How to Apply for the Creative Schools Fund
Creative Schools Fund grants go directly to schools to support Ingenuity’s mission to ensure that every student, in every grade, in every Chicago Public School, has access to high quality arts as part of a well-rounded education.
The 2026-27 Creative Schools Fund will include grants in support of arts partner in-school residencies, and new opportunities for all CPS arts teachers to request support for special projects.
Applications for the 2026-27 Creative Schools Fund will open and guidelines outlining full program details will become available on August 17. The deadline to apply for programs taking place March – June 2027 is September 25, 2026.
Sign up for an Info Session to learn more:
- Thursday, August 20 from 4:00 – 5:30pm
- Thursday, August 27 from 4:00 – 5:30pm
- Monday, September 14 from 4:00 – 5:30pm
Creative Schools Fund Timeline
| TIMELINE | |
| August 17, 2026 | Applications open and guidelines become available |
| August 20, 2026, 4 – 5:30pm | CSF Information Session #1 (zoom) This session will be recorded. |
| August 27, 2026, 4 – 5:30pm | CSF Information Session #2 (zoom) |
| September 14, 2026, 4 – 5:30pm | CSF Information Session #3 (zoom) |
| September 17, 2026 | Ingenuity Fall Summit |
| September 25, 2026 | School application deadline
School must submit an application by this deadline in order for arts partner application to be considered |
| October 2, 2026 | Partner application deadline |
| Late December 2026 | Grant Decisions Communicated |
| February 2027 | Funds transferred |
| March 2027 – June 2027 | Program/Project Implementation |
| June 11, 2027 | Grant Report Due |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for a Creative Schools Fund Partnership Residency grant, schools and arts partners must meet the following criteria:
Schools
- Must be a district-managed or non district-managed Chicago Public School.
- Creative Schools Survey must be completed by a school’s arts liaison.
- There must be a principal nominated Arts Liaison at the school.
- Schools must complete all reporting requirements for prior Creative Schools Fund grants.
Arts Partners
- If working with a CPS district managed school(s), arts partners must have an active vendor ID number and be in good standing with CPS Procurement.
- Arts Partner must complete supplier attestation when asked by CPS Procurement.
- artlook® profiles must be up-to-date and complete.