Illinois Humanities

Foreground Rural Initiative Grants

The Foreground Rural Initiative offers grant funding and capacity-building for partners in rural Illinois communities and small towns. These unrestricted grants support local nonprofits, public institutions, artists, cultural workers, and others who work to keep their communities creative and connected. The program provides funding to organizations and individuals involved in community-building and cultural work in rural regions. Organizations can receive up to $10,000 while individuals can receive up to $5,000 in unrestricted funds. Eligible recipients include nonprofit organizations, public libraries, civic groups, arts collectives, individual civic and cultural workers, educators, artists, and archivists. The initiative emphasizes bringing people together from across generations, ethnic differences, and disciplines to explore history, imagine vibrant civic futures, and experience art and culture together. Grantees must demonstrate a commitment to their community, civic engagement, historically under-resourced groups, and collaboration with partners and peers.