Glenview Nonprofits Receive Arts And Culture Grants: Cook County

GLENVIEW, IL — Last month, Cook County announced $790,000 in grants have been awarded to 100 nonprofit arts and culture organizations in suburban communities, including four in Glenview. The grants came through the Cook County Arts Nonprofit Relief Grants program.

According to officials, Cook County Arts is a $5 million pilot arts initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The pilot focuses on mitigating the lingering negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the suburban arts sector in the long term. Grantees come from more than 30 municipalities throughout suburban Cook County and represent an array of disciplines, from theater to dance, from history to arts education, and more.

The Glenview nonprofits receiving grants include:

• Glenview Art League
• Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago
• Oil Lamp Theater
• Sejong Cultural Society

Grant award amounts were based on an organization’s annual expenses in 2019: $5,000 for organizations with expenses between $20,000 and $100,000, and $10,000 for organizations with expenses over $100,000.

"Culture and creativity serve as critical elements in thriving communities — that's why Cook County is supporting these vital organizations. They are essential community assets that foster human connection, joyful exchange and innovative thinking," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. "Suburban nonprofit arts organizations have not had access to significant COVID recovery resources, and Cook County is proud to fill this gap for our local economy and cultural sector."

To be eligible for the program, activists needed to be active 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service along with a certificate of Good Standing from the Illinois Secretary of State Office; an official business address in suburban Cook; a primary mission to create, produce, present, provide or support arts and culture activities or services for the public; active operations before March 12, 2020; and total expenses of at least $20,000 in the fiscal year ending in 2019.