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Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants is sponsored by Gaylord And Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Provides multi-year general operating support for small, professional producing arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions. The program focuses on organizations that nurture new talent, take risks, and reach diverse neighborhoods.
Geographic focus: Chicago Region (primarily Cook County, Illinois)
Focus areas: Arts & Culture, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, General Operating Support
Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt:
Apply for Arts & Culture Grants in the Chicago Region | GDDF South Carolina Lowcountry We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Funding Opportunities Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Land Information Lowcountry Land Conservation Symposium We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Current Grantee Resources Apply for Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants Home > What We Do > Priorities > Artistic Vitality > Apply for Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants We support small nonprofit arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions in Cook County. Relationships are at the core of our grantmaking process. Each grant starts with a conversation with a program officer so we can get to know you and your work. Foundation staff must attend a performance before a new organization can begin the application process. See more in How To Apply . Be a 501(c)(3) public charity or have a fiscal sponsor that is. Total annual expenses under $1 million. Produce primarily in Cook County, Illinois. Complete at least one full fiscal year of operations and one full production season. Pay someone within your organization: staff and/or artists. Demonstrate or strongly promise artistic vitality. We consider how much programming an organization offers and the degree of accomplishment, factoring in the artistic discipline, budget size, and where an organization happens to be in its evolution. Be in compliance with the Secretary of State. Groups that primarily produce their work outside Cook County Organizations primarily focused on arts education or social service 100% volunteer organizations Amateur or community arts groups Stand-alone or one-time festivals, conferences, or other events Stand-alone publications, films/videos, or websites Religious activities, political campaigns, or legislative lobbying Endowments, capital campaigns, or debt reduction Groups that are legally, financially, or operationally part of a larger institution, e.g. the art department of a college Artistic Vitality Grant Deadlines 2025 Please contact us at least six weeks before the deadline to begin the application process. Next grant deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Strategy Value Small Arts Organizations Chicago's arts ecosystem is vast and diverse, yet most nonprofit arts groups operate on small budgets. These small organizations produce the majority of local art, reaching nearly every neighborhood. They foster new talent, take risks, and inspire others. However, these small groups often have limited access to grants. That’s why we support professional arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions with budgets under $1 million annually. Support With Few
Application snapshot: target deadline March 27, 2026; published funding information $2,500 - $75,000; eligibility guidance Professional arts organizations with annual expenses under $1 million, based in Cook County, Illinois, that have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations and one full production season.
Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Apply for Arts & Culture Grants in the Chicago Region | GDDF South Carolina Lowcountry We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Funding Opportunities Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Land Information Lowcountry Land Conservation Symposium We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners.
Current Grantee Resources Apply for Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants Home > What We Do > Priorities > Artistic Vitality > Apply for Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants We support small nonprofit arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions in Cook County. Relationships are at the core of our grantmaking process. Each grant starts with a conversation with a program officer so we can get to know you and your work.
Foundation staff must attend a performance before a new organization can begin the application process. See more in How To Apply . Be a 501(c)(3) public charity or have a fiscal sponsor that is.
Total annual expenses under $1 million. Produce primarily in Cook County, Illinois. Complete at least one full fiscal year of operations and one full production season.
Pay someone within your organization: staff and/or artists. Demonstrate or strongly promise artistic vitality. We consider how much programming an organization offers and the degree of accomplishment, factoring in the artistic discipline, budget size, and where an organization happens to be in its evolution.
Be in compliance with the Secretary of State.
Groups that primarily produce their work outside Cook County Organizations primarily focused on arts education or social service 100% volunteer organizations Amateur or community arts groups Stand-alone or one-time festivals, conferences, or other events Stand-alone publications, films/videos, or websites Religious activities, political campaigns, or legislative lobbying Endowments, capital campaigns, or debt reduction Groups that are legally, financially, or operationally part of a larger institution, e.
g. the art department of a college Artistic Vitality Grant Deadlines 2025 Please contact us at least six weeks before the deadline to begin the application process. Next grant deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Strategy Value Small Arts Organizations Chicago's arts ecosystem is vast and diverse, yet most nonprofit arts groups operate on small budgets.
These small organizations produce the majority of local art, reaching nearly every neighborhood. They foster new talent, take risks, and inspire others. However, these small groups often have limited access to grants.
That’s why we support professional arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions with budgets under $1 million annually. Support With Few Restrictions Unrestricted general operating grants are vital for small arts organizations, offering the flexibility to invest where needed. Multi-year support adds an extra layer of stability.
