Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants

Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
Amount: US $2,500 - US $13,500
Last Updated: April 01, 2026

Summary

The Chicago Artistic Vitality Grant supports over 175 small, professional arts organizations across various disciplines. It provides essential unrestricted operational funding that allows these organizations to thrive while encouraging artistic innovation. Grantees must be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors, with expenses under $1 million per year. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts ecosystem in Chicago, ensuring diverse artistic expressions in every neighborhood, and promotes the sustainability of emerging talent.

Overview

NOTE: All potential Chicago Artistic Vitality grantees should send an introductory email to the Associate Program Officer, Chicago Artistic Vitality with your intent to apply, any questions you have about the application, and upcoming dates for performances/ shows/ exhibits. We must see your work before we will make a grant. Chicago Region Artistic Vitality We support over 175 small, professional arts organizations of all disciplines. We provide general operations grants, technical assistance, and other support to help our arts partners sustain their artistry and strengthen their operations. We call this Gen Ops Plus. Value Small Arts Organizations Chicago's arts ecosystem is vast and diverse, yet most nonprofit arts groups operate on small budgets. These small organizations produce the majority of local art, reaching nearly every neighborhood. They foster new talent, take risks, and inspire others. However, these small groups often have limited access to grants. That’s why we support professional arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions with budgets under $1 million annually. Support With Few Restrictions Unrestricted general operating grants are vital for small arts organizations, offering the flexibility to invest where needed. Multi-year support adds an extra layer of stability. Grow Stronger Mastering an art takes years of training and discipline, as does running an arts organization. Creating efficient operations allows more focus on the art, which is why we provide free access to trainings and technical assistance in addition to our grants. Grant Amounts Organizations are eligible for grant amounts based on annual expenses for the most recently-completed calendar or fiscal year, ranging from $2,500 to $13,500.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. If you are a new applicant, foundation staff needs to see your work before you begin an application. All potential Chicago Artistic Vitality grantees should send an introductory email to Abigail Madden – Associate Program Officer, Chicago Artistic Vitality with your intent to apply, any questions you have about the application, and upcoming dates for performances/ shows/ exhibits. You must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or have a fiscal sponsor that is.be in compliance with your Secretary of State. have total annual expenses under $1 million. have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations and one full production season. be producing primarily in Cook County, Illinois.pay someone within your organization: staff and/or artists.demonstrate or strongly promise artistic vitality.We take into account how much programming an organization offers and the degree of professionalism, factoring in the artistic discipline, budget size and where an organization happens to be in its evolution.

Ineligibility

We do not make grants through fiscal sponsors or agents.  The following are not eligible:Individuals.Organizations primarily focused on arts education or social service.Groups that primarily produce their work outside Cook County. Amateur or community arts groups.100% volunteer organizations.Presenting organizations.Stand-alone or one-time festivals, conferences, or other events.Stand-alone publications, films/videos, or websites.Religious activities, political campaigns, or legislative lobbying.Endowments, capital campaigns, or debt reduction.Groups that are legally, financially, or operationally part of a larger institution, e.g. the art department of a college.