We Will Chicago

Hello Members: ​This summer Mayor Lightfoot released the draft We Will Chicago plan, the first comprehensive municipal plan since 1966. As a 10-year framework to enhance citywide equity and resiliency, the draft plan includes approximately 40 goals and 150 objectives to improve Chicagoans’ lives, especially individuals impacted by inequities in health, economic stability, neighborhood livability, and other systemic issues. Arts & Culture is one of the plan’s eight thematic pillars, and goals for the creative sector weave through the document, connecting with: Civic & Community Engagement; Economic Development; Environment, Climate & Energy; Housing & …

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The 2023 Miranda Family “Voces LatinX” National Playwriting Competition

NEW DEADLINE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022 (Timestamped) MISSION: The goals of The Miranda Family “Voces Latinx” National Playwriting Competition are to discover, develop, and promote Latine/Latinx plays and playwrights that explore every aspect of contemporary life from every corner the United States including Puerto Rico as well as histories that connect us to our homelands whether it originates in Mexican, Spanish, Caribbean, Central or South American tradition. We encourage underrepresented voices, Afro-Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTTQIA+ and Women from the community to participate as playwrights and or as judges. Through Voces LatinX, we hope to celebrate our community, its complex …

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Announcing the 2022 Powering the Arts Grantees

Press Release, September 15th, 2022 ComEd, League of Chicago Theatres Award $160,000 in Grant Funding to 18 Arts Organizations Across Northern Illinois Fifth annual Powering the Arts Grant Program expands access to arts and culture   CHICAGO (September15, 2022) — After two years of disruptions due to the pandemic, in-person performances and theaters are back in northern Illinois. To increase access to the arts in northern Illinois, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres today announced that they have awarded $160,000 in funding to local community arts organizations across the region. Through ComEd’s annual Powering the Arts …

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A Message from DCASE

Dear Performing Arts Community, We have spent the last several weeks compiling and digesting the great feedback offered by this community at the recent Performing Arts Convening. A summary of your feedback can be accessed/downloaded here. In response to what we heard, we also want to share information and resources related to DCASE programs, events, and services that connect back to the four main pillars that were identified as areas of interest that structured our discussions at the Convening: 1. Cultural grants program flyer that details eligibility and tentative 2023 program calendar …

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The Bayless Family Foundation Stepping Stone Grant

The Bayless Family Foundation is proud to announce their continued commitment to the sustainability of Chicago’s vital theatre community with the return of the Stepping Stone Grant. Stepping Stone grant recipients receive $150,000, awarded over three years, to aid the intentional growth and sustainability of the organization. Award of this multi-year grant was paused briefly during the pandemic as the Foundation sought to prioritize responsive giving through 14 Signal Grant Awards, intended to support theatres as they returned to the stage following long closures.  Applications are now open to all Chicago theatres. The Foundation …

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The Saints Grant Opportunity

9/30/22 (Appplication Deadline) – The Saints encourage theater, dance, and music organizations to apply for our grant assistance to be used for artistic development or production-related purposes. Budget requests for grants up to $5,000 will be considered for projects occurring from August 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023. Requesting organizations must be established as 501(c)(3) for a minimum of three years. The live Grant application link will be available here on September 1.Online applications will be accepted through September 30, 2022 at 11:59 pm. The Grants Guidelines & FAQs and Preview Application are now available for your review. Please review the specific requirements …

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Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation

9/19/22 (Application Deadline) – Looking to grow your board? Or looking for help with a specific area of expertise? From the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago School of Business: “Is your organization looking for strategic thinkers who can offer support in finance, marketing, crisis management, and more? Apply to one of the Rustandy Center’s nonprofit governance and strategy programs, which connect Booth MBA alumni and students with Chicagoland area nonprofits.” More info on the ALUMNI BOARD CONNECT PROGRAM. More info on the NET IMPACT BOARD FELLOWS PROGRAM.