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 2026 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 first 2026 application deadline is February 27. Grant applications will be reviewed until the grant funds are exhausted.
Requests to support an event must be received by the deadline and at least two months prior to the event date.
Mini-Grant 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
Mini-Grants are designed to support:
- 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
Mini-Grants are not intended to provide ongoing and continual support for a specific activity, program, or event.
Grant Amounts
$500 – $2,500
Eligibility
Applications for a JCS Mini–Grant will be accepted from nonprofit charitable organizations that are:
- Public charities that serve DuPage County and are classified as exempt from federal income taxes under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- DuPage County governmental agencies
An organization is eligible to receive one JCS Fund Mini-Grant. 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 grantee portal. The 2026 application deadlines are February 27, April 24, June 26, August 28, and October 30. Grant applications will be reviewed until the grant funds are exhausted.
Requests to support an event must be received by the deadline and at least two months prior to the event date.
February 27 – events scheduled after April 27
April 24 – events scheduled after June 24
June 26 – events scheduled after August 26
August 28 – events scheduled after October 28
October 30 – events scheduled after December 30
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, population and number of residents served, and community engagement.
Additional Resources
For more information regarding our grant opportunities, you can visit our nonprofit resources page or contact Laura Timmerberg, program officer, with questions.
