Naperville Art League was one of 24 DuPage County not-for-profit organizations with a program specific to the arts to receive a grant through DuPage Foundation’s most recent COVID-19 Response Fund grant program, due to the advocacy efforts of Arts DuPage, the Foundation’s initiative for all things art in the County.
Naperville Art League received a grant in the amount of $14,825 to help address needs that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Naperville Art League’s mission is to provide art instruction and education, to encourage interest in all forms of creative art, to stimulate understanding and appreciation of art in the community and to participate in other related activities.
The League serves a diversity of people of all ages in Naperville and DuPage County. Founded in 1961, Naperville Art League offers classes for all ages and skill levels, provides monthly Gallery art shows and special events at its Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery on the corner of 5th Ave. and Center Street in Naperville. The League also plans and hosts the annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
With help from Arts DuPage Advisory Committee member Sheila Rutledge, who is also a DuPage County Board member, the Foundation was able to secure and grant $300,000 in Federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds from DuPage County. Through a speedy, but thorough, grant process, a small working group of DuPage Foundation volunteers evaluated 27 grant applications based on specific criteria required for CARES Act Funds to meet the deadline.
“The grant enabled Naperville Art League to continue functioning at a reduced or virtual level during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We sincerely appreciate the DuPage Foundation’s support of art in the community,” said Sally Sharp, League president.
From the start of the pandemic through the end of 2020, DuPage Foundation awarded $1.7 million on behalf of donors and the community to area not-for-profits from the DuPage Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund developed and funded last spring in five rounds of grant funding and due to contributions from hundreds of residents, businesses and other organizations.
About Naperville Art League
Naperville Art League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-operated organization of artists and art enthusiasts serving Naperville and surrounding communities. Its membership is dedicated to educating, promoting, and supporting the visual arts and encouraging artists. Its website is www.napervilleartleague.com.
About Arts DuPage
Arts DuPage supports, promotes and advocates for the arts in DuPage County. An initiative of DuPage Foundation, Arts DuPage stimulates engagement and investment in the County’s vast cultural landscape through artsdupage.org, its comprehensive website for all things art.
About DuPage Foundation
DuPage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) community foundation, is the philanthropic leader in DuPage County, Illinois. DuPage Foundation manages more than $105 million in assets and has awarded more than $55 million in grants to not-for-profit organizations serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond since its founding in 1986. Individuals and organizations seeking to provide impactful support in DuPage County to address critical issues can create powerful, customizable gift solutions and partnerships through DuPage Foundation. More at dupagefoundation.org.
For more information regarding Naperville Art League, visit www.napervilleartleague.com or call (630) 355-2530. Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery is located at 508 N. Center Street, Naperville, IL 60540.
