After the FAC adds a 25% cash match to the award, the total amount available for grants will equal $3900. These funds are designed to support artists and not-for-profits arts organizations in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carrol, Ogle and Lee counties. All eligible grant proposals are reviewed by a peer panel comprised of representatives from each of the five counties.

Community Arts Access grants are available for visual, musical, performing, literary and inter-disciplinary arts projects that provide community-based programming. Projects should employ artists from the northwest Illinois area. Projects or programs must make an effort to serve diverse and underserved audiences. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from a variety of sources. Eligible projects are those taking place between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.

For assistance with completing a grant application, grant writing workshops have been scheduled at the Freeport Art Museum for Friday, November 20th at 4:00 p.m and Thursday, December 3rd at 4:00 p.m.

Grant applications and guidelines are available for download from the Freeport Art Museum website at www.freeportartmuseum.org or can be requested by calling the museum at 815-235-9755. Completed proposals are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 12, 2009. Questions about the Community Arts Access grants may be directed to the Staff of the Freeport Art Museum at 815-235-9755.