Creative Schools Fund (CSF)

As the largest direct investment in arts education for Chicago Public Schools, the Creative Schools Fund is committed to advancing equity through a bold, community-centered approach to grantmaking. Our funding decisions are made through a participatory grantmaking process—open, transparent, and grounded in the lived experiences of the very communities we serve. Each year we work with a diverse review committee made up of educators, arts practitioners, teaching artists, experts, and community leaders. These individuals reflect the cultural, racial, and artistic diversity of Chicago’s students and neighborhoods. Their collective insight ensures that every application is reviewed thoughtfully and fairly, with equity as the guiding principle.