Funding Opportunities
View funding opportunities currently available to creatives in Illinois. Our list regularly includes opportunities from local, state, and national funders and agencies.
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.
Established and growing businesses in select industries – including certain design services – may apply for a $100,000 grant to help scale up and address workforce needs, improve operations, or upgrade facilities.
Deadline: October 31, 2025
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.
Next Quarterly Deadline: Friday, November 14
A special initiative of the Museums for America program, this grant program is designed to support small museums of all disciplines in project-based efforts to serve the public.
Deadline: November 14, 2025
Learn more here.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) is offering grants to assist in the development or improvement of tourism attractions that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout the State.
Deadline: November 3, 2025.
Learn more and apply.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) is offering grants for the purpose of attracting, hosting, and developing new events and festivals in Illinois, or enhancing existing festivals and events.
Deadline: November 3, 2025.
Learn more and apply.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) will match/leverage local funds with State funds to promote destination drivers to market and promote destinations, attractions, and events throughout the State.
Deadline: November 3, 2025.
Learn more and apply.
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Support this work
If you’re a funder interested in helping the Alliance provide funding navigation services to the creative sector, we’d love to talk! Reach out to our Senior Director of Development, Kaitlin Donnelly, at donnelly@artsalliance.org.