Cook County announces $790,000 in relief grants to suburban arts nonprofits

Cook County announces $790,000 in relief grants to suburban arts nonprofits (Cook County, IL) — Cook County government announced last week that $790,000 in grants were awarded to 100 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in suburban communities through the Grants Program Cook County Arts Relief Nonprofit.

Cook County Arts is a $5 million pilot arts initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The pilot project aims to mitigate the ongoing negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the suburban arts sector in the long term.

“Culture and creativity are essential elements in thriving communities. That’s why Cook County supports these vital organizations. They are essential community assets that foster human connections, joyful exchanges and innovative thinking,” said Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board Chair. “Suburban nonprofit arts organizations have not had access to important COVID recovery resources, and Cook County is proud to fill this gap for our local economy and cultural sector.

Eligibility for the program required applicants to have an active 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service as well as a certificate of good standing from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office; an official business address in suburban Cook; a primary mission to create, produce, present, offer or support artistic and cultural activities or services intended for the public; active operations before March 12, 2020; and total expenses of at least $20,000 in the fiscal year ending in 2019.

Grant amounts were based on an organization’s annual expenses in 2019: $5,000 for organizations with expenses between $20,000 and $100,000, and $10,000 for organizations with expenses above $100,000.

Recipients come from more than 30 suburban Cook County municipalities and represent a wide range of disciplines, from theater to dance, history to arts education, and more.

Some grantees have already identified areas where Cook County funds will have a major impact.

Martha Shuford, board president of the Big Noise Theater in Des Plaines, said the funds will be used to purchase necessary materials and equipment.

With a mission to “deepen the human connection between audience members, performing artists and creative staff by telling stories, sharing knowledge and fostering social inclusion,” Big Noise Theater’s history dates back at 50 years old.

“(This funding brings us) closer to our goal of being able to overhaul our microphone and sound system to continue to provide high-level entertainment to the Des Plaines community and spread the love of live theater!” » said Shuford.

The Trickster Art Gallery in Schaumburg will use this grant to keep its programming accessible. With a mission to increase the visibility of Native American traditions, the organization offers a range of programs including art exhibitions, cultural workshops, educational events and community gatherings.

“By providing a platform for Indigenous voices and fostering intercultural dialogue, Trickster plays a crucial role in celebrating and maintaining Indigenous traditions and knowledge. This funding will help us continue to offer camps to our youth and families without financial barriers for our families,” said Executive Director Gina Roxas.

The Cook County Office of Economic Development runs Cook County Arts, which focuses on suburban communities because artists and organizations in that area are not eligible for funding from the City of Chicago.

The application process for nonprofit relief grants opened in January 2024, officially starting arts programming in Cook County.

The county also plans to invest $2.3 million to launch a suburban placemaking program and continue to support the arts and culture sector.

By creating Cook County Arts, Cook County recognized that the arts and culture sector was among the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, and that organizations continue to face significant challenges due to the changing operational needs and declining revenues earned and contributed.

According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), after adjusting for inflation, the value added to the U.S. economy by performing arts centers, including festivals, fell by nearly 73% between 2019 and 2020 In Illinois, employment in the arts sector fell 12 percent during the same period.

The NEA also reports that the value added of performing arts organizations remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Cook County has partnered with Arts Alliance Illinois to create Cook County Arts. For the Nonprofit Relief Grants program, Arts Alliance Illinois conducted outreach to nonprofit organizations, hosted informational workshops, and provided technical assistance to applicants.

“We are excited to partner with Cook County to provide this needed support to cultural nonprofits in suburban Cook,” said Claire Rice, executive director of Arts Alliance Illinois. “We look forward to continuing our work with the county to build arts and cultural infrastructure and support mechanisms.”

Allies for Community Business served as grant administrator for the nonprofit’s relief grant effort.

For more information, including a complete list of grant recipients, visit the Cook County Office of Economic Development website or Cookcountyarts.org.

Cook County announces $790,000 in relief grants to suburban arts nonprofits