do the arts include?

The arts include visual arts, music, theatre, media arts, and dance. For more information, consult the Illinois Arts Learning Standards.

Our school previously received an Arts & Foreign Language grant; are we eligible to apply for CLGS?

Yes, all previous Arts & Foreign Language grantees are eligible for CLGS unless your school was awarded a CLGS grant in FY26.

I did not submit my application on time; can I still apply?

IAC is unable to accept late application submissions.

What if I need reasonable accommodations to apply?

Reasonable accommodations for application procedures can be provided with a minimum request time of 3 business days before the deadline.

When can I get my money?

IAC does not issue checks directly. IAC vouchers payment authorizations through the state comptroller’s office. Grantees may check the state comptroller’s website for updates on their grant payments. Additionally, if an applicant has received a payment from the state within the past 12 months, they may call the state comptroller at (217) 557-0930 to request a direct deposit. 

I have a question: who should I reach out to?

If you have questions on the grant, please email your program director. You can use the Program Director finding tool if you are not sure who your Program Director is.

If you need Salesforce assistance, please email Jasmine Roberson at jasmine.roberson@illinois.gov.

Please note that on deadline dates, IAC staff is only available until 5pm to provide assistance, including technical support. IAC cannot accept late applications, so please start your application early with enough time to reach out if questions arise. We cannot accommodate support requests submitted via social media.