Neighborhood Access Program (NAP)

DCASE is now accepting 2024 NAP Idea Submissions.

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.

See below for links to information about previous grantees and their projects!

2023 Grantees

2022 Grantees

2024 Neighborhood Access Program Guidelines (PDF)

2024 Neighborhood Access Program Application

Idea Submission deadline is Friday, May 17 at 5pm Central

There are three ways that you can share your idea with us. You can either:

1) Narrative: Provide a brief written description of your idea.
2) Recording: Provide a 5-minute video or audio recording describing your idea. (Video does not need to be highly edited. iPhone videos are fine!)
3) PDF/JPEG file upload: Provide a PowerPoint or other presentation with images and text describing your idea.

We want to hear about:

•  Why you want to do this project
•  What you hope to accomplish
•  Who will be involved
•  When and where it might take place

If you need assistance in another language, and/or if you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to apply please contact culturalgrantmaking@cityofchicago.org before the deadline for assistance.

2024 NAP Program Info Sessions

The DCASE Cultural Grants team is excited to offer virtual info sessions for anyone interested in submitting an idea. The info sessions will give an overview of the NAP program, review what is needed to apply (not a lot) and give a brief introduction to the online application system.

Recorded Webinar: Wednesday, April 24, 2:00 – 3:00pm  View Recording

In-Person:

Tuesday, May 7, 2:30 – 4:30pm
The Miracle Center
5454 W. Diversey Ave
Chicago, 60639

Thursday, May 9, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Chicago Public Library – Vodak-East Side
3710 E. 106th St.
Chicago, 60617

Friday, May 10, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Chicago Public Library – West Englewood
1745 W. 63rd St.
Chicago, 60636

Office Hours

DCASE Grants Team members will be onsite at the Chicago Cultural Centerto answer any questions about the Neighborhood Access Program and help folks apply. No appointment or RSVP necessary. Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Monday, May 13, 12:00 – 2:00pm

Tuesday, May 14, 12:00 – 2:00pm

Wednesday, May 15, 3:00 – 5:00pm

Thursday, May 16, 3:00 – 5:00pm

Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St. Room 408
Chicago, 60602

Eligibility Criteria

Projects must have these elements:

•  Projects must have a primary goal to serve residents of a specific neighborhood or community.

•  Projects must engage neighborhood residents as participants or audiences between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025.

•  Lead applicant’s primary residence/address must be in the neighborhood where this engagement will take place.

The following entities may apply for a Neighborhood Access Program 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).

Timeline*

* Subject to change