CityArts Program

BOLT Exhibition 16th International Arts Of Life ElevArte Carnaval 2012 (Photographer Kyle LaMere) How And Why Storycatchers Operation Ignore

 

The 2024 CityArts program application is now open. For detailed information, consult the 2024 CityArts Program Guidelines. The application deadline is March 25, 2024 at 5:00pm CT.

2024 CityArts Program Application

2024 CityArts Program Guideline Packet - English (PDF)

2024 CityArts Program Guideline Packet - Spanish (PDF)

Reminder: CityArts general operating grantees awarded in 2022 must re-apply to be considered for 2024 CityArts funding.

2023 CityArts general operating grantees DO NOT need to re-apply to the 2024 CityArts program. These organizations are already eligible to renew their existing grant at the same level for 2024 and will receive further instructions by email. See "CityArts Grant Renewals" for details.

 

Info Sessions

Join us for an info session to learn more about DCASE’s current grant programs for arts nonprofits.

Thursday, February 22 | 10:00am - 11:30am | View Recording

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | 2:00pm- 3:30pm | View Recording

Thursday, March 14, 2024 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm | View Recording

If you have questions and are not able to access these virtual meetings, if you need assistance in another language, or if you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to attend or apply please contact culturalgrantmaking@cityofchicago.org for assistance.

 

2024 CityArts Program Overview

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts general operating grants.

 

CityArts Grant Amounts

General Operating grant amounts for selected grantees will be determined as outlined below, based on the organization’s average Annual Revenue over the past three years.

• Average Annual Revenue of $10,000: Grant amount will be approximately equal to the organization’s average annual revenue.

• Average Annual Revenue of $10,000 - $100,000: Grant amount will be up to $10,000.

• Average Annual Revenue of $100,000 - $500,000: Grant amount will be up to 10% of the organization’s average annual revenue and no more than $25,000.

• Average Annual Revenue of $500,000+: Grant amount will be up to 5% of the organization’s average annual revenue and no more than $50,000.

 

CityArts Grant Renewals

2024 CityArts general operating grants will be renewable for one year. Grantees will be eligible to receive an additional general operating grant in 2025 at the same award amount upon completion of their final report for 2024. Organizations not selected for funding in 2024 will have the opportunity to apply again in 2025.

2023 CityArts general operating grantees should not re-apply in 2024. These grantees are already eligible to receive an additional general operating grant in 2024 upon completion of their 2023 final report.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a CityArts grant, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Organizations must:

•  Have a primary mission to create, produce, present, provide, or support arts and culture activities or services for the public.

•  Offer programs in an artistic discipline, operate as a museum, or serve as an arts service organization.

•  Be a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

•  Be incorporated in the state of Illinois for at least 12 months prior to applying (must have been incorporated as of January 2023).

•  Be a resident company in the city of Chicago with a valid street address (P.O. Boxes will not be accepted).

•  Primarily serve the residents of the city of Chicago (demonstrate that, on average, half of all programming occurs within the city of Chicago limits).

•  Not have already received a CityArts general operating award in 2023, that is up for renewal in 2024.

•  Not be receiving other significant support (cash or In Kind) from the City of Chicago or a City of Chicago Delegate Agency. Significant support is defined as more than $1M within the calendar year towards an organization’s annual budget.

•  Be up to date on DCASE Cultural Grants reports. Past grantees that have not completed required reports for the most recently awarded grant cycle are not eligible.

 

Timeline (Subject to change)

 Event

 Dates

 Application Opens
 February 15, 2024   
 Application Deadline
 Monday, March 25, 2024 5:00 PM CT - No Extensions will be granted
 Notification of Results
 July 2024
 Contracting Period  July-October 2024
 Payments Disbursed
  November 2024

 

 

 

ElevArte Carnaval 2012 Photograper Kyle LaMere