Artistic Vitality – Chicago Region – Strategy and Guidelines

To Value Small Arts Organizations

The ecosystem of arts in the Chicago region is big and diverse, yet most nonprofit arts groups operate on small budgets. Together, small arts groups produce most of the art in our region. They reach beyond downtown into nearly every neighborhood. They ensure a perpetual wellspring of new and emerging talent. They challenge. They risk. They fail. They try again. They blow us away.

Many small arts groups – especially the smallest of the small – tend to have fewer options for grants. That’s why we make it our business to support professional arts groups, of all disciplines, that operate on less than $1 million per year.

To Support With Few Restrictions

Unrestricted general operating grants are the life blood of small arts groups, big or small. It allows them the flexibility to spend those dollars where they see fit. Multi-year general operating support provides an extra measure of stability.

To Grow Stronger

It takes training, discipline and often years of experience to master one’s art. Just as challenging, just as important, is mastering the art of running an arts organization. Stronger, more efficient operations tend to allow more time, attention and resources to go toward the art itself. We support the Arts Work Fund and several other technical assistance providers to help organizations grow stronger.

Eligibility

• If you are a new applicant, foundation staff needs to see your work before you begin an application. All potential Chicago Artistic Vitality grantees should send an introductory email to Abigail Madden – Associate Program Officer, Chicago Artistic Vitality with your intent to apply, any questions you have about the application, and upcoming dates for performances/ shows/ exhibits.
• You must
  • be a 501(c)(3) public charity or have a fiscal sponsor that is.
  • be in compliance with the Secretary of State.
  • have total annual expenses under $1 million.
  • have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations and one full production season.
  • be producing primarily in Cook County, Illinois.
  • pay someone within your organization: staff and/or artists. Groups that produce using 100% volunteer help are not eligible to apply.  
  • demonstrate or strongly promise artistic vitality. We take into account how much programming an organization offers and the degree of professionalism, factoring in the artistic discipline, budget size and where an organization happens to be in its evolution.

The following are not eligible:

• Individuals.
• Organizations primarily focused on arts education or social service.
• Groups that primarily produce their work outside Cook County. 
• Amateur or community arts groups.
• 100% volunteer organizations.
• Presenting organizations.
• 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.

Organizations are eligible for grant amounts based on annual expenses for the most recently-completed calendar or fiscal year: