General Operating Grants

Illinois Humanities General Operating Grants provide unrestricted funding to humanities-based organizations in Illinois with annual budgets of $250,000 or less. These grants support organizations firmly rooted in the humanities, including cultural and ethnic organizations, museums, libraries, and consortiums. The program aims to broaden possibilities and increase access to the public humanities by empowering growth and sustainability through flexible funding that allows recipients to allocate resources wherever needed most. Up to 14 awards will be distributed, with approximately half going to Cook County-based organizations and half to organizations outside of Cook County. Recipients receive not only financial support but also invitations to networking events, access to the Illinois Humanities Grants Team for guidance, and opportunities to be featured in spotlight articles and connect with the statewide community of public humanities practitioners.