The 2025 CityArts program application is now open.

Please review the 2025 CityArts Program guidelines and calendar for information on this year’s program. Check back to this page for application updates and the most up to date information.

Applications are due Friday, April 4, 2025 at noon CT.

Reminder: CityArts general operating grantees awarded in 2023 must re-apply to be considered for 2025 CityArts funding.

2024 CityArts general operating grantees DO NOT need to re-apply to the 2025 CityArts program. These organizations are already eligible to renew their existing grant at the same level for 2024 and will receive further instructions by email. See "CityArts Grant Renewals" for details.

Join us for an info session to learn more about DCASE’s current grant programs for arts nonprofits.

Tuesday, March 18 | Noon-1:30 p.m. | View Recording

Thursday, March 27 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. | Register

If you have questions and are not able to access these virtual meetings, if you need assistance in another language, or if you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to attend or apply please contact CulturalGrantMaking@cityofchicago.org for assistance.

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. Chicago arts and culture nonprofits of all sizes and artistic disciplines can apply for CityArts general operating grants.

General Operating grant amounts for selected grantees will be determined as outlined below, based on the organization’s average Annual Revenue over the past three years.

• Average Annual Revenue of $10,000: Grant amount will be approximately equal to the organization’s average annual revenue.
• Average Annual Revenue of $10,000 - $100,000: Grant amount will be up to $10,000.
• Average Annual Revenue of $100,000 - $500,000: Grant amount will be up to 10% of the organization’s average annual revenue and no more than $25,000.
• Average Annual Revenue of $500,000+: Grant amount will be up to 5% of the organization’s average annual revenue and no more than $50,000.

2025 CityArts general operating grants will be renewable for one year. Grantees will be eligible to receive an additional general operating grant in 2026 at the same award amount upon completion of their final report for 2025. Organizations not selected for funding in 2025 will have the opportunity to apply again in 2026.

2024 CityArts general operating grantees should not re-apply in 2025. These grantees are already eligible to receive an additional general operating grant in 2025 upon completion of their 2024 final report.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Consecutive Funding Policy

Starting in 2026, an organization can receive CityArts funding for up to two consecutive years before it is required to take one year off from applying for or receiving CityArts support. Recipients of CityArts 2024-25 funding will not be eligible to apply for funds in 2026. If awarded a CityArts Program grant in this 2025-26 funding cycle, your organization cannot apply in 2027.

To be eligible to apply for a CityArts grant, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Organizations must:

• Have a primary mission to create, produce, present, provide, or support arts and culture activities or services for the public.
• Offer programs in an artistic discipline, operate as a museum, or serve as an arts service organization.
• Be a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
• Be incorporated in the state of Illinois for at least 12 months prior to applying (must have been incorporated as of January 2024).
• Be a resident company in the city of Chicago with a valid street address (P.O. Boxes will not be accepted).
• Primarily serve the residents of the city of Chicago (demonstrate that, on average, half of all programming occurs within the city of Chicago limits).
• Not have already received a CityArts general operating award in 2024, that is up for renewal in 2025.
• Not be receiving other significant support (cash or In Kind) from the City of Chicago or a City of Chicago Delegate Agency. Significant support is defined as more than $2M within the calendar year towards an organization’s annual budget.
• Be up to date on DCASE Cultural Grants reports. Past grantees that have not completed required reports for the most recently awarded grant cycle are not eligible.

(Subject to change)