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ArtsFunds Grants - Project Support

OAK PARK AREA ARTS COUNCIL

Foundation Annual Grants for ArtsGrants for Nonprofits
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Funding Amount

$1,000 minimum for first-time applicants; amount determined through community review process

Deadline

February 15, 2027

313 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

ArtsFunds Grants - Project Support

Overview: Provides annual grants to support arts-based projects or programs that enhance community life through creativity and collaboration.

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:

  • Arts-based projects or programs that enhance community life

  • Performing arts

  • Visual arts

  • Literary arts

  • Community collaboration and creativity

    • Eligible Applicants:

  • Not-for-profit arts organizations whose primary mission is to provide performing, visual or literary arts programs or services

  • Not-for-profit organizations that provide ongoing arts programs or services as a component of their overall mission (including social service organizations, schools, religious institutions, health care facilities, and other non-arts organizations)

  • 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

  • Non-arts organizations may ONLY apply for Project Support (not General Operating)

    • 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

  • Expenses anticipated to be incurred prior to award

    • Contact: Camille Wilson White, Executive Director
    Email: camillew2@oakparkareaartscouncil.org
    Phone: (312) 649-4111 (reference)
    Address: 123 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302
    Email: info@oakparkareaartscouncil.org

    How to Apply

    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)

  • Project description and goals

    • 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 the funded project

  • 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

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artsnonprofits

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