Grants Overview

Southern Arts Fund (SAF)

SAF is a grantmaking initiative of Artspace Southern Illinois, designed to support independent artists and arts-centered organizations across the region. We believe that arts education and programming are essential to building vibrant communities—and we’re here to help those efforts grow.

SAF is made possible through the Illinois Arts Council’s Regional Arts Partners program and is administered by Artspace Southern Illinois with generous funding support from the Illinois Arts Council, Funding Good Chaos, the City of Carbondale, and our dedicated donors.

For information and upcoming dates and submission opportunities, watch our Events Calendar, plus join our email list.

Our Mission

We offer flexible, reliable funding that helps recipients maintain stability, explore new ideas, and invest in their growth.

SAF exists to:

• Expand opportunities to discover and enjoy the cultural arts across Southern Illinois

• Support local creatives and arts organizations

• Promote collaboration between artists, nonprofits, and communities

What We Fund

We aim to be transparent about how we operate. We review proposals that meet our guidelines. Before submitting a proposal, we recommend that you carefully read our grant guidelines or attend one of our grantmaking workshops, which help applicants determine whether a grant is a good fit.

We provide multi-year general operating support to:

• Arts-centered organizations where art is integral to their mission

• Government agencies and educational institutions with strong arts programming

We also welcome proposals from individual artists living or working in the region

• All funded projects must include a strong community outreach component and be free and open to the public

Application Guidelines

For Individual Applicants

• Projects must demonstrate a strong public service or community outreach component

• SAF funds are not available for general operating support, academic programs, or professional development

• Budgets do not require a cash match

• Artists must submit samples representing their body of work

For Organizational Applicants

• Unincorporated organizations should contact us at info@artspace304.org before applying

• Organizations may only apply for SAF grants in support of their arts or cultural activities

• Organizations funded zero to two times must include a 25% cash match

• Documentation of nonprofit status is required

Ineligible Projects

• Projects already funded by the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA)

• Organizations affiliated with larger institutions (e.g., universities or schools) that are not independently governed

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Align with SAF’s mission to expand access to the arts in Southern Illinois

• Demonstrate fiscal and organizational health

• Meet nonprofit or residency requirements as outlined above

Review & Selection

A panel appointed by Artspace Southern Illinois’s Board of Directors reviews all SAF proposals to identify projects that best serve our region and communities. Special consideration is given to:

• Hiring Illinois-based artists

• Reaching underserved populations

• Involving the community in meaningful ways

• Supporting new and emerging artists

Evaluation Criteria

1. Proposal Quality

   • Clarity, preparation effort, and feasibility of the project

2. Pursuit of Excellence

   • Innovation, artistic merit, and potential to strengthen the applicant’s work

3. Community Impact & Need

   • Benefit to underserved groups, scale of impact, and long-term cultural development

4. Community Support

   • Local involvement, volunteer engagement, and visibility for regional artists

5. Dedication & Follow-Through

   • Documentation plans, publicity strategy, and readiness to complete the project

Submission Process

Timing

SAF applications open each fall

We encourage interested artists and organizations to prepare early and check back for exact dates.

• Applications must be submitted electronically during the open submission window.

• If you need access to a computer, please contact us at: info@artspace304.org or call: 618-457-5100 to arrange an appointment or visit a local public library with free computer access

• Applicants will be notified of their award status via email within approximately 30–45 days of the submission deadline

• Please note: approved projects may not be fully funded

Payments & Reporting Requirements

Grant payments are issued only after recipients sign and return the required Grant Agreement and Statement of Assurance forms. These documents are provided with the award notification.

• Organizational grants are payable to organizations only

• Final reports must be submitted within 30 days of project completion

• Failure to submit a final report may affect eligibility for future SAF funding

Have Questions or Need Help With Your Application?

We are here to help, please contact us at: info@artspace304.org and include in the subject line: GRANT FUNDING or GRANT HELP or call: 618-457-5100