Regional Art Partners 2027 Micro-Grant Program

Overview & Mission

The Macoupin Art Collective is providing funding through the Regional Arts Partner (RAP) program of the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) to empower individuals, groups, and organizations to bring arts-focused projects to life. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 with an absolute $0 application fee.

Good news: you don’t have to be a MAC regular to apply!

This grant is open to the entire community—whether you’re a member, donor, student, longtime supporter, or someone who’s never set foot in The MAC before. Everyone starts on equal footing, and every application is reviewed using the same objective criteria, regardless of your previous connection (or lack thereof!) with The Macoupin Art Collective. So if you have a creative idea worth bringing to life, we want to hear it!

Eligibility and Requirements

  • In compliance with state arts policies, individual applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of application.

  • To be eligible for funding, the applicant must be an official Illinois resident, and the proposed project must take place entirely within Macoupin County or Montgomery County

  • Every funded project must include a public presentation or community service component that is open to the general public.

  • All funded activities must occur and be completed by August 31, 2027

  • There isn’t one! It’s totally free to apply.

  • Applicants are required to disclose if they have applied directly to the IAC or any other state Regional Art Partner agency for funding for this exact same project.

Dates to Remember

  • October 1, 2026: Applications open and can be filled out online or downloaded to be filled later

  • October 15, 2026 (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): In-person Public Application Workshop at The MAC

  • November 5, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Drop-in Technical Support & Budget Assistance Session at the mac

  • November 30, 2026 (5:00 PM): Application Deadline

  • January 5, 2027: Award Notifications sent

Ineligible Expenses (What We Cannot Fund)

In accordance with state funding rules, micro-grant funds cannot be used for:

  • Permanent capital improvements, construction, or brick-and-mortar facility renovations.

  • Purchase of permanent equipment costing over $500 per grant.

  • The purchase, service, or distribution of alcoholic beverages.

  • Political activities, lobbying, political campaigns, or partisan fundraisers.

  • Out-of-state touring or travel.

  • Subsidizing an individual’s academic study or degree-granting programs.

  • Fundraisers, benefits, receptions, or functions where the arts and artists are not the primary focus.

  • Paying off the balance of an organization's previous operating deficit.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Submissions are scored on a 100-point rubric:

  • Community Impact & Mission Alignment (40 Points): Focus on reaching rural, low-income, senior, youth, or disabled populations.

  • Project Feasibility & Budget Clarity (30 Points): Realistic timeline and practical budget plan.

  • Inclusivity & Accessibility (30 Points): Public accessibility and accommodation efforts.

Application form coming soon!