ArtsFunds Grants - General Operating Support

Provides annual grants to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations for general operating expenses to strengthen organizational capacity and stability.

Geographic Scope: Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park (Tri-Village area) or organizations directly serving these areas

Funded By: Village of Oak Park, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and other partners

Focus Areas:

• Long-range planning and board development
• Staff development
• Artistic or financial development
• Marketing or other organizational priority areas
• Strengthening the organization's contributions to the local economy

Eligible Applicants:

• Not-for-profit organizations that provide ongoing arts programs or services as a component of their overall mission
• Organizations with current IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or proof of application
• Organizations with current nonprofit status in Illinois
• Organizations based in or directly serving the Tri-Village area
• Organizations that have existed for at least one year with one year of financial history

First-Time Applicants: Eligible for no more than $1,000

What Will NOT Be Funded:

• For-profit organizations
• Units of government
• Projects that are part of school, college, or university curriculum
• Projects serving only/primarily religious congregation members
• Projects serving only residents or patients of healthcare institutions
• Individual artists (must affiliate with eligible nonprofits)
• Capital improvements, construction, real property purchase, permanent equipment
• Accumulated deficits
• Expenses largely for scholarships or regranting
• Incomplete or late applications
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Organizations that have not fulfilled previous grant requirements

ArtsFunds Application Process

Application Period:

• Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026
• Deadline: Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CST)
• Note: For 2026, applications are now closed. Next cycle opens January 12, 2027.

Application Steps:

1. Verify organizational eligibility (501(c)(3) status, nonprofit status in Illinois, Tri-Village location/service area)
2. Review complete 2026 Guidelines document
3. Submit complete application by deadline (no exceptions for late or incomplete submissions)
4. Applications are reviewed for completeness, clarity, accuracy, and compliance
5. Incomplete applications are rejected
6. ArtsFunds Committee reviews and recommends awards
7. Oak Park Area Arts Council Board makes final determinations based on:
   • Committee recommendations
   • Benefit to the Tri-Village area
   • Availability of funds
8. Grantees notified of award or non-funding decision
9. Grantees have 30 days to obtain authorized signature on grant agreement and submit with cash request form

Required Materials:

• Proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or application for such status
• Proof of current nonprofit status in Illinois
• One year of financial history
• Compliance certification with Federal nondiscrimination statutes (Title VI, Title IX, ADA)

Review & Scoring Criteria:

• Organization's work, artistic goals, and diversity/equity/inclusion efforts
• Socioeconomic impact on Oak Park community (especially underserved populations)
• Collaboration with other organizations and groups

Grantee Requirements (if awarded):

• Certify compliance with Federal nondiscrimination statutes
• Obtain authorized signature on grant agreement within 30 days of notification
• Include required donor credit on all program materials and publicity: "Organization is partially funded by the Oak Park Area Arts Council, in partnership with the Village of Oak Park and the Illinois Arts Council"
• Return grant if unable to use for requested purpose
• Submit final report (late reporting results in 10% reduction of current awards or ineligibility for following year)
• Complete all previously funded projects
• Ensure all work is performed and expenses incurred by December 31, 2026

Reconsideration Process:

• Applicants may request reconsideration if undisclosed conflict of interest or non-guideline criteria influenced decision
• Requests must be submitted in writing to Executive Director within 30 days of award notification
• Decision made within 45 days

Technical Assistance Resources:

• Lawyers for the Creative Arts: 312-649-4111 | www.law-arts.org
• Illinois CPA Society: 312-993-0407 | www.icpas.org