Community Revitalization Grant

The Elevate Will County – Community Revitalization Grant is a competitive funding opportunity launched by Will County to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations in enhancing their physical locations. The program focuses on exterior improvements and accessibility enhancements that contribute to broader community development and economic vitality. A total of $300,000 in grant funding is available, allocated from the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) using revenues received through the State of Illinois Cannabis Sales Tax as outlined in the County’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The program targets eligible small businesses and nonprofits operating within Will County. Applicants must have fewer than 20 full-time or part-time employees, generate less than $2 million in annual gross revenue, and must have been in continuous operation since at least January 1, 2020. Additionally, eligible organizations must be in good standing with the IRS, the State of Illinois, and Will County. Applicants currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings or listed on the Federal Excluded Parties List, the Illinois Stop Payment List, or other disqualifying registries are ineligible. Grants are available up to $15,000 per applicant. Funds may be used to cover ADA compliance upgrades, façade improvements, signage updates, landscaping, or other eligible enhancements that improve the building’s accessibility, safety, or sustainability. Both reimbursement-based payments and advance payments are permitted. Applicants may request up to 50% of the total award amount in advance, with the remaining balance reimbursed upon documented completion of the project. All project costs must be incurred between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. Advance payments are capped at 50%, and all reimbursements require the submission of paid invoices and inspection by Will County. The application window for this opportunity opens on September 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM CDT and closes on September 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM CDT. Applications must be submitted via the GoToMyGrants platform. A technical assistance session will be held on September 11, 2025 at 8:45 PM to support applicants. Questions must be submitted no later than September 17, 2025 to the designated contact person. Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to register in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal, maintain an active SAM.gov registration, and obtain a UEI number. Awardees that lack these items at the time of application may still apply but must fulfill those administrative requirements during the performance period. Recipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports and a final close-out report in accordance with the reporting schedule outlined by Will County. All reporting must be submitted through the AmpliFund platform. This grant initiative represents a strategic investment by Will County to enhance inclusive economic growth, ensure physical accessibility, and support the sustainability of small business and nonprofit infrastructure across the region. Priority consideration will be given to applicants located in R3 zoning areas, which are designated as revitalization zones.

Apply early to ensure full eligibility verification. Request up to 50% advance to help with up-front costs. Prioritize ADA improvements and exterior enhancements aligned with County goals.