Arts & Culture Loan Fund
The Arts & Culture Loan Fund offers loans and financial management training to strengthen the financial health and resilience of Chicago's small and medium arts and culture organizations.
Funder: MacArthur Foundation
Due Dates: May 21, 2026: Registration deadline — Scenario Planning clinic | June 16, 2026: Registration deadline — Managing Cash Flow clinic | September 8, 2026: Registration deadline — Assessing Revenue Risk and Opportunity clinic | October 20, 2026: Registration deadline — Engaging the Board in Strategic Financial Decision-Making clinic
Funding Amounts: Lines of credit typically up to $150,000 (two-year term, possible renewal); clinics and technical assistance included.
Summary: Provides working capital loans and financial management training to small and medium-sized arts and culture organizations in Chicago to enhance cash flow and organizational resilience.
Key Information: Only current grantees of MacArthur’s Culture, Equity, and the Arts or Field Foundation’s A Road Together (budget $250K–$5M) are eligible.
Description
The Arts & Culture Loan Fund (ACLF) is a financial support program for small and medium-sized arts and culture organizations in Chicago. Sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation and administered by IFF in partnership with BDO and Fifth Third Bank, the fund offers flexible working capital loans, a series of financial management clinics, and tailored technical assistance. The program aims to help organizations manage short-term cash flow challenges, build institutional credit, and strengthen long-term financial practices—ultimately supporting the sustainability and resilience of the local arts and culture sector.
