The 2025 Neighborhood Access Program (NAP) Idea Submission portal is now open.

Apply and learn more about the 2025 Neighborhood Access Program below.

The goal of this program is to support the cultural vitality of every Chicago neighborhood via grant programs and partnerships designed to be responsive to the complex needs of individual communities. This program will offer direct grants for all types of place-based arts and culture activities.

The DCASE Cultural Grants team is excited to provide a variety of opportunities to learn about the Neighborhood Access Program and receive application support.

Virtual Info Sessions
Join DCASE grant team members for an info session on the 2025 Neighborhood Access Program hosted on Zoom. Info sessions will give an overview of the NAP program, review what is needed to apply, and briefly introduce to the online application system. All info sessions will cover the same material.

• Monday, May 12 | 2:30-4:00 p.m. View Recording
• Wednesday, May 21 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. CT Register

If you have questions and are not able to access these virtual meetings, if you need assistance in another language, or if you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to attend or apply please contact CulturalGrantMaking@cityofchicago.org for assistance.

Webinars will be recorded and shared as a resource. Applicants do not need to attend a webinar to apply.

In-Person Sessions
DCASE staff will be available for general NAP questions and application support at various community locations. No appointment or RSVP necessary. Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

• Kusanya Café, 825 W. 69th St., Chicago, IL 60621 | Wednesday, May 14 | 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Chicago Cultural Center, Welcome Center, 1st Floor, 78 E. Washington St. | Wednesday, May 14 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Portage-Cragin Branch, Chicago Public Library, 5108 W. Belmont Ave. | Thursday, May 15 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Spanish language support available
• Chicago Cultural Center, Welcome Center, 1st Floor, 78 E. Washington St. | Tuesday, May 27 | noon – 2:00 p.m.

To be eligible to apply for NAP, the lead applicant must meet the following:

• Be an organization leading the project or the lead artist, producer or curator for the project.
• Must reside/be located in the city of Chicago with a valid street address (no P.O. Boxes)
• Must reside/be located in the neighborhood where the project will take place.
• Must be able to complete a grant contract with the City of Chicago.
• If applying as an individual, must be at least 18 years of age and able to receive grant funds as taxable income.

The following entities may apply for a NAP grant:

• Any nonprofit organization, Special Service Area (SSAs) or Chamber of Commerce with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, including religious institutions that provide significant services to the community that are non-religious in nature.
• National nonprofit organizations with a Chicago branch.
• Individual artists, cultural producers or curators.
• Individuals/collectives applying with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status.
• Low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs).

DCASE can only consider one idea submission per applicant.

Projects must have these elements:

• Must involve arts or cultural activities.
• Must have a primary goal to serve residents of a specific neighborhood or community. (not citywide or Chicago in general)
• Must take place in the same neighborhood where lead applicant’s current primary residence/address is located.
• Projects must engage neighborhood residents as participants or audiences between October 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026.

(Subject to change)