Culture, Equity, and the Arts Grant Guidelines
The MacArthur Foundation's CEA program funds Chicago arts nonprofits advancing racial equity and inclusion through participatory grantmaking and support for organizations addressing social inequities via the arts.
Funder: MacArthur Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Letter of Inquiry window opens (projected) | March 2027: LOI deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: $55,000–$80,000 per year, typically for 3 years (general operating support)
Summary: Supports Chicago arts organizations with flexible, multi-year funding to advance racial equity and a more inclusive arts ecosystem through participatory grantmaking.
Description
The Culture, Equity, and the Arts (CEA) program, offered by the MacArthur Foundation, provides unrestricted general operating support to arts and arts-centered nonprofit organizations serving Chicago. The program’s aim is to advance racial equity, foster inclusion, and strengthen the city’s arts ecosystem by supporting organizations that demonstrate a commitment to equity, collaboration, connectivity, and relevance in addressing social inequities. Funding decisions are guided by a participatory grantmaking panel of diverse Chicago-area residents. The CEA program is open to both large and mid-sized organizations (with annual budgets of $1 million or more), while smaller organizations may apply for related regranting opportunities through the Field Foundation’s ART initiative.
