Press Release

ILLINOIS HUMANITIES COUNCIL AWARDS MINI GRANTS

Applications for next round of mini grants due January 15, 2007

Applications for next round of major grants due February 15, 2007

CHICAGO –The Illinois Humanities Council Board of Directors has awarded a total of $18,546 to nine nonprofit organizations for development and production of public humanities projects. Funded programs include a literature reading and discussion program for men in a residential treatment program seeking to end their dependence upon drugs or alcohol (Urbana); an exhibition and series of public programs on the history of baseball in Central Illinois, including a film about Jackie Robinson and a lecture on the physics of baseball (Mahomet); and a symposium and series of post-show discussions related to environmental issues that will complement a dance piece dealing with the issue of global warming (Chicago).

Matching community support for these projects totaled $141,609. A list of grants and the organizations that are sponsoring these programs are listed below:


  • Heat and Life-Humanities Programs, Links Hall, Chicago ($2,000)
  • Remodeling the Tower of Babel: The Translator’s Role in a Shrinking World, Caxton Club of Chicago, Chicago ($2,000)
  • The 12th Annual Chicago Asian American Showcase, The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM), Chicago ($2,500)
  • Two Countries—One World: Lithuanian and American Short Film, Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, Chicago ($2,000)
  • Great Jazz Music: From Its Origins in New Orleans to the Current Chicago Scene, Music Arts School, Highland Park ($2,500)
  • South Suburban Archeological Society Lecture 2007, South Suburban Archeological Society, Homewood ($1,800)
  • A Whole ‘Nother Ball Game: Baseball in Central Illinois, Early American Museum, Mahomet ($2,000)
  • Peoria Reads! 2007, Common Place Family Learning Center, Peoria ($2,500)
  • SAFE House Reading Group, SAFE House, Urbana ($1,246)

The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) invites nonprofit organizations to apply for its next cycle of mini grants of up to $2,500 by its January 15, 2007 deadline. The deadline for the next cycle of major grants (up to $10,000) is February 15, 2007. Any non-profit group, organization, or institution is eligible to apply for financial support from the Illinois Humanities Council for a public project in the humanities, including documentary films, local and community history projects, literary symposia, and oral history projects. Mini Grants are restricted to organizations with annual budgets under $1 million dollars or organizations applying for new or experimental programs. The IHC makes it a priority to fund projects developed by, for, or aimed at reaching new or historically neglected audiences. The IHC also encourages applications for projects about American history and culture.

Potential applicants may review and download grant applications and guidelines by visiting www.prairie.organd clicking on “Educational Programs and Grants.” Copies of the grant information may also be requested by calling 312.422.5580 or by sending an email to ihc@prairie.org. IHC program officers are available for consultation at this number as well, and new applicants are encouraged to seek consultation and submit a draft proposal prior to the final deadline.

For further information about the IHC or the grants program, please contact us at 312.422.5580 or visit our website at www.prairie.org.

The Illinois Humanities Council is an educational organization dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Through its programs and grants, the IHC promotes greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Organized as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1973, the IHC is now a private nonprofit (501 [c] 3) organization that is funded by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; by the Illinois General Assembly; and by the NEH.

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