Nonprofit Grant Supporting Projects on History or Art in Illinois (USA)
GrantID: 8179
Grant Funding Amount Low: Open
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: Open
Summary
If your museum, cultural center, university, or nonprofit arts institution works with American art (or related cultural heritage), there is a grant opportunity designed to support exhibitions, collections work, and convenings that reimagine, recontextualize, or deepen public understanding of U.S. art and its histories. The program is open to eligible institutions not only in the United States, but globally — so museums or cultural organizations based inside or outside the U.S. may apply.
The grants support a variety of project types: you might receive funding to plan and present a temporary exhibition, to reinterpret or reinstall works from your permanent collection, or to organize a scholarly or public convening, workshop, or symposium that encourages dialogue and fresh perspectives. The goal is to support work that broadens narratives, highlights underrepresented voices, and fosters intercultural or interdisciplinary exchange around American art and heritage.
Award amounts depend on the project scope. For exhibitions, grants typically range from modest to substantial sums, scaled to help underwrite exhibition costs. For collection-focused initiatives — such as reinterpretation, reinstallation, or inclusive re-presentation of holdings — smaller planning grants and larger implementation grants are available. Convenings or gatherings also receive support, often suitable for conferences, workshops, or public programs that bring together curators, scholars, artists, and communities.
Applications generally follow a two-step process: an initial inquiry or letter of interest, followed (if selected) by a full proposal. Because funding is awarded through multiple program types — exhibitions, collections, convenings — there isn’t just a single annual deadline; each program has its own submission window. Funding is one-time per project, though institutions may apply again for different projects or after a waiting period (depending on past awards).
This grant opportunity is best suited for nonprofit cultural institutions, museums, and academic or community-based organizations (not for individuals or for-profit businesses). If your organization is undertaking a thoughtfully conceived exhibition, a rethinking of a permanent collection, or a convening that advances inclusive and expansive understandings of American art, this grant could provide valuable support.
If you are located in Illinois and working in the area of International, this funding opportunity may be a good fit. For more relevant grant options that support your work and priorities, visit The Grant Portal and use the Search Grant tool to find opportunities.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
