Illinois Humanities
Mission
Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration.
Ruling year
1985
Principal Officer
Gabrielle H. Lyon PhD
Main address
125 S Clark St Ste 650
Chicago, IL 60603 USA
Formerly known as
Illinois Humanities Council
EIN
37-0971586
NTEE code
Arts, Cultural Organizations - Multipurpose (A20)
Humanities Organizations (A70)
Adult, Continuing Education (B60)
IRS filing requirement
This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.
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Communication
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
We champion a statewide humanities ecosystem by creating programs to address timely issues, amplifying statewide public humanities programs and practitioners with support and visibility, connecting organizations with one another and across diverse sectors, and promoting the importance of the humanities for our states wellbeing. The humanities are at the cutting edge of what people want: most Americans think arts and culture organizations can and should play a critical role in helping their communities by serving as an emotional outlet (83%), providing connection and learning (77%), and giving practical help (54%). In addition to strengthening civic fabric, humanities organizations in Illinois generate revenue and help fuel our economy, contributing $31.1 billion to Illinois economy in 2021.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
The Country and the City
The Country and The City brings rural and urban Illinoisans together to exchange ideas and foster mutual understanding. Through the arts and humanities, we discover new connections and bridge differences.
Envisioning Justice
Since 2017, Envisioning Justice has created free public arts and humanities programs in partnership with communities and people affected by the carceral system and provided grant funding for individuals, nonprofits, and collectives.
Foreground Rural Initiative
The Foreground Rural Initiative amplifies the voices of rural communities and small towns. Together with local partners, we offer grants and capacity-building, and co-create public programs and events.
Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards
The Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards honor the legacy of Illinois own Gwendolyn Brooks: renowned poet, author, and the first Black Pulitzer Prize winner. These annual awards are a platform for the next generation of poets to share their voices and develop their craft.
Museum on Main Street
We partner with the Smithsonian Institution and local cultural organizations to bring traveling exhibitions to small towns in Illinois.
The NEA Big Read
Join a book group and read alongside other NEA Big Read groups across Illinois and the nation.
The Odyssey Project/El Proyecto Odisea
This free college program empowers adult learners to jump-start their education in a supportive community of students and educators. The Odyssey Project comprises three semesters of humanities-based learning and an optional, non-credited fourth semester for students who are considering applying to college.
Road Scholars Speakers Bureau
Road Scholars Speakers travel across Illinois to bring art, culture, history, and contemporary social issues to life.
Grants
Vision Grants
Action Grants
Multiplier Grants
General Operating Grants
Activate History Microgrants
Envisioning Justice Grants for Organizations
Envisioning Justice Grants for Individuals
Foreground Rural Initiative Grants
Where we work
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Total number of grants awarded
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Artists and performers
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planFinancials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Illinois Humanities
Board of directorsas of 03/07/2024
Jai Winston
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Term: 2022 -
Mea Konopasek
BMO Harris Bank
Deborah Epstein
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Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
Transgender Identity
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
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