Creative Learning Grants for Schools

The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS) program supports arts education initiatives across public K-12 and charter schools in Illinois. This program was redesigned based on insights from the Equitable Grant Making Assessment Initiative, aiming to streamline grant processes and enhance equity in distribution. It specifically allows schools to engage Illinois artists and arts organizations or purchase materials and equipment necessary for robust arts education. Eligible disciplines include visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and media arts. Public K-12 school districts, individual schools, and charter schools are eligible to apply for up to $20,000. Private schools are not eligible. The program replaces the former Arts & Foreign Language grant and maintains eligibility for schools that previously received that funding. Only one application per school or district is allowed per fiscal year, though both a district and a school within it may apply separately if they propose different programs. Applications are evaluated regionally within Illinois' six IAC-defined geographic regions. The grant covers general administrative expenses (up to 15% of the award), equipment, supplies, materials, artist/organization contracts, and field trips supporting arts curriculum. It does not cover fundraising, college tuition, alcohol, political activity, or loosely related projects. Applications must be submitted through the IAC Salesforce portal, and applicants must be registered and pre-qualified in the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. Applicants are evaluated based on the clarity and educational alignment of their proposed program (30 points), demonstrated need (30 points), expected student outcomes (20 points), school/district support and leadership (10 points), and cost-effective budgeting (10 points). The application requires submission of a narrative document and budget within the Salesforce portal. Drop-in Q&A sessions are scheduled for April 21, April 28, May 6, and May 16, 2025, offering support to potential applicants. Applications open on April 17, 2025, and close on May 29, 2025, at 11:59 pm. Notifications will be sent in September 2025, and the grant period runs from October 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. Final reports are due by September 30, 2026. Program Directors are assigned by region, and contact information for each, as well as for technical support, is provided in the guidelines. Jasmine Roberson is the contact for Salesforce assistance, and general inquiries can be directed to the Illinois Arts Council’s main office or via email at iac.info@illinois.gov.