Mastering an art takes years of training and discipline, as does running an arts organization. Creating efficient operations allows more focus on the art, which is why we provide free access to trainings and technical assistance in addition to our grants. Organizations are eligible for grant amounts based on annual expenses for the most recently completed calendar or fiscal year.
Log into the Grantee Portal to complete your application. All proposal applications will be available in the portal six weeks before the deadline. Check our Current Grantee Resources for information about deadlines, progress reports, and other commonly asked questions.
If you still have questions about the forms or process, email grants@gddf. org . New applicants must have their work reviewed by foundation staff before applying.
We must see your work before we will make a grant. Please submit the form below. Abigail Madden will reach out to set up a time to talk.
Organization Name (Required) We intend to apply for the (Required) Spring Cycle 2026 (March deadline) Fall Cycle 2026 (July deadline) Please share a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) about your organization's artistic work in the Chicago region.
(Required) Upcoming performance/show/exhibit dates I have reviewed the eligibility requirements (Required) I have reviewed the eligibility requirements (Required) View a Sample Application Let’s get to know each other. © 2026 Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.
South Carolina Lowcountry Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Information Chicago Region Land Conservation Information South Carolina Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Information South Carolina Lowcountry Land Conservation Information Broadening Narratives Information Current Grantee Resources South Carolina Lowcountry Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Information Chicago Region Land Conservation Information South Carolina Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Information South Carolina Lowcountry Land Conservation Information Broadening Narratives Information Current Grantee Resources Start typing and press enter to search
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Professional arts organizations with annual expenses under $1 million, based in Cook County, Illinois, that have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations and one full production season. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $2,500 - $75,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 27, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants is sponsored by Gaylord And Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Supports organizations and projects in the Chicago region that focus on preserving, restoring, and protecting strategic natural and working lands, building stewardship constituencies, and engaging young people with an emphasis on climate resiliency. Geographic focus: Chicago Region (Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will, Grundy, Kankakee counties in Illinois; Lake, Porter, LaPorte counties in Indiana) Focus areas: Land Conservation, Environment, Climate Resilience, Habitat Enhancement Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Apply for Land Conservation Grants in the Chicago Region | GDDF South Carolina Lowcountry We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Funding Opportunities Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Land Information Lowcountry Land Conservation Symposium We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Current Grantee Resources Apply for Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants Home > What We Do > Priorities > Land Conservation > Apply for Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants We offer general operating and project grants to organizations that further natural and working land protection and stewardship in the greater Chicago region, with emphasis on integrating climate resiliency, advocacy, and inclusive conservation strategies. Relationships are at the core of our grantmaking process. Each grant starts with a conversation with a program officer so we can get to know you and your work. We strongly encourage you to contact us in advance of our proposal deadlines so that we can explore potential fit. Organizations that apply for grants must meet the following eligibility requirements. See How to Apply to begin the process. Organization must be a 501(c)(3) public charity (or be fiscally sponsored by one). Organization must be in compliance with the Secretary of State where it is headquartered. Organization must have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations before applying. Organization or project must have a strong nexus to land conservation in the greater Chicagoland geography, which includes an emphasis on the Illinois Counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will; the Wisconsin Counties of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth; and the Indiana Counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte. Eligible conservation activities include work furthering the protection and stewardship of strategically significant natural areas such as forests, prairies, grasslands, natural parklands, and wetlands, as well as important working lands such as agricultural land, stormwater-absorbing riparian areas, and habitat corridors that help buffer and connect other protected areas. Environmental education programs and religious activities. Projects for trails, bike paths, developed parklands, community and school gardens, nature centers, botanic gardens, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements. Projects or activities that involve political campaigns, electoral politics, or lobbying on pending legislation. Stand-alone conferences, publications, films, events, websites, or videos. Endowments, capital campaigns, or debt reduction. Other organizations and programs that are not primarily focused on one or more of the below four goals of the Foundation’s land conservation strategy. Chicago region Land Conservation Grant Deadlines We encourage Application snapshot: target deadline March 27, 2026; published funding information $2,500 - $250,000; eligibility guidance Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor working within the specified Chicago region counties. Projects must align with strategies for land protection, restoration, or stewardship. