About Community Grants

Illinois Humanities looks forward to working with grantee partners throughout the state to better understand where the public humanities are headed and how we can support their progress. It’s been said that the old model of the humanities was the professor at the lectern, speaking to a quiet public, and that the new model engages audiences and takes their expertise seriously. But what does this look like in practice? What creative models can we look to for this more inspired version of the public humanities? How can we document the impact of high-quality and engaging programming? How can high-quality programming help build or strengthen community?

More information about each grant, such as eligibility, timeline, and how to apply, is provided in the following sections. For advice on the process or on a project you are considering, contact Mark Hallett at mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org or call (312) 422-5586 for more information.

Si Ud. quiere más información en español, puede hablar con Mark Hallett: mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org / (312) 422-5586.


As of Fall 2022, we are no longer offering Multiplier grants, formerly a part of our Vision, Action, and Multiplier category. Organizations interested in Multiplier grants are encouraged to learn more about our project-based Action grants or contact Mark Hallett to discuss what other funding opportunities may be right for you.

Vision Grants

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. CST

Vision Grants are $2,000 grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations to carry out planning and evaluation projects related to their work in the humanities, as well as to conduct DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) workshops and trainings. These grants are intended for smaller organizations and applicants must have an annual budget of $1 million or less.

Action Grants

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. CST

Action Grants are project grants of up to $4,000 to nonprofit organizations located in Illinois or doing work impacting Illinois audiences. Action Grants are meant to provide support to groups that want to try out innovative approaches to public humanities programming. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations and can include churches, libraries, colleges or universities, and others.

General Operating Grants

Applications for General Operating Grants are now closed. Check back and subscribe to our newsletter to hear about grant opportunities as they become available.

The next General Operating Grants deadline will be September 15, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. CDT.

Illinois Humanities now offers General Operating (Gen Ops or unrestricted) grants of $5,000 as part of our Community Grants program in an effort to cater better to the needs of our grantee partners.

We are committed to serving all geographic areas within the state of Illinois; hence, approximately half of General Operating Grants will be distributed to Cook County-based organizations, and half to organizations located outside of Cook County. (No non-Illinois addresses will be funded at this time.

If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Mark Hallett at mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org.

Please download and share this informational flyer with organizations that may be interested!

More Information