Project Support

The goal of the  Creative Project Grant (CPG) is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must include a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period.

Individual artists may apply in CPG for a professional development opportunity as their project. Professional development grants do not require a public component.

CPG is an open-deadline grant program. Applications will be accepted until allotted funds have been expended. Each IAC region has its own allocation of funds. Funds will be expended at varying rates and regions will close to new applications at different times. Please continue to check this webpage before applying to see if funds are available for your region.

In FY26, CPG replaces the Creative Catalyst Grant and absorbs the Folk Arts Mentorship grant program. Ethnic, folk, or traditional artists interested in mentorship or project funding are encouraged to apply through CPG.

IAC General Operating Support (GOS) grantees must demonstrate how the project is a unique opportunity outside of their daily operations and programming.

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

Eligible Applicants:

• Individual Artists and Arts Educators that are 21 years or older and have been established as an Illinois resident for a minimum of 1-year. Individuals may not be currently enrolled in a degree-obtaining program, including a college or university in any undergraduate or graduate program. Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their coursework by the application deadline to be eligible.
• Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
• Branches of Government Entities (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.)

Ineligible Applicants:

• Recipients of the FY25 Creative Catalyst Grant
• Public K-12 school districts, schools, and charter schools. (see Creative Learning Grant for funding opportunity)

• 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.
• Submit all required application materials a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the arts project start date.
• Questions? Watch the webinar,participate in one of the drop-ins, or contact your Program Director.

1.     Application completeness

2.     Application details an arts project or professional development opportunity

3.     Budget submitted includes standard industry expectations for costs such as rentals, fees, supplies, etc.

4.     Confirmation of Project Feasibility: application provides evidence that the project will take place as described. This considers necessary resources including artists, place, budget, and location, in the timeline of the designated grant period.

5.     Eligible to receive funds from the State of Illinois

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

CPG Application Webinar

During the webinar, IAC staff discuss application tips and best practices, including how to use the agency’s online Salesforce grant platform.

CPG 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.

Tuesday, July 1st at noon
Friday, July 18th at 10am
Monday, July 28th at 6pm

Please note that Drop-Ins may be added, or removed, depending on how quickly the CPG funds are expended.

Guidelines and webinar released: June 20, 2025

Grant portal opens for applications: July 1, 2025

Application Deadline: Open deadline until funds are expended

Review & Notifications: Ongoing process

Grant Period: minimum of 8 weeks from application submission – August 31, 2026

Final Report Due: September 30, 2026

Most questions can be answered by reading the Creative Catalyst Grant Guidelines.

What is considered outside of general operations?

GOS applicants must demonstrate that the project being applied for is “above and beyond” what the organization programs with standard operations. 

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

Creative Project applications must be submitted to the IAC’s Salesforce grant portal a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the project start date. 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.

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.