Apply for Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants
We support small nonprofit arts organizations of all disciplines and traditions in Cook County.
How We Work
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.
Grant Eligibility
Foundation staff must attend a performance before a new organization can begin the application process. See more in How To Apply.
Requirements
- Be a 501(c)(3) public charity.
- 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.
Not Eligible
- Groups that primarily produce their work outside Cook County
- Organizations primarily focused on arts education or social service
- Presenting organizations
- 100% volunteer organizations
- Amateur or community arts groups
- Individuals
- 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 Deadline
Please contact us at least six weeks before the deadline to begin the application process.
Next grant deadline: Friday, March 26, 2027
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.
Grow Stronger
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.
Grant Award Ranges
Organizations are eligible for grant amounts based on annual expenses for the most recently completed calendar or fiscal year.
Annual Expenses
Grant Amount
Up to $25,000
$2,500
$25,000–$50,000
$4,000
$50,000–$100,000
$6,000
$100,000–$200,000
$7,500
$200,000–$300,000
$8,500
$300,000–$500,000
$10,000
$500,000–$750,000
$12,000
$750,000–$1,000,000
$13,500
How to Apply
Returning Grantees
- 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
- Confirm your eligibility
- New applicants must have their work reviewed by foundation staff before applying. We must see your work before we will make a grant. Please reach out to Abigail Madden at abigail@gddf.org