GIG Fund Grant

GIG Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Illinois Arts Council Agency
Amount: US $2,000 - US $15,000
Last Updated: July 17, 2025

Summary

The GIG Fund, managed by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support public arts projects in Midwestern communities. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts for underserved audiences, including rural and economically disadvantaged groups. Eligible activities include performances and art festivals, with a focus on engaging professional artists. The funding period extends from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and requires a 1:1 match.

Overview

Illinois Arts Council The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to: Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all. Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council. Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment. Illinois State funding for the arts includes programs offered by Arts Midwest. About Arts Midwest Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world. This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness. GIG Fund The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities. The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements: 1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Reach an Underserved Audience: At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming). These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who should apply? Smaller Non-profit Organizations: 501c3 non-profit organizations and tribal organizations with annual expenses of $2 million or less.In the Midwest: Organizations located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, or Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography.Focused on Arts & Culture: Arts and cultural organizations in any arts discipline (literature, performing arts, visual arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, etc.) or nonprofit organizations that provide arts programming (social service agencies, etc.)With a UEI: Organizations will need to have a UEI number from SAM.gov in order to receive funding. Apply for a free UEI at SAM.gov.In Good Standing: Organizations must not have overdue reports or funding restrictions with Arts Midwest. Eligible expenses:Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: Artist fees (required), materials (e.g., paint, costumes, props), staff salaries to administer the project, software licenses to host virtual activities, facility rental, equipment purchases, accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities or auto-immune conditions, marketing and promotion, and artist travel.