Deadline: 1 October 2025
Illinois Humanities is now inviting applications for its Activate History Microgrants Program.
Microgrants support individuals and small organizations that invite the public to experience collections of local and regional history. From archives and texts to stories and photography, they support stewards of history so that they can teach and enlighten their communities and impart the value of archives.
Funding Information
- Grants awards are $750.
- Optional Accessibility Fund: An additional stipend of $150 for services such as American Sign Language interpretation or captioning to help make events more accessible to everyone.
- Optional Media Fund: An additional stipend of $100 for services such as documentation, photography, videography, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any individual, nonprofit organization in good standing, or public institution (e.g., school, government institution, library, museum, or church) can apply.
- The applicant, the history you are engaging with, or the audience engaged should be focused in Illinois.
- Priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of less than $400,000.
- Be up-do-date on reporting for any previous grants from Illinois Humanities.
General
- The event or activity must happen a minimum of eight weeks after the application is submitted.
- Programs can be held virtually, in person, or a hybrid format.
- Funds should support interpretation, dialogue, and attracting attention to local collections, texts, and stories of regional significance.
- Funds can be used for research and digitization provided they are part of an engagement strategy.
Requirements
- Help them to promote your event by sharing details and materials.
- Document your funded activity with photography and written reflection.
- Complete a final grant report form about their funded activity and its outcome.
For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.
