Limited Submission: Illinois Arts Council (IAC) Creative Projects Grant

The IAC FY 26 Creative Project Grant was formerly known as the Creative Catalyst Grant. 

Creative Project Grant is a new IAC grant program that supports arts project and programming requests from individuals, 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government (i.e., schools, parks, and libraries, etc.) or institutions of higher education. The general premise is that IAC no longer sets parameters for arts projects, but applicants drive what arts projects need funding. IAC will not be evaluating the “value” of the project, but only its viability.

Eligibility

Organizations eligible to apply include:

• Individual Artists, Arts Educators, and Curators
• Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
• Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.)
• Charitable Trusts
• School, Institutions of higher education, and churches
• PTOs, PTAs, and other School Affiliate Organizations

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the IAC guidelines at  https://www.arts.gov/grants/grants-for-arts-projects

IAC General Operating Support (GOS) grantees must demonstrate how the project is a unique opportunity outside of their daily operations and programming.

The IAC FY 26 Creative Project Grant is an open deadline grant and opens for applications starting July 1, 2025.  Applications per-region will remain open until funds are fully expended for that region.  As a limited submission competition, the IAC Creative Project Grant program allows each institution to submit only one (1) proposal.  

Award Description

FY26 maximum award amount will be determined by IAC’s FY26 budget allocation.  In FY25, applicants could request an amount up to $12,0000.  Application must be submitted a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the project start date.

Timeline for the SIUE Internal Competition Submission

• Notice of Intent submitted via Kuali Build Application by the first Monday in May by 4:30 pm.
• Should an internal Competition be required, you will receive an email notification to email your Pre-Submission Materials  by the third Tuesday in May by 4:30 pm.
  
• Internal submissions will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee by the fourth Tuesday in May. Only one successful SIUE internal applicant will be invited to prepare and submit a full proposal to the IAC for consideration.
• Full application to be routed in Kuali Research by third Monday in June.
• The IAC FY 26 Creative Project Grant is an open deadline grant and opens for applications starting July 1, 2025. (only one SIUE-nominated applicant).

Selection Criteria for the SIUE Internal Competition

Should an internal Competition be required, you will receive an email notification to email your Pre-Submission Materials (single pdf in order indicated) by 4:30pm on the third Tuesday in May. 

 Required SIUE Pre-Proposal Materials: (uploaded as a single pdf in order indicated)

1. Project Summary/Narrative (1 page) including
   1. Description of activity/event (arts project, programming, or professional development opportunity) including timeline
   2. Geographic area served in Illinois
   3. Intended outcomes
   4. Artist's Pay
   5. If you are a General Operating Support grantees describe how this project is unique and not part of daily operations.
2. Budget (standard industry expectations for cost) and Budget Justification (limit to 2 pages)
3. Proof of feasibility (evidence that the project will take place as described, emails confirming artist agreement to participate/cost, rental cost, etc)

 *These must be submitted in a single pdf in the order indicated on application form. 

Stronger applicants to the SIUE competition will have carefully reviewed the Guidelines and prepared their materials in response to these guidelines.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans.  Faculty with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (618) 650-2333.

Timeline for Full Submission to IAC

The one successful nominee will work with the SIUE Office of Research and Projects to revise and prepare materials for the external grant submission to IAC. The applicant will revise materials according to the internal reviewers' suggestions. ORP will assist with the proper routing of the grant for internal approvals from the relevant Chairs and Deans, and will work with the applicant to prepare the Grants.gov electronic application package.

• Internal submissions will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee by the fourth Tuesday in May. Only one successful SIUE internal applicant will be invited to prepare and submit a full proposal to the IAC for consideration.
• By the first Monday in June, proposal to be created in Kuali.
• Full application to be routed in Kuali Research by third Wednesday in June.
• The IAC FY 26 Creative Project Grant is an open deadline grant and opens for applications starting July 1, 2025 (only one SIUE-nominated applicant).

Other Resources

For further information or questions regarding the competition, please contact siueresearch@siue.edu.