2026 Application
The Sun Foundation, in collaboration with the Illinois Arts Council, awards Regional Arts Partners Grants each year, subject to grant approval. The program is funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and local matching funds.
We invite you to submit an application for granting funds. Artists, art organizations, non-profit groups, and organizations with public art programs in Marshall, Bureau, Woodford and Stark counties are eligible for grants up to $1,000, or more if funds allow.
The application may be duplicated for other prospective applicants or multiple applications and schools.
Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
All applications must be submitted digitally. We recommend using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete your application.
Grant Sponsorship Logos
Grant recipients must credit grant sponsorship in all promotional material and public notices.
Grantee Packet
For 2026 grantees, the grantee packet includes a cash request form, due upon grant approval, and a program evaluation report, due within three weeks of program completion.
Grant Review Process
Application Guidelines
Sun Foundation Regional Arts Partners Grants can be used for artist’s fees, art supplies, artist’s transportation and software to be used directly for the art project. Artist fees are a top priority.
Projects must be for individual artists, art organizations, non-profit groups and schools with projects and programs that are presented from February 1–August 31, 2026.
Grant Exclusions
Grant funds cannot be used for projects or programs where artists are not the primary focus. Grants cannot be used to support fundraising projects, benefits, political activities, lobbying, receptions or other social functions. Grant funds will not be awarded for capital expenditures, alcoholic beverages, construction, permanent equipment, funding for out of state touring, academic study, scholarships, or operation deficit funding. All projects must have a public community service emphasis to be funded. No application will be accepted past due.
Grant Review
For grant approval, applicants must support Illinois artists, share community impact, and serve the underserved.
Reviewing is based on a 1 to 5 point system, 5 being the highest point rating. If applications exceed available funds, grants with the highest rating and priority number will receive funding.
review criteria
Artists supported
Program timeline
Community impact
Financial need
Minority populations served