CityArts Program

Overview

The CityArts Program is a triennial grant program designed to assist the not-for-profit arts and cultural community in the city of Chicago through general operating support. Since its inception in 1979, the CityArts Program has awarded over $22 million to Chicago based nonprofit organizations.

The CityArts Program is divided into four categories (I - IV) based on an organization's adjusted income budget (total income minus government contributions/ income). The adjusted income figure determines the eligible grant requested amount. CityArts also supports social service organizations with an established arts program. All social service applicants apply in the same category (I) regardless of income budget.

CityArts applicants awarded grants in year one are eligible to receive grants for two more consecutive years pending availability of funds. A modified application is required for funding in years two and three, and approval for future grants also requires a completed Final Report, proof of General Liability Insurance for each year, in addition to programming and organizational evaluations by Cultural Grants staff. Approval is contingent upon applicants meeting all prior years' reporting requirements and other related requests.
 

Deadlines

The Applications cycle for the 2010 "2011 "2012 program is now closed. Exact dates for future application cycles will be announced.
 

Funding Categories

Organizations must apply to the program category that corresponds to the organization's Adjusted Income for the most recently completed fiscal year (Last Fiscal Year). Adjusted Income is the level of Total Income minus Government Contributions/ incom (municipal, state, and federal grants).

• CityArts I
  Funds emerging arts organizations with annual cash income of less than $150,000. The maximum request amount is $4,000. Social service applicants apply as a CityArts I regardless of budget size. The maximum request amount is $3,000.
• CityArts II
  Funds developing arts organizations with annual cash income between $150,000-$500,000. The maximum request amount is $6,000.
• CityArts III
  Funds mid-size arts organizations with annual cash income between $500,000 and $2 million. The maximum request amount is $8,000.
• CityArts IV
  Funds cultural arts institutions with annual income of $2 million and up. The maximum request amount is $10,000.

Who We Fund

Nonprofit arts organizations, cultural institutions and social service agencies that, prior to the application deadline, are:

Incorporated in the State of Illinois as a nonprofit corporation for at least twelve (12) months and recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization by the US Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service; A resident company of the City of Chicago with a Chicago street address (Post Office Boxes are not acceptable);Primarily serving the residents of the city of Chicago with (51% of the organization's annual programming occuring in Chicago with the intent to reach Chicago residents); Planning activities, including public programming, for the upcoming grant year.

Review Criteria

CityArts applications are evaluated by review panels composed of artists, arts administrators, arts advocates, and educators from all arts disciplines and representing a broad range of the community. CityArts panels evaluate grant applications according to the criteria listed below. Proposals are not expected to satisfy each aspect of the criteria equally, but should address all criteria as completely as possible within the framework of the applicant's mission and goals.

• Artistic Merit (40 Points)
  Effectiveness of programming Artistic or curatorial practice, service, philosophy expressed with clarity and purpose Activities artistically or culturally unique Activities encourage the development of Chicago artists and/or youth Qualifications of personnel as indicated in application narrative and personnel biographies Organization is conscientious about evaluating programming impact Arts Service: Programs clearly provide unique service to Chicago artists and arts organizations Arts Education: Activities involve artists with students and/or teachers in a curriculum which meets state educational goals Venues/Presenting Organizations: Showcased or self produced arts programming is of high artistic quality and reflects the diversity of Chicago residents

• Social Merit (20 Points)
  Activities address social issues of contemporary significance Activities stimulate and involve cross-cultural exchange Activities provide arts or cultural education opportunities to Chicago youth Activities serve a special constituency that generally lacks arts or cultural opportunities Activities demonstrate commitment to community service Venues/Presenting Organizations: Venue provides free or low-cost space and/or services for artists/arts organizations to rehearse, perform or showcase their art form
• Organizational Development (15 Points)
  Organization demonstrates ability to organize, implement and successfully complete programming plans Organization demonstrates priority for paying artists and/or staff Organization demonstrates planning for an active Board of Directors Organization demonstrates main business operations and majority of programs are in the city of Chicago Organization demonstrates commitment to effective organizational development and change
• Fiscal Accountability (15 Points)
  Budgets for organization or project are realistic Organization shows effectiveness in fundraising form the private sector Organization demonstrates a significant percentage of earned income Organization has realistic plan for retiring any accumulated deficits Organization demonstrates commitment to effective organizational development and change
• Application Quality (10 Points)
  Overall quality and completeness of application, copies and support documentation
   
  
  

Liability Insurance

All organizations receiving CityArts funds are required to carry adequate liability insurance with a minimum limit of $500,000 for twelve months (January 1 - December 31) of the grant year. Coverage extensions must include contractual liability and name the City of Chicago as an additional insured without recourse or right of contribution for any liability arising out of the grant agreement.All organizations receiving CityArts funds are required to maintain and submit Certificates of Insurance that show coverage for the entire grant period (January 1 - December 31). A copy of the Certificate of Insurance must be submitted to the Department of Cultural Affairs prior to the release of the grant award. Current Certificates of Insurance will be required for each year the grant is awarded. Regardless of insurance requirements or individually held policies, grantees agree to indemnify and hold the City of Chicago harmless of any liability damages related to the fulfillment of the grant agreement. Grant funds may be used to offset insurance costs.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Cultural Grants Coordinator

Forms

Downloadable applications are available only during specified application cycles. Additional supporting documentation and forms for CityArts grantees may be accessed below.

Supporting Information

• CityArts Program Forms and Support Documentation