The Illinois Humanities Vision Grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations seeking to enhance their capacity through planning, evaluation, and diversity, accessibility, and equity initiatives. These grants support organizations in conducting research, developing workshops, and implementing strategies that help them make a positive and sustainable impact. The funding enables organizations to strengthen their internal structures and external programs while prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in their operations.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in good standing or have a fiscal sponsor. Organizations or projects must be Illinois-based, and priority is given to those with an annual budget of $1 million or less. Applicants must be up to date on reporting for any previous Illinois Humanities grants. However, organizations currently holding an open Vision, Action, or General Operating grant are not eligible to apply. The program aims to support planning efforts for organizations that wish to expand public humanities programming, target new audiences, or implement interactive digital tools. The funding can also be used for succession planning and capacity-building initiatives.

The Vision Grant provides up to $2,000 in funding. Additionally, organizations may apply for optional stipends to support accessibility and media-related expenses. The Accessibility Fund provides an extra $150 for services such as American Sign Language interpretation or captioning, while the Media Fund offers a $100 stipend for documentation, photography, or videography. Organizations may use the funding to collaborate with consultants for research, training, or evaluation development, as well as to host workshops or conduct audience surveys.

The 2025 grant cycle opens on January 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM, and the deadline for submissions is March 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The review process typically takes about eight weeks, after which funding notifications are sent to applicants. Grant funds are issued two to three weeks after Illinois Humanities receives a signed grant agreement. Organizations should plan their project timelines accordingly, as funded activities should not begin until ten weeks after the deadline. A final report is required within 30 days of completing the grant period.

Illinois Humanities, which administers this grant, is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Illinois General Assembly through the Illinois Arts Council, and private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. As a funder, Illinois Humanities seeks to learn alongside its grantees, supporting their organizational development while fostering stronger and more equitable humanities initiatives.

For more information, applicants can contact Mark Hallett, Director of Grants Programs, at communitygrants@ilhumanities.org or by phone at (312) 422-5586. Additional inquiries can be directed to Illinois Humanities' offices in Chicago at Suite 650, 125 South Clark St., Chicago, IL 60603, or in Edwardsville at 600 Troy Road, N4, Room 207, Edwardsville, IL 62025.