CHICAGO — The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) invites non-profit organizations to apply for mini grants of up to $2,000 by its October 15, 2003 deadline. Any non-profit group, organization, or institution in Illinois is eligible to receive financial support from the Illinois Humanities Council for a public project in the humanities. The IHC funds many types of humanities projects, including documentary films, local and community history projects, literary symposia, and oral history projects.

Potential applicants may review and download grant applications and guidelines by visiting www.prairie.org and clicking on "Grants." Copies of the grant information may also be requested by calling 312.422.5580 or by sending an email to ihc@prairie.org. IHC program officers are available for consultation at this number as well.

As of April 15, 2003 the IHC has refined the general focus of its grants program, with a priority on funding projects developed by, for, or aimed at reaching new or historically neglected audiences. These include but are not limited to residents of rural communities, men and women with little formal education, inner city or other underserved youth (in after school or weekend programs), people who are economically disadvantaged, or the elderly. The IHC especially invites applications from organizations that serve these communities and strongly encourages other applicantsto extend their proposed programs to include such audiences.

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