Is a loan right for your creative business or nonprofit? Check out a recording of our April webinar with lenders and creatives talking you through the process of thinking through and applying for a loan.

Deadline: Ongoing

The National Endowment for the Humanities has issued a call for proposals for Celebrate America!, a new initiative to recognize the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. NEH will award 250 challenge grants of up to $25,000 each for projects that focus on the founding of the American nation, key historical figures, and milestones that reflect the exceptional achievements of the United States.

Deadline: Rolling; projects can start between August 1, 2025, and July 2, 2026.

Learn more here.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD)’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) provides capital development grants up to $250,000 for small business and cultural projects located along West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors. NOF grants are provided as reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible project expenses with a maximum grant of $250,000. Applicants may qualify for additional funding for Technical Assistance.

Deadlines occur quarterly.

Learn more here.

Illinois Made celebrates those makers, creators, and artisans who help craft Illinois by hand, inspiring visitors and fellow Illinoisans to discover more about the state by experiencing firsthand the passion that makes it thrive. Nominations to be included in the online directory are now open!

Deadline coming soon.

Learn more and apply.

Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants engage military-connected individuals through experiences of art or art-making. These grants of $10,000 to $25,000 support community arts programs that create opportunities for creative expression, resilience, social connectedness, and successful adaptation to civilian life.

Deadline: January 15, 2026.

Learn more and apply.