CHICAGO, IL – March 29, 2016 – Illinois Humanities (IH) Board of Directors has awarded a total of $35,171 to 8 nonprofit organizations across Illinois for development and production of public humanities projects. The grantees are:
· Enhancing social media marketing – Hektoen Institute Nurses and Humanities Group ($2,000) Funding to support social media outreach for an initiative using the humanities to foster healing.
· RiverStages Education Series – River Action ($5,000) Funding to integrate more participatory arts and humanities content into an established education series.
· Passing The Bronze Torch – Community TV Network ($5,000) Funding to support a youth documentary and walking tour exploring 100 years of black migration to the Bronzeville neighborhood.
· We Want Harold! – Media Process Educational Films ($5,000) Funding for a documentary examining the election, political career and legacy of Harold Washington.
· Enhancing the museum visitor’s experience – Effingham County Museum ($3,171) Funding for production of videos on artifacts in the permanent collection to enhance the visitor experience.
· General Support – Illinois State Historical Society ($5,000) Funding to create lesson plans around the Illinois bicentennial, develop an Illinois history page on the society’s website, producing a “This Day In History” program for media outlets and collaborating with the Illinois History Fair.
· The Orange Story: A Cinematic Digital History Project – Full Spectrum Features ($5,000) Funding for a documentary and digital history project telling the history and legacy of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
· Real Chi Youth Community Based Reporting – Free Spirit Media ($5,000) Funding for Free Spirit Media’s advanced civic journalism program on Chicago’s South and West sides.
Any nonprofit group, organization or institution is eligible for financial support from Illinois Humanities. IH funds public projects in the humanities, including documentary films, local and community history projects, literary symposia, oral history, and other projects. Smaller nonprofits can apply for technical assistance grants. The deadline for the next application cycle is May 15, 2016.
Potential applicants may review and download grant applications and guidelines by visiting https://www.ilhumanities.org/grants. Please call 312.374.1555 or send an email to mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org. Illinois Humanities program officers are available for consultations, and new applicants are encouraged to contact program officers for grant advice.
About Illinois Humanities
Illinois Humanities is an independent, nonprofit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, with a mission to strengthen society by fueling inquiry and conversation about the ideas and works that shape our culture. 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.
Media Contact:
Elliot Heilman, Communities Manager, Illinois Humanities
Elliot.heilman@ilhumanities.org