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Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) is sponsored by Illinois Arts Council Agency. The Creative Accelerator Fund provides crucial support to artists with the goal of strengthening the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois' economic activity. CAF recognizes and supports the vital role that artists play as builders and innovators in their communities, investing in their practice and professional growth.
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Creative Accelerator Fund UPDATE: As of July 24, FY27 CPG is closed in the Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western, and Chicago Metro Regions. Find Your Regional Program Director FY25 Creative Accelerator Fund Grantees The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) provides crucial support to artists with a goal of strengthening the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois’ economic activity.
CAF recognizes and supports the vital role that artists play as builders and innovators in their communities. By investing in their practice and professional growth, the fund not only enriches the lives of artists but also encourages broader community engagement and investment, leading to a vibrant cultural landscape and fostering connections among residents. This is a $10,000 taxable award.
All applications must be submitted via the applicant's IAC Salesforce account . The deadline to apply will be in October 2026. Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select recipients from the applications submitted in that region.
Additionally, IAC has transitioned to compliance-based evaluation criteria and does not evaluate the quality of artistic work or artistic accomplishments. The CAF randomized applicant selection is done in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery. Individual artists with an active and sustained practice.
(see guidelines for full definition) At the time of application, artists must: Be established as an Illinois resident prior to October 14, 2025. Be able to include a work sample created by you during 2024-2026. Be able to include a work sample created by you during 2023 or prior.
Not be currently enrolled in a degree-obtaining program, including a college or university in any undergraduate or graduate program. Ph. D.
candidates need to have completed their coursework by the application deadline to be eligible. Read the Creative Accelerator Fund Guidelines . Use Chrome as your browser when working in Salesforce .
Once logged into Salesforce , complete updates to the Applicant Information tab first. Questions? Watch the webinar , participate in one of the drop-ins , or contact your Program Director.
Does the application demonstrate the individual artist has an active and sustained practice? Is the application complete? Is the artist eligible to receive funds from the State of Illinois?
The CAF randomized applicant selection is done in partnership with the Illinois State Lottery. Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select recipients from the applications submitted in that region. Webinars & Drop-In Sessions Creative Accelerator Fund Webinar A pre-recorded webinar is available that reviews application tips and best practices, including how to use the agency’s online Salesforce grant platform.
For a complete listing of IAC Workshops, visit the IAC's Workshops & Webinars page . How does IAC define an “Individual Artist with an active and sustained practice”? An individual working in arts, crafts, design, dance, digital media, film/video, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, visual arts, folk and traditional arts, or community-based arts.
By “active and sustained,” we mean that you are currently committing time to practicing your art form that you have practiced since at least 2023. You do not necessarily need to derive significant income from your work in the arts (though it’s also fine if you do). It is also acceptable if your art form has changed over those years.
The first submitted work sample needs to have been completed in 2024, 2025, or 2026. The second submitted work sample needs to have been completed in 2023 or prior. Who is not eligible to apply?
Individuals enrolled in any degree-obtaining program (including high school, bachelor, or master's-degree programs) at the time of application or during the award period. (Ph. D.
candidates need to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible.) Organizations or schools. This award is for individuals only.
Prior CAF award recipients from FY25 or FY26. What if I need reasonable accommodations to apply? Reasonable accommodations for application procedures can be provided with a minimum request time of 3 business days before the deadline.
I have a question: who should I reach out to? If you have questions on the grant, please email your Program Director. You can use the Program Director finding tool if you are not sure who your Program Director is.
If you need Salesforce assistance, please email Jasmine Roberson at jasmine. roberson@illinois. gov .
115 S. LaSalle St. , Suite 2202 Chicago, IL 60603-3804 ( map ) Toll-free: (800) 237-6994 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Para información en Español llame al Illinois Arts Council al (312) 814-4993 Personal Identity Info Protection Policy Statewide Departments & Agencies
Scoring criteria used to review proposals for this grant.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Illinois artists and nonprofits. The IAC has transitioned to compliance-based evaluation criteria and does not evaluate the quality of artistic work or artistic accomplishments. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $10,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Applications for Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) are due October 14, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, and final submission checks.
Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) is funded by Illinois Arts Council Agency. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Illinois. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
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