New grant responds directly to educator feedback and expands funding opportunities for CPS arts teachers and schools.
CHICAGO (August 17, 2026) — Ingenuity is kicking off another Creative Schools Fund grant cycle with an exciting new opportunity for Chicago Public Schools arts educators. Applications are now open for two Creative Schools Fund grant opportunities: the signature Partnership Residency Grants and the new Arts Teacher Grants, a pilot designed in direct response to feedback from arts teachers.
The new Arts Teacher Grants reflect what educators shared in a 2026 survey for arts teachers and in ongoing conversations about the resources they need most to strengthen arts learning. Teachers told us they often know exactly what would make a difference for their students—from repairing instruments and upgrading equipment to funding field trips, performances, and creative projects—but those needs don’t always fit within a school’s regular budget.
Arts Teacher Grants were created to help fill that gap, giving arts teachers the flexibility to propose projects that respond to their students’ unique assets and priorities while strengthening arts access across CPS schools. The pilot also aligns with the goals of the CPS Arts Education Plan 2.0 to support and retain arts educators through targeted investments.
This work is made possible through the continued support of partners who believe in expanding arts education across CPS. We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund (LAEF), which has supported the Creative Schools Fund since 2021. This year, LAEF is renewing its partnership with a three-year, $1.1 million commitment to support Creative Schools Fund grants and help bring more arts opportunities to CPS students and teachers.
Two Grant Opportunities for SY27
Partnership Residency Grants
One application per school.
Our signature grant program will award approximately 70 grants of up to $10,000 to support multi-week arts partner in-school residencies.
Arts Teacher Grants
One application per arts teacher.
The new pilot will award approximately 70 grants of up to $5,000 for teacher-led arts projects, equipment and material upgrades, and other special projects that may not be supported through regular school budgets.
The new Arts Teacher Grants can support a wide range of projects that increase arts access and quality for students, including:
- Arts materials and supply upgrades or repairs
- Specialized arts equipment
- Approved software
- Field trips
- In-school performances
- Culminating performances or events
- Family and community engagement opportunities
- Curriculum resources
- Special projects such as school musicals or student art exhibitions
SY26-27 Creative Schools Fund grants cannot be used for out-of-school-time student programming, capital or facilities improvements, fundraising activities, food and beverages, general school supplies, or non-arts classroom materials.
Key Dates
August 17, 2026: Applications open
September 25, 2026: Applications due + Creative Schools Certification Survey deadline
October 2, 2026: Arts partner application form deadline
Late December 2026: Grant notifications sent to selected grantees
March–June 2027: Schools Implement projects
Completing the Creative Schools Certification Survey by September 25 is also an eligibility requirement.
The Creative Schools Fund continues to invest in arts education by supporting both school-community partnerships and educator-led innovation. With the launch of Arts Teacher Grants, this year’s grant cycle expands opportunities for teachers to bring creative ideas to life while ensuring more CPS students have access to high-quality arts experiences.
Applications and full grant guidelines are now available. We’re excited to see how CPS arts educators and schools will put these new opportunities into action. Apply by September 25, 2026.
