Project Grants

The Vision Grants by Illinois Humanities support nonprofit organizations in Illinois, focusing on planning, evaluation, and DEI initiatives. These grants aim to foster community engagement through workshops, research, and interactive programming. Organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less are prioritized, and funds can be used for training and collaboration efforts. The initiative emphasizes equitable growth and aims to strengthen organizations' capacities to serve diverse communities.

NOTE:  Apply by submitting a Letter of Intent by one of the three deadline dates. We meet shortly after the LOI deadline date and will get back to a select few groups to request a full proposal. If your organization is asked for a full proposal, you will have just 3 weeks to supply one.
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that spark conversation, foster reflection, build community, and strengthen civic engagement for everyone in Illinois.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to organizations and individuals. To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:Individuals must be located and working in Illinois.Organizations must be Illinois-based and have experience working in their community.Organizations must be a nonprofit, 501(c)3 entity in good standing or have a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor in good standing (learn what “good standing" means here).Organizations must have an annual budget of $1 million or less.The project must be rooted in the humanities (Learn how we define the humanities in our Frequently Asked Questions section below).Previous grantees must be up-to-date on reporting for any previous grants from Illinois Humanities and cannot have an open Project or General Operating grant.

Ineligibility

We do not accept grant applications from individuals or for-profit companies.We do not fund:Activities that promote a specific political position or ideologyAlcoholic beveragesBusinesses, for-profitsCapital projects (i.e., renovation or purchase of buildings or land)Endowment contributionsForeign travelGeneral operating (though indirect costs can be included in project budgets)LobbyingMajor equipment purchases (though equipment to assist a specific program is admissible)Out-of-state programs that have no specific relevance or thematic connection people in Illinois (though technically a grant recipient or fiscal agent can be located elsewhere in the U.S.)Programming that falls outside of the humanitiesSocial services (though a social services agency may apply for funding of a humanities project)