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The Chicago Public Library (CPL) has announced the availability of microgrants for its Renaissance Project, aimed at supporting new research and storytelling about Black history and culture. The initiative will award ten microgrants of $4,000 each in 2026 to assist researchers working with the library’s African American archival collections.
Funding for these grants comes from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The support is intended to help cover costs related to research in two key CPL resources: the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Regional Library and Special Collections at the Harold Washington Library Center. The Harsh Collection is recognized as the largest archive documenting African American history in the Midwest, with materials on civil rights, education, music, theater, labor, publishing, aviation, the Great Migration, and the Black Chicago Renaissance. The Special Collections at Harold Washington Library include documents on African Americans in performing arts, social justice movements, civic life, and political papers of Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor.
"We invite interested individuals to apply for these grants, aimed at supporting non-traditional scholars. They are open to students, educators, independent scholars/researchers, community leaders, journalists, and artists (visual, performing and literary) that would greatly benefit from researching within CPL’s collections. Projects nearing the final stages (between April 2026 - March 2027), for which access to these collections is essential to their completion, will be given priority consideration."
Applicants are encouraged to review CPL’s finding aids to familiarize themselves with available archival holdings before applying.
The application process includes an information session scheduled for December 3, 2025. Applications must be submitted by January 7, 2026. Notifications will be sent out by March 2; orientation and planning workshops follow later that month. In-person research visits are set between April 1 and August 31 of 2026.
Eligibility extends to both Chicago residents and other U.S.-based applicants including undergraduate and graduate students working on theses or coursework; non-tenure track faculty developing teaching materials or publications; researchers affiliated with community organizations or media outlets; independent scholars; public historians; genealogists; authors; poets; creative writers; journalists; visual or performing artists.
Grant categories include arts & humanities, social/political movements, Chicago history, genealogy, and STEM fields. Awarded funds may be used for travel expenses (including lodging if coming from outside greater Chicago), reproductions of archival material, equipment needed for research projects or presentations.
Recipients must complete a public presentation—either in person or virtually—at a CPL location within twelve months of receiving funds. These presentations will be recorded and preserved in CPL’s Archives and Special Collections Division.
A selection committee made up of CPL staff along with external artists and scholars will evaluate applications based on applicant qualifications and eligibility; relevance of proposed research to CPL archives; feasibility within project timelines; plans for sharing results publicly; and ability to conduct research during specified dates.
Applicants must submit a bio (under 200 words), project proposal (under 500 words), CV or résumé, projected budget/expense sheet and a letter of support appropriate to their status—such as from a department chair for faculty applicants or an advisor for students.
Research visits can last one to four weeks between April 1–August 31. Proposed dates should be included in applications along with alternatives.
Selected participants are required to attend an online orientation session before beginning their work. Grants cannot be deferred.
Applications can be submitted through the provided link: 2026 CPL Renaissance Project Research Grant Application.
For questions about the program or application process contact Dr. Traci Lombré at tlombre@cplrenaissanceproject.org.
