Sun Foundation

Sun Foundation The Sun Foundation was established to assess, strengthen and advance the arts in underserved rural and urban communities.

The Sun Foundation, founded by educator/artists Joan Root and Robert Ericksen in 1973, is an arts and science educational organization located in rural Washburn, Illinois. During the late 1960s, many segments of our community did not have access to the arts because of economics, geographical location, or lack of exposure. Artists had limited access to schools, community centers, other artists, and

professionals working in other disciplines. The arts were not acknowledged as part of elementary and secondary curriculum; most elementary schools did not have an art curriculum or an art teacher. There was a need for an organizational structure to foster new talents and audiences for the arts and integrate the arts into other disciplines. There was also a need to foster cooperation between, artists, arts groups, businesses, schools and the community for joint efforts and sharing of resources. The Foundation is organized exclusively for education, scientific, and charitable purposes. Specifically, the Foundation shall research, design, produce and disseminate educational materials which advance and develop integrative and interdisciplinary studies between artists and scientists and the understanding thereof, to enable mankind to live in harmony with nature, by securing a quality environment for all life, thereby enriching the human condition. The Sun Foundation works to assist, strengthen, and advance the arts and environmental sciences in rural and urban communities by providing quality and innovative programs, services, regranting financial support and cooperative efforts for the general public, underserved groups, schools, Illinois artists and local arts organizations.

08/20/2026

FY27 Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) Guidelines Are Now Available!

The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF) provides crucial support to artists with a goal of strengthening the creative workforce that composes a significant portion of Illinois’ economic activity.
CAF recognizes and supports the vital role that artists play as builders and innovators in their communities. By investing in their practice and professional growth, the fund not only enriches the lives of artists but also encourages broader community engagement and investment, leading to a vibrant cultural landscape and fostering connections among residents.

This is a $10,000 taxable award. All applications must be submitted via the applicant's IAC Salesforce account. The deadline to apply will be in October 2026.

Applications will be available in IAC's Salesforce grant portal beginning Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Follow this link to the guidelines:
https://arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/creative-accelerator-fund.html

For more information, please contact your Regional Program Director:
www.arts.illinois.gov/about-iac/staff/grant-staff-locator.html

08/14/2026
08/07/2026

Save the Dates! Sun Foundation Art & Science in the Woods 2027 will be held June 7-11!

07/30/2026
Thank you Ameren Illinois for your continued partnership with Sun Foundation’s to help make the Art & Science in the Woo...
07/25/2026

Thank you Ameren Illinois for your continued partnership with Sun Foundation’s to help make the Art & Science in the Woods program shine this past June! ☀️

07/20/2026

Address

1276 Sun Road
Washburn, IL
61570

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