JCS Arts, Health & Education
JCS Arts, Health & Education Grant Program
The JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund (JCS Fund) supports programs that enrich the lives of DuPage County residents through music, arts, culture, health, education, and other charitable efforts. Through the Visual Arts and Music Mini-Grant program, the JCS Fund aims to bring vibrant arts experiences to life across DuPage. These grants support local programs that spark creativity, foster engagement, and connect people to the power of the arts in meaningful ways.
Who’s Eligible: Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and local governmental agencies that primarily serve DuPage County residents. Please click below to learn more about individual program eligibility.
Grant Guidelines
Before starting an application, we recommend reviewing the full 2025 JCS Fund Visual Arts and Music Mini-Grant Guidelines for updated priorities and categories. Click or tap a section below for more information.
Application Due Date
Applications are accepted throughout the year. The remaining 2025 application deadline is October 31. Grant applications will be reviewed until the grant funds are exhausted.
Requests to support an event must be received by the deadline at least two months prior to the event date.
Program Goals
- To provide arts programs that benefit people in DuPage County
- To create excitement and engagement with the arts in the local community
Program Description
- Visual arts projects in any medium or related arts activities
- Examples of project types include exhibitions, pop-up galleries, community murals, master classes, art projects created by or for seniors, and cultural heritage projects
- General music programs that benefit children
- Instrumental music programs
Grant Amounts
$500 – $2,500
Eligibility
Applications for a JCS mini-grant will be accepted from nonprofit charitable organizations that are:
- Public charities classified as exempt from federal income taxes under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- DuPage County governmental agencies
- Primarily serve DuPage County residents (50% or more of total clients); or
- Provide services in facilities physically located in DuPage County; or
- Have a demonstrated presence such as an existing track record of programming with specific DuPage-focused outcomes, a DuPage-specific budget and board members located in DuPage.
- An organization can only apply for and receive one JCS Fund Mini-Grant in a calendar year. Receiving a mini-grant does not preclude an organization from applying for a DuPage Foundation Community Impact or Arts DuPage grant.
Application Process
The online application is available on the DuPage Foundation grant portal. The 2025 application deadlines are March 14, April 30, June 30, August 31, and October 31. Grant applications will be reviewed until the grant funds are exhausted.
Requests to support an event must be received by the deadline at least two months prior to the event date.
Review Criteria
Special consideration will be given to organizations that have not received funding from DuPage Foundation in the past. Other criteria for consideration include program/project goals, impact, artistic experience and skill, project finances, and community engagement.
Additional Resources
For more information regarding our grant opportunities, you can visit our nonprofit resources page or contact Laura Ernst, program officer, with questions.
