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Illinois Arts Council Announces
Fiscal Year 2026 Creative Projects Grant Guidelines and Application
[July 02, 2025]
The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is
pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26)
Creative Projects Grant (CPG) guidelines and application. The goal
of CPG is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for
Illinois artists, eligible not- for-profit organizations, municipal
entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must culminate
with a public release or presentation of the work accomplished
during the grant period.
“Illinois is already known across the globe as a hub of art and
creativity, from our world-class museums and galleries to our many
renowned artists and artistic organizations,” said Governor JB
Pritzker. “The Creative Projects Grant is an opportunity to further
develop that creative ecosystem, support talented artists of all
backgrounds, and enrich communities across the state. I want to
encourage all eligible individuals and organizations to apply to
make their artistic vision a reality.”
“This grant represents a
significant evolution in IAC’s commitment to fostering creativity
and community engagement. By offering funding for innovative
projects and professional development, we are investing in the
creative economy of our state,” said Nora Daley, IAC’s Board Chair.
“Empowering artists and arts organizations is essential for
cultivating a vibrant cultural identity in Illinois.”
"By streamlining our grant offerings, we aim to empower a wider
array of creative projects while providing a granting program that
is more accessible and responsive to the needs of artists and
organizations,” said Joshua Davis-Ruperto, IAC’s Executive Director.
“This grant provides the resources artists need to bring their
visions to life.”
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CPG is an open
deadline grant program. Applications will be accepted until
allotted funds have been expended. Each IAC region has its own
allocation of funds. Funds will be expended at varying rates and
regions will close to new applications at different times.
Please check the IAC website before applying to see if funds are
available for your region. Applications must be submitted to the
IAC’s Salesforce
grant portal a minimum of 8-weeks prior to the start date
for the arts project being submitted for IAC funding.
In FY26 CPG replaces the Creative
Catalyst Grant and absorbs the Folk Arts Mentorship grant program.
Ethnic, Folk, or Traditional artists interested in mentorship or
project funding are encouraged to apply through CPG.
A pre-recorded webinar is available on IAC’s
website. The IAC will also host a series of “Drop-In'' sessions
to answer any questions you may have. Drop-in sessions are one-hour
sessions that have no agenda. Participants may ask questions of the
participating Program Staff and get answers in real time. Drop-ins
do not require pre- registration. Simply click the link at the time
of the meeting to join the call via WebEx. Visit the Creative
Projects Grants
webpage for details.
For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director.
[Illinois Arts Council]
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