Press Release

ILLINOIS HUMANITIES COUNCIL AWARDS MINI GRANTS TO SEVEN LOCAL NONPROFITS

Next Major and Mini Grant proposals due July 15, 2008

CHICAGO –The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) Board of Directors has awarded a total of $16,000 in Mini Grants to seven nonprofit organizations for development and production of public humanities projects.

Funded projects include a series of poetry and music by Latin American women in Chicago, a young filmmakers project in Evergreen Park, and publications about the historic Lincoln-Douglas Jonesboro Debate in Union County.

Community support for these projects totaled $127,692. The seven projects, sponsoring organizations, and grant amounts are listed below:

  • The Bronzeville Cultural Festival, Third World Press Foundation, Chicago ($2,500)
  • Poetry and Music By Latin American Women, CUBE Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, Chicago ($2,500)
  • Represent! Exploring Identity Through History and Culture, Street-Level Youth Media, Chicago ($2,500)
  • Young Filmmakers, Evergreen Park Public Library, Evergreen Park ($2,000)
  • African-American Heritage in the Midwest, New Philadelphia Association, Griggsville ($2,500)
  • Naperville Cultural Center, Summer Art Around the World Intensive, Naperville ($2,000)
  • Publications for Lincoln-Douglas Jonesboro Debate Sesquicentennial, Promoting Appreciation for Structural Treasures, Union County ($2,000)

July 15, 2008 is the next IHC deadline for Major and Mini Grant proposals. Potential applicants may review and download grant applications and guidelines by visiting www.prairie.org/Grants. 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.

The IHC puts a priority on funding projects developed by, for, or aimed at reaching new or historically neglected audiences. These include but are not limited to residents of rural communities, men and women with little formal education, inner city or other underserved youth (in after school or weekend programs), people who are economically disadvantaged, or the elderly. The IHC especially invites applications from organizations that serve these communities and strongly encourages other applicants to extend their programs to include such audiences. The IHC also encourages applications for projects about American history and culture.

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 a nonprofit educational organization [501 (c) 3] dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Organized in 1973 as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.

D A R E T O K N O W
# # #