Performing Arts Program

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to strengthening communities and advancing the performing arts ecosystem, particularly within Chicago. Through its Performing Arts Program, the foundation invests in organizations that create meaningful artistic experiences that foster empathy, cultural understanding, and collective engagement. This Request for Proposals, titled Envisioning the Future: Holistic Resources for New Work Development, represents a pilot initiative designed to expand the foundation’s reach beyond its traditional focus areas and support a broader spectrum of performing arts disciplines including music, dance, theater, and multidisciplinary live performance. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support Chicagoland performing arts organizations in the creation, development, and eventual production of new, original works. The initiative is structured to encourage bold artistic vision and projects that respond to contemporary societal issues or imagine future possibilities. By funding new work that reflects the complexities of the present and aspirations for the future, the foundation seeks to elevate diverse voices, strengthen community connections, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable arts sector. Funding is distributed across two phases. Phase one focuses on the development and creation of new work, covering both artistic and administrative costs associated with early-stage production. In this phase, up to 30 organizations will be selected for further review, including virtual site visits, with up to 25 ultimately receiving grants. Phase two, scheduled for the foundation’s November 2027 grant cycle, supports the full production and marketing of the completed work. Organizations selected in phase one will be invited to apply for renewal funding to support the realization of their projects. Development grants are offered up to 150000 dollars, while production grants may reach up to 250000 dollars. All awarded funds must be expended within three years of the initial payment. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are headquartered in Chicago or the surrounding Cook County area. Organizations must primarily focus on the arts, maintain annual budgets of no more than 10000000 dollars, and demonstrate consistent production of performance work since January 1, 2023. Individual artists are not eligible to apply independently, nor are organizations that have received funding from the foundation’s Performing Arts program since that date. Projects must involve the creation of original work and cannot be adaptations or works already in the production stage. The application process requires submission through the foundation’s grant portal and includes detailed organizational and project information. Applicants must provide responses related to mission, organizational capacity, artistic vision, equity practices, and project goals, along with supporting documents such as budgets, financial statements, board and donor lists, and artist materials. The foundation evaluates proposals based on alignment with eligibility requirements, artistic merit, relevance to contemporary issues, organizational capacity, equitable compensation practices, and the potential to engage audiences through accessible programming. Completed applications are due by July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Initial selections are expected in early August 2026, with further review and virtual site visits conducted later that month. Final funding decisions will be announced in November 2026. The second phase of funding will open during the foundation’s November 2027 grant cycle, with invited applications from phase one recipients. This opportunity represents a significant investment in the future of performing arts in Chicago, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact.

Align project with themes of responding to current issues or envisioning the future; demonstrate strong organizational capacity and history of successful projects; emphasize equitable artist compensation and community accessibility; clearly connect project goals to community impact