Exposure to the arts is vitally important for the health of our communities. Coming together to share a cultural offering is a way to cultivate community and achieve social connection, which inspires and uplifts us all. Arts and culture should be accessible to everyone. Through this program, ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences that have otherwise been unable to access the richness of cultural offerings throughout the ComEd service area.
Experiences in the arts increase creativity across the spectrum of human endeavor. Each experience provides audiences with further opportunities for interaction, whether they are inspired to educate themselves further about the topic, create a work of art themselves, or perhaps to attend another event. Each exposure enhances the quality of life for the audiences but can also change lives in profound ways.
Recognizing that access to art is crucial to the quality of our lives, ComEd has partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres to support cultural institutions in northern Illinois in their efforts to reach new and diverse audiences. The ComEd Powering the Arts program has been designed to assist local institutions in these efforts by providing funding for some expenses toward these goals (grant awards of $20,000 and up to $10,000).
Eligible applicants are nonprofit arts and cultural institutions that are located within ComEd’s service territory and must be in good standing with ComEd related to provision of utilities. Organizations currently receiving funding from ComEd or organizations that were awarded the Powering the Arts grant in 2024 or 2025 are not eligible for the 2026 cycle. Schools, school districts, governments, and government-run organizations are not eligible to apply.
Before applying, please check ComEd’s service territory map to ensure your proposed project is located within the service territory boundaries. We are unable to fund projects that are located outside the service territory boundaries. Please also download and read the full program guidelines before completing your application.
Important Dates:
Grant Cycle Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. CST
Application Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CST
Download 2026 ComEd Powering the Arts Guidelines HERE
APPLY HERE
Read About the 2025 Grant Recipients: 21 Northern Illinois Arts Organizations Awarded Grants from ComEd and League of Chicago Theatres.
Read About the 2024 Grant Recipients: 18 Northern Illinois Arts Organizations Awarded Grants from ComEd and League of Chicago Theatres.