Grant Cycle Guidelines

The Harper Court Arts Council (HCAC) supports organizations serving the Hyde Park and Kenwood communities. Grants are made in two focus areas: Arts and Culture, and Economic Development. Grants may be for general operations or special projects. Generally, grant amounts range between $2,000 and $10,000.

Please check back for 2026 applications, or sign up for our email notification.

Eligible grantees must meet one of the following criteria:
• Tax exempt organizations with a current 501(c)(3) public charity determination letter from the IRS
• Individuals who can demonstrate a literary, artistic, musical or teaching purpose behind their request
• Other organizations may be considered on a case by case basis.

Priority is given to organizations:
• Physically located within the geographic boundaries of Hyde Park and Kenwood; organizations not located in Hyde Park-Kenwood must show a minimum of a three year history of programs or services in the community prior to their request
• Provide educational and cultural programming and services to children, including programming in partnership with Hyde Park-Kenwood area schools*
• Stimulate economic development by promoting local businesses, job opportunities, or community organizations and events
• Promote the cultural and economic diversity of Hyde Park-Kenwood
• Promote cultural arts originating in the Chicago area, and preferably in Hyde Park-Kenwood

HCAC will not consider requests for:
• Activities attempting to influence legislation or to support candidates for public office
• Purchase of dinner or raffle tickets or advertising in dinner programs
• Research or survey projects
• Traveling exhibitions or performances not originating in the City of Chicago

Grant Cycle Timeline

Applications open July 15 to September 30
Applications close at midnight on September 30
Award Decisions will be announced during the Fourth Quarter 2026
Awards will be distributed during First Quarter 2027

* Regarding Requests from Hyde Park-Kenwood Area Schools:

All school partners must hold 501(c)(3) certification either directly as an organization, through Parents’ or Sustaining boards, or a parent not-for-profit corporation (CPS). Schools deemed to be within the Hyde Park-Kenwood geographic boundaries: Chicago Public Schools - Kenwood Academy, Bret Harte, Kozminski, Murray, Price, Ray, Reavis, Robinson, Shoesmith; Private Schools - Ancona, St. Thomas, Akiba-Schechter, and University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.

APPLY