Multi-Year Support

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are offered to eligible not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Successful applicants demonstrate ongoing arts programs and a strong commitment to making artistic programs accessible and relevant to a diverse range of participants.

The Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grants provide up to $4,500 to General Operating Support recipients to support youth employment opportunities in their organization throughout the year. Youth employees may be between the ages of 14 and 22. Organizations may request funds for up to 4 youth employees. Duties may be administrative or artistic in nature, or a combination of both.

Please note that the GOS, with the optional YEA application, has been redesigned to simplify the process. There are different sets of guidelines and applications for FY25 returning GOS grantees versus new GOS grantees. Please carefully review the guidelines that are appropriate for your organization before completing the application.

Opens: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Closed: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:59 pm

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

Applicants must serve as one of the following:

• Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
• Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.)

Applicants must also:

• Have been providing public arts programming for at least the past 12 months
• Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the organizational applicant
• Have a valid FEIN and UEI number
• Submit all required application materials by the deadline
• Be pre-qualified in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system

• FY25 GOS grantees should review the Returning FY26 GOS with optional YEA Guidelines carefully before completing the application.
• Applicants that did not receive FY25 GOS funding should review the New FY26 GOS with optional YEA 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. New applicants must upload the Accessibility Worksheet as part of this update.
• If applying for YEA, be prepared to complete the requested application fields when starting the GOS with the optional YEA application. See the Guidelines for details. 
• Questions? Watch the webinar or participate in one of the drop-ins, or contact your Program Director.

GOS new applicant criteria:

• Application Completeness
• Arts Activities Clearly Serve Mission
• Eligible to Receive Funds from the State of Illinois

GOS returning grantee criteria:

• Application Completeness
• Organization continued the arts programming and mission as stated in the original FY25 application
• Eligible to Receive Funds from the State of Illinois

Grant amounts may increase based on successful evidence of commitment to inclusivity and access for the following historically under-resourced communities: rural, high poverty, BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and/or people of color), and disability.

YEA Criteria

• Application is Complete
• Appropriate Supervision
• Responsibilities are Meaningful

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

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

• New applicant webinar:
  https://illinois.webex.com/webappng/sites/illinois/recording/5f58448eba41103dafaf6a299227ae91/playback

• Returning grantee webinar: 
  https://illinois.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/illinois/recording/8289c74dba4b103d9feed64be266af1b/playback

General Operating Support, with optional Youth Employment in the Arts, Drop-ins

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

Friday, January 31, 2025, at noon
Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 am
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm
Thursday, March 13, 2025, at noon

Grant portal opens for applications: January 22, 2025
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025, at 11:59 pm Central time
Review: March 20, 2025 – July 2025
Notifications: August 2025
Grant Period: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Final Report Due: September 30, 2026

How do I request a specific grant amount?

GOS: Applicants do not request a specific grant amount. Awards are determined by a funding formula.

YEA: Complete the budget form included with the YEA application questions to request up to $4,500. 

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 direct deposit. 

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

IAC is unable to accept late application submissions. 

How much should the organization pay the Youth Employees?

At minimum the stipend offered must meet Illinois minimum wage and grant recipients must comply with Illinois state employment laws.