Arts & Humanities Project-Based Grants to Individuals
GrantID: 490
Grant Funding Amount Low: $5,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $5,000
Summary
This grant opportunity provides project-based funding to individuals living in Illinois who are engaged in creative, educational, or humanities-driven work that explores themes related to justice, community impact, and social understanding. Awards of up to $5,000 are available to support efforts that encourage public reflection, dialogue, and learning around complex societal issues, particularly those affecting communities impacted by systems of incarceration and inequality.
The funding is intended for use on clearly defined projects rather than general operating support. Eligible uses of funds may include research and documentation, writing and publishing, multimedia production, exhibitions, performances, public programs, workshops, community conversations, and other creative or educational activities designed for public engagement. Funds may also be applied to project-related expenses such as materials, equipment, space rental, travel within the state, and stipends that allow individuals to dedicate focused time to their work.
Eligibility is limited to individuals rather than organizations or businesses. Applicants may include artists, educators, journalists, scholars, cultural workers, organizers, and community practitioners from a wide range of disciplines and lived experiences. Residency within Illinois is required, and projects may take place at the local, regional, or statewide level. Priority is often given to proposals that reflect collaboration, center lived experience, and elevate voices from communities disproportionately affected by justice-related systems.
The intent of this funding is to support work that fosters greater understanding, narrative change, and civic engagement through the humanities and creative expression. Projects are expected to demonstrate a clear purpose, identify intended audiences, and articulate how the work will contribute to meaningful dialogue or insight. While outcomes may vary widely depending on the project, the overarching goal is to encourage thoughtful exploration of justice-related themes and strengthen connections between individuals, ideas, and communities across Illinois.
By offering flexible project support to individuals, this opportunity helps expand access to resources, empowers independent creators and thinkers, and contributes to a more informed and engaged public through humanities-based work.
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Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
