COMPONENT 1: PROGRAM GUIDELINES WITH REVIEW CRITERIA

1. Mission and Purpose - The Macoupin Art Collective (The MAC) is dedicated to providing "Art to All." Supported through the Regional Arts Partner (RAP) program of the Illinois Arts Council (IAC), our local micro-grant program provides funding ranging from $500 to $2,500 to empower individuals, grassroots groups, and small organizations to bring creative, arts-focused projects to life. This program aims to dismantle systemic barriers to arts funding by evaluating applications based on community heart, feasibility, and local impact.

2. Open Access & Membership Policy - This grant program is strictly open to the general public. Applicants DO NOT need to be members, donors, students, or affiliates of The Macoupin Art Collective to apply or receive funding. All applications are evaluated under identical objective criteria regardless of prior alignment with The MAC.

3. Geographic Service Area & Residency - 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.

4. Core Eligibility and Requirements

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

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

• Project Timeline: All funded activities must occur and be completed by August 31, 2027.

• Application Fee: There is an absolute $0 fee to apply.

• Funding Disclosures: 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.

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST. 

• Subgrantees must display the current IAC & The Macoupin Art Collective logo and text credit on all promotional materials.

5. 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.

6. Objective Review Criteria - Our local advisory panel evaluates all applications using a standardized, objective rubric scored out of 100 total points:

• Community Impact & Mission Alignment (40 Points): How clearly does the project champion "Art to All"? Does it actively reach underserved, rural, or isolated populations (low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, or youth)?

• Project Feasibility & Budget Clarity (30 Points): Is the project plan realistic? Is the timeline logical, and does it demonstrate a clear plan to complete the project with the funds requested or an established plan to accrue remaining funds?

• Inclusivity & Accessibility (30 Points): Is the public component easily accessible to community members, making reasonable efforts to include people with disabilities?