Eligibility, Selection Process, and Deadlines

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for Culture Forward Chicago, organizations must: 

• Not be a current Chicago’s Cultural Treasures grantee; 

• Have 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization; and  

• Be headquartered in or primarily serving the Chicago metropolitan area, including the collar counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will  

Selection Process

All application materials will be reviewed by a Review Committee — composed primarily of local arts leaders, current ChiTreasures grantees, and a minority representation of funders — that had been selected to create a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and identities.   

According to the definitions below, applications will be reviewed to assess the extent to which an organization: is BIPOC-focused; is arts and culture focused; features BIPOC representation; has a BIPOC-oriented mission; prioritizes community engagement; and features artistic goals and impact. 

• BIPOC-Focused 
  • An organization is considered BIPOC-focused if its mission, values, or history reflect a commitment to advancing, engaging, or serving BIPOC communities. This can be demonstrated through the mission, history, values, and programming that serve and elevate BIPOC communities and creatives. 
• Arts and Culture Focused
  • Arts and culture are a primary focus if an organization self-identifies as dedicating the majority of its programs or initiatives to artistic production, exhibitions, performances, or other arts-related activities. The organization primarily functions as a platform for presenting arts and culture to the public, rather than as a field builder. 
• BIPOC Representation
  • An organization demonstrates BIPOC representation through its leadership, staff, and program focus. Programs should reflect lived experiences, leadership, and artistic traditions rooted in BIPOC communities. 
• BIPOC Mission 
  • An organization demonstrates a BIPOC mission through intentional cultural production focused on preserving or advancing BIPOC art forms, leadership, or participation. This may be reflected through programs, performances, exhibitions, or initiatives that celebrate BIPOC contributions to American culture. 
• Community Engagement 
  • An organization demonstrates effective community engagement by building meaningful relationships with the BIPOC communities it serves. This may include partnerships with community groups, culturally relevant outreach, or other engagement strategies that align with the community’s needs and context. 
• Artistic Goals and Impact 
  • An organization defines its artistic goals and success based on its mission and community focus. It shares stories, testimonials, or work samples to illustrate how its initiatives have made a meaningful contribution to the community. 

Application Deadlines 

Applications for Culture Forward Chicago are due by March 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM CT, with decisions anticipated to be announced in mid-April. 

For any questions or support regarding the Culture Forward Chicago grant application or process, reach out to chicagosculturaltreasures@iff.org. 

Apply Now

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