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Grants is sponsored by Gaylord And Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Supports small, professional arts organizations in the South Carolina Lowcountry that provide outlets for creative expression, nurture local talent, and increase access to arts and culture within their communities. Geographic focus: Lowcountry South Carolina (Charleston, Beaufort, Berkeley, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Williamsburg counties) Focus areas: Arts & Culture, Community Development, General Operating Support Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Current Grantee Resources | Donnelley Foundation | GDDF South Carolina Lowcountry We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Funding Opportunities Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Land Information Lowcountry Land Conservation Symposium We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Current Grantee Resources Current Grantee Resources Home > News & Resources > Current Grantee Resources Information and answers to frequently asked questions for current grantees. Grant Management and Portal GDDF uses Giving Data to manage grants, reports, and applications. Access the Giving Data Portal Next grant deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 The foundation has two grant cycles each year: Spring and Fall. Deadlines are usually the last Friday in March (Spring) and July (Fall). Grant Applications open roughly six weeks before the deadline. You will receive an email from the Giving Data Portal with a link to access your application once it is open. Award announcements are generally made by late July or early August (Spring Cycle) and December (Fall Cycle). GDDF makes payments via ACH. If you need to update your information, please do not send any banking information via email. Reach out to grants@gddf.org and they will send a form to your grantee portal to update banking information. If receiving ACH payments presents a challenge or hardship, please contact your program officer. GDDF uses both progress and final reports to help us assess the impact of our grantmaking and to better understand your work. Be sure to save your award letter. They are sent by e-mail and contain all grant requirements and due dates. Applications and reports are emailed six weeks before the deadline and can be accessed through the grantee portal . We email reminders, so please be sure your organization’s contact information is up-to-date in Giving Data. Multi-year grants are paid out annually upon receipt and review of an annual progress report. Most final reports are due a few months before the end of the grant period, in order to coincide with the proposal deadline so that they can be reviewed concurrently. There is not a separate final report for renewals. A final report question will be included within the renewal application. There may be additional grant or payment requirements noted in your award letter. Please contact your program officer if you have questions about your grant requirements. Please contact Grants Management at grants@gddf.org for questions about: Logging in or registering for the grantee portal Payments and updating banking Application snapshot: target deadline March 27, 2026; published funding information $2,500 - $13,500; eligibility guidance Professional arts organizations with annual budgets under $1 million located in the nine-county Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Broadening Narratives (Regional Collections) Grants is sponsored by Gaylord And Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. Funds projects for museums, libraries, archives, and other collecting organizations to bring forward underrepresented, untold, or incomplete stories, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and working-class narratives. Geographic focus: Chicago Region (IL/IN) and Lowcountry South Carolina Focus areas: Collections, Archives, Museums, History, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Collections and Broadening Narratives Grants - Eligibility | GDDF South Carolina Lowcountry We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Funding Opportunities Chicago Region Information Lowcountry Land Information Lowcountry Land Conservation Symposium We value the deep, steady, and long-term relationships we build with our grantee partners. Current Grantee Resources Apply for Broadening Narratives Grants Home > What We Do > Priorities > Broadening Narratives > Apply for Broadening Narratives Grants We support collections that tell stories that have not been told, have been told incompletely, or have been told inaccurately. We require that those whose stories are being told be included in the decision-making process. Relationships are at the core of our grantmaking process. Each grant starts with a conversation with a program officer so we can get to know you and your work. Broadening Narratives support is for existing archives or collections and is invitation-only. Because of this unique approach to collections, we work directly with groups to help them develop their applications. Organizations that apply for grants must meet the following eligibility requirements. See How to Apply to begin the process. You must be a 501(c)(3) or approved fiscal sponsorship. Your organization must be located in the Chicago region or the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Your organization must be in compliance with their Secretary of State. The collection to be supported must be rooted in an underrepresented narrative from the Chicago region or the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The collection to be supported must be located in one of the two regions and currently or planned to be publicly accessible. You must demonstrate ongoing human, material, and financial support for the collection. Political campaigns or legislative lobbying Endowments, capital campaigns, or debt reduction Improvements or repairs to physical facilities Broadening Narratives Grant Deadlines 2025 We encourage all new grantees to contact us at least six weeks before the deadline. Next grant deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 Broadening Narratives Strategy More organizations have better collections practices More collecting organizations are operationally stronger More organizations promote diverse narratives through their collections More public engagement with a broader array of diverse narratives Broadening Narrative grants typically range from $10,000-$100,000. Confirm your eligibility by reviewing the requirements. Prospective applicants must share more about their work with foundation staff to determine potential fit before applying. Ellen Placey Wadey or Jason Crowley will be in touch. The first step in the Broadening Narratives process is to speak with foundation staff, as this Application snapshot: target deadline March 27, 2026; published funding information Not specified; eligibility guidance Collecting organizations (museums, libraries, historical societies) located in the Chicago region or the South Carolina Lowcountry with relevant collections illustrating underrepresented perspectives. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
