2025 Public Art Grant Program

The purpose of the Waukegan Arts Council (WAC) 2025 grant program is to promote art in Waukegan. Grants will be awarded to projects which support high-quality public art experiences, encourage artistic expression, energize public participation, and promote cultural appreciation for our diverse community. 

There is no minimum or maximum grant amount. Applicants are advised that WAC is interested in supporting as many programs as possible over a wide range of genres. Applicants are encouraged to seek a variety of funding from a wide range of sources and not to rely on WAC for the entire budget of its program or for ongoing expenses. 

Preference will be given to applicants who show multiple sources of funding. Ongoing or repeat events should demonstrate an ability to continue independent of grant funds.

The total funding for the WAC 2025 grant program is $5000, which will be divided among the successful applicants.

Questions about the application process may be directed to waukeganartscouncil@gmail.com.

Criteria

  • Projects must take place within the City of Waukegan.

  • The project must primarily benefit residents of Waukegan.

  • The proposed project must encourage artistic awareness, public participation, and/or cultural arts appreciation.

  • The application must provide evidence of artistic merit.

  • The application must include a detailed budget for the project which is complete and accurate, which specifies how the grant fund will be used and which allocates adequate resources to the project.

  • The project must take place between June 15, 2025, and June 14, 2026.

  • The project must recognize the support of the Waukegan Arts Council.

  • Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.

Application Information

  • Applications will be available on and after April 10, 2025.

  • Download this page to plan your application.

  • A grant-writing workshop will be offered on April 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Three Brothers Theatre, 221 N. Genesee Street. RSVP to waukeganartscouncil@gmail.com.

  • All submissions must be received by May 31, 2025.

  • Grants will be announced and released no later than June 30, 2025.

How to Apply

  • Submit one grant application with narrative, budget, and support material.

  • All application material must be submitted as a PDF document (except supporting documents as described below) via the form below or by regular mail to Waukegan Arts Council, 39 Jack Benny Drive, Waukegan, Illinois 60087.

Guidelines

  • This is a competitive process, and projects or events are evaluated based on the applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility requirements and review criteria.

  • Projects that highlight our diverse community will be given additional consideration.

  • Applications will be reviewed and voted on by the WAC Board of Directors on at their June meeting.

  • The decision of the Board of Directors will be final and may not be appealed.

  • WAC reserves the right to allocate the funds to a specified portion of a project and/or event.

  • If the project/event is canceled or cannot be completed by its intended due date, unused funds must be returned to WAC for redistribution.

  • This grant cannot be used to pay salaries or benefits.

  • Funds will be released upon acceptance of the grant by the applicant, as demonstrated by the execution of a Grant Agreement.

  • If the funds intend to create or install something not on the applicant’s property, permission from the landowner or gallery must be included with the application.

  • The final program report will be due June 30, 2026.

  • The WAC must be acknowledged with its logo in all publications related to the funded activity.

  • The Waukegan Arts Council shall have the right to reproduce images used by the grant recipient for promotional purposes.

  • Each recipient must submit an IRS W-9 form so that the Waukegan Arts Council can issue an IRS 1099 income statement for the recipient’s tax records.

  • A recipient who does not submit a final report shall be deemed ineligible for any future WAC grant funding.

Additional Documents

Each document should be a PDF, except support materials like images may be submitted separately. The first two documents, Narrative and Budget, are required and must be submitted as a PDF.

1: Narrative (required)

The narrative should include the following:

  • Background: Provide a brief overview of your organization and/or self.

  • Descriptive Narrative: Provide a clear, detailed description of the proposed project or event. Describe what the proposed project or event is, when it will take place, and how the requested funds will be used.

  • Target Audience: Describe the target audience(s), how the proposed project or event will benefit the audience, how it will benefit the residents of Waukegan, and how you plan to target the audience.

  • Artistic/Cultural Merit: Describe evidence that the project or event will provide high artistic quality, merit, or community value.

  • Project Management: Describe your organization’s project management history and fiscal competence or describe your plan for ensuring appropriate financial accountability.

  • Support Materials: Please attach support materials (no more than five pages total). Support material may include, but not limited to photos of past events, images of proposed artwork, social accounts.

2: Budget (required)

Please attach the project budget, including anticipated expenses, income, and funding sources. The budget must also clearly state how the WAC funds will be used. Please be very specific.

3: Letters of Support

Letters of support are encouraged but are not required.

Applicants agree to the following:

I understand that the availability of Arts Council grants is based upon a variety of factors, including availability of funds, number of applicants, and compliance with grant guidelines.

By submitting this application, I agree to comply with all application guidelines.