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.

CPG is an open-deadline grant program with funds administered regionally. 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.

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 Illinois residents 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
• Recipients of the FY26 Creative Projects Grant
• Public K-12 school districts, schools, and charter schools. (see Creative Learning Grants for funding opportunity.)
• With the exception of state colleges/universities, state agencies and their affiliates are ineligible to receive funds from the IAC.  State agencies are those entities defined by the Office of the Comptroller in Procedure 27.50.10 in the SAMS manual.

• 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 eligible arts project
3. Confirmation of Project Feasibility: The application provides evidence that the project, including the public presentation or release, can take place as described. This considers necessary resources, including artists, place, budget, and location, in the timeline of the designated grant period. 
4. 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, June 23^rd at noon
Tuesday, June 30^th at noon
Thursday, July 9^th at noon

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

• Guidelines and webinar released: June 2026
• Grant portal opens for applications: July 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: Open deadline until funds are expended
• Review & Notifications: Ongoing process
• Grant Period: minimum of 8 weeks from application submission – August 31, 2027
• Final Report Due: September 30, 2027

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.

I'm applying as an individual artist; how much can I pay myself?

Individual applicants may include fees to themselves under the administrative expenses, which have a cap of 15% of the total grant amount. This is the ONLY budgetary line item allowable for individual applicants to include self-pay

Does explaining my project in narrative form count as proof of feasibility? 

No. Proof of Project Feasibility must provide documented proof that this arts project can take place. This document must include copies of one or more of the following:

1. Memo or agreement, contract, or letter of intent

2. Email(s) between the mutually involved parties

3. Documented price estimates from vendors including screenshots or emails. Expenses over $500 must include documentation from a vendor and not solely cite past experience as cost justification. 

I was funded as an individual artist. How do I manage this when filing my taxes?

All IAC grants to individuals are considered taxable income. Individual grantees will be issued a 1099-G from the state comptroller for the year in which the grant funds are received. IAC cannot provide financial or tax advice. Please consult a financial or tax expert if you have questions.

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.