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Activate History Microgrants

Guild Literary Complex Of Poetry Protest Amiri Baraka 1536x1053
Amount

$750

For

Individuals, Organizations, and Public Institutions

Open

Jan 21, 2025
9:00am

Deadline

Oct 1, 2025
5:00pm

Microgrants support individuals and small organizations that invite the public to experience collections of local and regional history. From archives and texts to stories and photography, we support stewards of history so that they can teach and enlighten their communities and impart the value of archives. This program is designed to be accessible with a quick turnaround; the grant cycle opens once per year and remains open until October 1 or when funds are expended.

Hero Activate History 0823

Friends of the Viking Ship used an Activate History Microgrant to host engagements with the historical artifact in Geneva.

I Do by Jevoid Simmons Genesea Public Library Underground Railroad Program

The Geneseo Public Library used its grant to produce an event with author and artist Jevoid Simmons about the Underground Railroad in Geneseo. (Pictured: "I Do" by Jevoid Simmons) 

Contact Us

Mark Hallett
Director of Grants Programs

Grantee Partner Spotlight

BCP HERO IMAGE 1000048359

Black Cornerstones Project

Grantee Partner Spotlight: Black Cornerstones Project

Black Cornerstones Project received an Illinois Humanities grant to present their collection of oral histories about residents of the Calumet Heights neighborhood. Learn more about this project, the organization, and its founder, Shani Smith.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Funders