Creative Schools Fund (CSF)
The Creative Schools Fund provides grants to schools to support increased access to a high quality arts education for every student in every grade through teacher-led arts programs in Chicago Public Schools. The Fund is the largest philanthropic investment for the arts directly into schools each year. It is a unique public-private partnership between Ingenuity, Chicago Public Schools, and the City of Chicago.
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$24M+
Invested in CPS Schools since 2013-14
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800,000+
Students Impacted
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1,500+
Competitive Grants Awarded
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460+
Schools Awarded
Funding That Meets Schools Where They Are
Creative Schools Fund grants are available to Chicago Public Schools that have earned a Creative Schools Certification and want to expand or deepen their arts programming. These grants are school-led and equity-driven, supporting schools at every stage of their arts education journey, including:
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Teaching artist residencies
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Interdisciplinary arts integration
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Equipment, materials, and space improvements
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Creative learning strategies and professional development
Simple, Supportive, School-Friendly Grants
View last year's guidelines. To Apply:
Complete your Creative Schools Survey
Find an arts partner on artlook and confirm that they are an active CPS vendor if you are applying for a district-managed school.
Collaborate with your arts partner and team to identify funding priorities and develop program plans.
Apply online during our annual application window at the beginning of the school year.
Receive funding and start bringing your creative vision to life!
Need help? Contact us for guidance, and 1-on-1 support in submitting a strong application.
Participatory Grantmaking at the Creative Schools Fund
Empowering Arts Education Through Equity, Expertise, and Community Voice
As the largest direct investment in arts education for Chicago Public Schools, the Creative Schools Fund is committed to advancing equity through a bold, community-centered approach to grantmaking. Our funding decisions are made through a participatory grantmaking process—open, transparent, and grounded in the lived experiences of the very communities we serve. At the heart of this process is a diverse review committee made up of educators, arts practitioners, teaching artists, experts, and community leaders. These individuals reflect the cultural, racial, and artistic diversity of Chicago’s students and neighborhoods, bringing an inclusive perspective to every decision.
Representation Across the Arts Ecosystem
Our reviewers represent every arts discipline and span a wide range of experience—from emerging professionals to seasoned leaders. Their collective insight ensures that every application is reviewed thoughtfully and fairly, with equity as the guiding principle. To maintain the integrity of the process, all review committee members sign a consultancy agreement and are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Each grant proposal is independently reviewed by three committee members, who assign preliminary scores before convening to discuss and recommend a final slate of grants.
Creative Schools Fund: Fueling Arts Education, One Grant at a Time
The Creative Schools Fund (CSF) is transforming arts education in Chicago Public Schools by putting resources directly into the hands of teachers. This innovative initiative empowers educators to design and deliver vibrant, student-centered arts programs that spark creativity and enrich learning. With full transparency and a focus on equity, every CSF dollar is invested with purpose—supporting everything from essential supplies and artist residencies to student engagement projects and permanent arts spaces. Together, these grants are shaping a more inspiring and accessible arts education landscape across Chicago.
Prioritizing Schools with the Greatest Need
The Creative Schools Fund aligns with CPS’s Arts Education Plan and advances Ingenuity’s commitment to closing access gaps, especially in historically under-resourced schools.
We prioritize funding for schools with limited access to arts instruction, ensuring that every student—regardless of their neighborhood—has the opportunity to explore their creative potential.
11 Years of Supporting Arts Education in Chicago Public Schools Through the Creative Schools Fund
Ingenuity Chicago is excited to unveil its inaugural Creative Schools Fund (CSF) Impact Report, celebrating 11 years of transformative arts education investments in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) from 2013 to 2024. Ingenuity has been a driving force in reshaping arts education in CPS, investing over $21 million in schools since 2013. With more than 1,300 competitive grants reaching 740,000 students across 446 schools, Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund stands as the largest philanthropic investment in CPS arts education.
Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund (LAEF)
In 2021, Lollapalooza partnered with Ingenuity to launch the Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund, committing $2.2 million over five years to enhance arts education in CPS. Administered through the Creative Schools Fund, LAEF targets schools rated as "Developing" or "Emerging" in arts access. Learn MorePast Grantees
Since 2012, the Creative Schools Fund has supported teacher-designed and led arts partnerships within CPS schools. These programs often feature collaborations with community arts organizations and teaching artists, bringing the rich cultural resources of Chicago into its classrooms.
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2019-20
2019-20 Creative Schools Fund Grants
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2018-19
2018-19 Creative Schools Fund Grants
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2017-18
2017-18 Creative Schools Fund Grants
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2016-17
2016-17 Creative Schools Fund Grants
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2015-16
2015-16 Creative Schools Fund Grants
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2014-15
2014-15 Creative Schools Fund Grants
Hear from Our Community
Before this grant, there was no musical theater program at George Westinghouse College Prep. Thanks to Ingenuity’s support through the Creative Schools Fund, Porchlight Music Theatre provided a teaching assistant and a tech director, making it possible for our students to stage a full production—with sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. The multi-year funding has allowed us to make long-term investments in costumes, props, and set pieces. This grant hasn’t just introduced theater to our students—it’s built a lasting foundation for the future.”
— George Westinghouse College Prep, Multi-Semester Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund Grantee
Our partnership with Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, thanks to Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund, has been transformative for our band program. Their teaching artists provide focused, small-group instruction, offering students individualized, instrument-specific guidance they wouldn’t otherwise receive. These coaches are expert performers and educators who help students build confidence, refine their technique, and deepen their understanding of their instruments. Our partnership is a powerful way to enhance arts education and foster lasting musical growth.”
— Bernhard Moos Elementary School, Multi-Semester Creative Schools Fund Grantee
For years, our students asked for a tap program, but we didn’t have the resources—until we received support from Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund. Partnering with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, we introduced tap dance for the first time. Now, our students aren’t just learning a new art form—they’re gaining confidence by performing in front of others. This grant turned a long-standing dream into a reality.”
— Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School, Multi-Semester Lollapalooza Arts Education Fund Grantee
Ready to Apply?
Grant applications open annually in the fall. Check back to access the 2025-26 application at the beginning of the school year.