[MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org)

February 2027: Letter of Inquiry window opens (projected) | March 2027: LOI deadline (projected)

$55,000–$80,000 per year, typically for 3 years (general operating support)

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. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission window opens (anticipated/projected) - March 2027: LOI deadline / final day to submit LOI (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award: $55,000–$80,000 per year - Duration: Generally awarded for 3 years (multi-year support) - Funding is unrestricted general operating support --- ## Eligibility - **Organization Type:** Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, in good standing with the IRS and Illinois Secretary of State - **Budget Size:** Annual operating budget of $1 million or more (as demonstrated by two consecutive, independently audited financial statements) - **Geography:** Must be located in Chicago and primarily serve Chicago audiences (suburban organizations must demonstrate substantial reach within the city) - **Mission Alignment:** Must align with the [Chicago Commitment’s vision](https://www.macfound.org/programs/chicago/strategy/) - **Arts Focus:** Must be an arts or arts-centered organization (arts integral to mission, even if not sole focus) - **Exclusions:** Organizations affiliated with larger institutions (e.g., universities, schools) that are not independent nonprofits with their own board and audits are not eligible **For organizations with annual budgets below $1 million:** Apply through the [Field Foundation’s ART program](https://fieldfoundation.org/generalguidelines/art). --- ## Application Process 1. **Review guidelines** on the [CEA program page](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/culture-equity-art/grant-guidelines). 2. **Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)** via the [MacArthur Foundation submission portal](https://submissions.macfound.org/) during the anticipated LOI window. - LOI should address the organization’s mission, history, and alignment with CEA program attributes. 3. **Staff Review:** LOIs are screened for eligibility and alignment. 4. **Invitation to Apply:** Selected organizations are invited to submit a full application, which is then reviewed by a participatory grantmaking panel. 5. **Panel Review:** Proposals are assessed based on equity, collaboration, connectivity, and relevance. 6. **Recommendation & Approval:** The panel recommends awards to Foundation leadership for final approval. 7. **Notification:** Organizations not recommended for funding may reapply after three years. --- ## Additional Information - Larger grants are awarded to organizations that strongly align with the four CEA attributes: equity, collaboration, connectivity, and relevance. - Organizations that have received prior support must reapply as new prospects; past support does not guarantee future funding. - Participatory grantmaking ensures community voices play a central role in funding decisions. --- ## External Links - [CEA Grant Guidelines & Application](https://www.macfound.org/programs/enduring-commitments/chicago-commitment/culture-equity-art/grant-guidelines) - [Chicago Commitment Program Strategy](https://www.macfound.org/programs/chicago/strategy/) - [Field Foundation ART Program (for budgets under $1M)](https://fieldfoundation.org/generalguidelines/art) - [2025 CEA FAQ (PDF)](https://www.macfound.org/media/article_pdfs/2025-cea-faq.pdf) - [MacArthur Foundation Grants – Info for Grantseekers](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [cea@macfound.org](mailto:cea@macfound.org) | | Foundation Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 |

Culture, Equity, and the Arts Grant Guidelines

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