Culture, Equity, and the Arts in Chicago
The MacArthur Foundation offers multi-year, flexible support to Chicago arts and culture organizations advancing equity, collaboration, and creative vitality.
Funder: MacArthur Foundation
Due Dates: March 31, 2027 (Letter of Inquiry deadline; annual window Feb 1–Mar 31)
Funding Amounts: $55,000–$80,000 per year, typically for three years, for organizations with budgets ≥$1M; regranting available for smaller organizations.
Summary: Multi-year, flexible general operating support for Chicago arts and culture organizations to advance equity, collaboration, and creative vitality.
Key Information: LOIs required annually; eligibility depends on budget size and Chicago focus.
Description
The program provides multi-year, unrestricted general operating support to arts and culture organizations in Chicago, aiming to strengthen the city’s creative sector and advance racial equity. Funding is available both directly (for organizations with annual budgets of $1 million or more) and through a regranting partner for smaller organizations. The grant emphasizes support for organizations whose work is relevant to contemporary social issues, demonstrates a commitment to equity, and fosters collaboration across communities. A participatory grantmaking panel, composed of diverse Chicago-area residents, reviews proposals to ensure funding decisions reflect the city’s artistic and cultural diversity.
