Community Planning Grant

The Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD), formed in 2000, supports the development of parks, trails, and recreational infrastructure within Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Through its FY 2026 Community Planning Grant Program, MEPRD provides funding assistance to eligible local public agencies seeking to develop jurisdiction-wide master plans focused on parks and recreation, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, or forestry, habitat, and water quality management. The program’s primary aim is to foster strategic, comprehensive planning that enhances public recreational spaces, supports healthy ecosystems, and promotes intergovernmental collaboration throughout its service area. The FY 2026 program introduces several notable changes, including the formal addition of jurisdiction-wide Forestry, Natural Habitat, and Water Quality Management Master Plans (FHMPs) to its list of eligible project types. These may be funded either as standalone initiatives or in conjunction with other eligible plans. MEPRD has allocated a total of $400,000 for this grant cycle, with each applicant eligible to request up to 40% of their project’s total cost, capped at $40,000. However, the total contribution from MEPRD funds, including other district-managed sources such as Madison County PEP or St. Clair County Parks Grants, cannot exceed 80% of a project’s total eligible cost. The funding is issued on a reimbursement basis, with disbursement only following project completion and final MEPRD inspection. Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, townships, park districts, and transportation districts operating within Madison or St. Clair Counties and having statutory authority over parks, trails, and related infrastructure. Nonprofits, educational institutions, and private organizations are not eligible. Projects must focus on jurisdiction-wide planning and may not include site-specific or general municipal comprehensive plans. Plans must be developed in partnership with a qualified professional consultant or firm and include documented public engagement, data-driven analysis, and forward-looking recommendations. Specific credentialing requirements apply to consultants developing FHMPs or certifying park and trail plans. The grant application process is open on a rolling basis beginning July 9, 2025, and ending May 29, 2026, or until funds are fully allocated. Applicants must submit two signed original hardcopies of the application and one high-resolution electronic copy. The application package must include a written project scope, cost estimates, timeline, governing body resolution or letter of support, and documentation of other funding sources. MEPRD will notify applicants of award decisions within 45 days following the relevant board meeting. Key requirements for approved projects include adherence to ADA and AASHTO standards (if applicable), hosting at least two public meetings during plan development, and formally adopting the completed plan by resolution. Plans must be posted publicly and submitted to MEPRD with accompanying GIS files. MEPRD retains the right to inspect records and progress reports, and failure to comply with reporting or project completion requirements may result in forfeiture of funds or grant termination. For questions or pre-application consultation, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact MEPRD Grant Coordinator Cole Preston at (618) 346-4905 or via email at cpreston@meprd.org. Applications will not be accepted before 7:30 AM on July 9, 2025.

Applicants are advised to contact MEPRD for guidance and submit complete, compliant proposals that include licensed professionals and clear public engagement.