The Evanston Arts Council gives financial support to local artists, arts organizations, and art projects through the following programs:. 

1. The Cultural Fund Grants

The Cultural Fund Grant Program is an annual granting program used to support the work of Evanston arts organizations and arts programming. The program uses general funds from the City of Evanston and is administered by the Evanston Arts Council. 

The 2026 Cultural Fund Grant application will open in late February and applications will be due April 1. Please check back here (or join the Cultural Arts Mailing list) to be informed when the application is open. More information can be found on the Cultural Fund Grant page.

Please note that due to federal guidelines, applicants to the Cultural Fund must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Other organizations and individuals may apply for the Special Projects Grants (see below).

2. The Special Projects Grant 

The Arts Council offers Special Projects Grants to support special projects, programs, events, or opportunities that arise during the calendar year that may not fit the criteria of the Cultural Fund program. These monies are allocated at the discretion of the Arts Council and are given on a first-come-first-serve basis throughout the calendar year until the fund is depleted.  

Please see the Special Project Grants Page for details, application and final report  requirements.