Grants

Together we support vibrant cultural work statewide and increase Illinoisans' access to the transformative power of the public humanities.

View Our Recent Grantees Grantee Portal
Amount

$750

For

Individuals, Organizations, and Public Institutions

Open

Mar 5, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

Sep 3, 2024
5:00pm

Microgrants support individuals and small organizations that invite the public to experience collections of local and regional history. From archives and texts to stories and photography, we support stewards of history so that they can teach and enlighten their communities and impart the value of archives. This program is designed to be accessible with a quick turnaround; grants are offered twice a year, and applications reopen immediately after the close of each cycle.

Amount

Up to $4,000

For

Organizations

Open

Feb 1, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

May 15, 2024
5:00pm

Nonprofit organizations pursuing innovative programming in the digital humanities, for audience engagement, or audience growth and diversification are candidates for this project-based grant. From oral history projects to filmmaking, these initiatives inspire risk-taking in the public humanities, paving the way for others to follow. Partnering with organizations in this work helps us all to learn how to grow audiences for the humanities in new and engaging ways.

Amount

Up to $2,000

For

Organizations

Open

Feb 1, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

May 15, 2024
5:00pm

Vision Grants support nonprofit organizations in their pursuit of planning, evaluation, and DEI initiatives. Through research, workshops, and more, these vision-driven projects help steer organizations to make a positive impact. As a funder and partner, we provide the resources and support to help your organization grow more equitable while strengthening your programs and initiatives.

Amount

Up to $10,000

For

Organizations

Open

Feb 1, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

May 15, 2024
5:00pm

Nonprofit organizations carrying out partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits, humanities groups, or directly with their audience or community are candidates for this project-based grant. From projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, to telling stories of forgotten history, these initiatives champion collaboration in the public humanities. Partnering with organizations in this work helps us all to make valuable connections for the humanities throughout Illinois.

Amount

Up to $5,000

For

Individuals

Open

May 1, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

Jul 13, 2024
5:00pm

These project-based grants support individuals such as educators, organizers, artists, and others who use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Research projects, podcasts, grassroots publications, and public performances are just a few of the impactful initiatives we fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois. By supporting those doing this important work, we build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities.

Amount

Up to $10,000

For

Organizations & Collectives

Open

May 1, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

Jul 13, 2024
5:00pm

These project-based grants support collectives, non-profit organizations, and other groups that use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Prison education programs, independent media, community dialogues, and conferences are just a few of the impactful initiatives we fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois. By supporting those doing this important work, we build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities.

Amount

Up to $10,000

For

Organizations

Open

May 16, 2024
9:00am

Deadline

Sep 16, 2024
5:00pm

General Operating Grants support organizations that are firmly rooted in the humanities. From cultural and ethnic organizations to museums, libraries, and consortiums, these organizations broaden possibilities and increase access to the public humanities. These unrestricted funds empower growth and sustainability by providing recipients with more flexibility and freedom to allocate resources wherever they need them most.

Amount

Up to $10,000

For

Individuals and Organizations

Open

Mar 1, 2022
9:00am

Deadline

Aug 15, 2022
5:00pm

Not currently accepting applications for this grant opportunity.

The Foreground Rural Initiative offers grant funding and capacity-building for partners in rural Illinois communities and small towns. These unrestricted grants support local nonprofits, public institutions, artists, cultural workers, and others who work to keep their communities creative and connected.

Contact Us

Mark Hallett
Director of Grants Programs

Grantee Partner Spotlight

The Realitea Project Juneteenth Celebration kids painting 2024

The RealiTea ProjecT, Inc.

Grantee Partner Spotlight: The RealiTea ProjecT

Since 2020, The RealiTea Project, Inc. has offered cultural humility and DEI education, along with programming and support services in Coles County and the surrounding area. RealiTea received an Illinois Humanities grant to support their work and assist with administrative costs. Learn more about the organization and its transformative work.

Learn More