General Program

Arts and Culture in Chicago

Support for arts and cultural organizations in Chicago and the region is an expression of civic commitment to the place where the Foundation has its headquarters and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur made their home. Grants are designed to help sustain the cultural life of the city and region.

Arts and culture grants to organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less are made through a special fund at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; grants to organizations with annual budgets between $500,000 and $2 million are made through the Prince Charitable Trusts.

Grants to arts and cultural organizations with annual budgets above $2 million are made directly by MacArthur. These grants are usually for multi-year general operating support. While the Foundation does not make grants to capital or endowment campaigns, it may occasionally make a grant in support of a special, time-limited project or initiative of an arts and culture organization.

A new $1 million International Connections Fund will support efforts by MacArthur's existing grantees in the Chicago area to increase their international connections.  Guidelines for the International Connections Fund.

FROM THE FIELD Chicago Theatres recognized by the Tony Awards Chicago Shakespeare Theatre will receive the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, honoring excellence in artistic achievement. Steppenwolf Theatre Company garnered seven Tony nominations for August: Osage County, including best play, best director, best leading actress, best featured actress, best set and best lighting design. Earlier this year, playwright Tracy Letts was awarded the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for August. The Tony Awards will be held June 15 at Radio City Music Hall. (5/19/08)  More From the Field