Creative Projects Grant (IL) ( previously Creative Catalyst Grant)

Creative Projects Grant (IL) ( previously Creative Catalyst Grant)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Illinois Arts Council Agency
Amount: Up to US $12,000
Last Updated: November 07, 2025

Summary

The Creative Projects Grant, previously known as the Creative Catalyst Grant, supports Illinois artists and non-profit organizations in developing arts-related projects, events, and professional growth. With an open deadline until funds are expended, applicants must submit their proposals at least eight weeks before their project's start date. As of September 2025, demand exceeds available funds, and award notifications continue as reviews are completed. Future details for the FY27 grants will be announced next year.

Overview

NOTE: UPDATE: As of September 12, 2025, Illinois Arts Council's FY26 Creative Projects Grant fund requests far exceed the allocation IAC has available to award. CPG applications in all regions; Northern, Southern, Central, Eastern, Western, and Chicago Metro are now closed. The applications submitted are still under review and award notifications continue to be sent out as reviews are completed. Details for FY27 Creative Project Grants will be available next year. Mission To build a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the arts Creative Projects Grant Creative Projects Grant is the new name for the FY25 Creative Catalyst Grant. This grant program offers support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for arts-related projects, events, or professional development. The FY26 Creative Projects Grant is an open deadline grant. Applications will be accepted until the funds have been expended. Each IAC region has its own allocation, so regions may close at different times. Applications must be submitted to the IAC’s Salesforce grant portal a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the start date of the arts project being considered for IAC funding. The FY26 maximum award amount will be determined by IAC’s FY26 budget allocation. IAC General Operating Support (GOS) grantees must demonstrate how the project is a unique opportunity outside of their daily operations and programming.Funding

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Ineligibility

Individual applicants must NOT be enrolled in any degree or certificate granting program (including high school, bachelor, or masters-degree programs) at the time of application or during the award period. Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible.A Board member may not be the authorizing official signing any documents relating to an application or grant award.Detailed Unallowable Expenses, not limited to:Creative Catalyst Grant funds may not be used for re-granting or cash awards.The Council will not support subsidizing an individual’s academic study or projects associated with that study.The Council will not support any activity outside of the United States.The Council will not support out-of-state touring or project activity (unless it is Professional Development as described under Allowable Expenses).The Council will not support fees or payments to artists, companies, ensembles, etc. that are not based in Illinois.Council funds may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.Council funds may not be used for capital improvements, construction, or for the purchase of permanent equipment unless the purchase falls under the $3000 cap noted under allowable expenses.Council funds may not be used to pay the balance of an organization’s previous year’s operating deficit.Except for state colleges/ universities, state agencies and their affiliates are ineligible to receive funds from the IAC. State agencies are those entities defined by the Office of the Comptroller in Procedure 27.50.10 in the SAMS manual.The Council will not support fundraisers or benefits.Council funds may not be used for political activities such as contributions, lobbying, or fundraisers.