Illinois Recreation Grants

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for its Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program. Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation State: Illinois County: Coles County (IL), Effingham County (IL) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Land, Health, Community (LHC) is the Foundation’s primary and largest grantmaking program and reflects the Lumpkin family’s historic connection and commitment to the community. A minimum of 50 percent of its annual grantmaking budget is spent on projects in East Central Illinois. Through Land, Health, Community we work toward a long-term vision of holistically healthy communities. The Lumpkin Family Foundation makes grants in East Central Illinois that reflect the vision: The community has a strong local food system and agricultural economy, resilient businesses, and amenities that attract new businesses and retain local talent. They are prosperous. The community is physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing. They are mentally well and physically fit. The community has strong leadership and the capacity for collaboration. They are socially engaged. The community works to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. They value the natural beauty of the area. Mental Health The Lumpkin Family Foundation has now expanded the program’s focus to include efforts that contribute to mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment. Researchers have posited that “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.” Specifically, the foundation aims to fund programs that: Demonstrate and promote a connection between engagement with nature and positive mental health outcomes; Create opportunities for youth and young adults to disengage from technology and engage in outdoor programs and activities designed to improve their mental wellness; Support mental health practitioners by increasing opportunities for self-care or personal renewal; Provide opportunities for those impacted by trauma (i.e., foster youth) to engage in nature-based healing activities. Focus Areas  Successful proposals will represent a synergy of as many of the following aims as possible: Promote personal health through widespread availability and consumption of healthy, affordable food; Support mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment; Grow the local agricultural economy, sustaining and creating new viable farm and farm-related businesses; Develop, promote and scale innovative green practices that add productive value to farms while protecting the land for future generations; and, Encourage community engagement and collaboration, policy development and research around agriculture and rural development. Geographic Areas of Interest  The Foundation encourages applicants from organizations across East Central Illinois. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and the surrounding counties. For more information, visit TLFF.

The Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) seeks to invest in organizations and projects that are poised to make a difference in the lives of Skokie residents and strengthen the community beyond the grant period. Donor Name: Skokie Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Skokie Community Foundation (SCF) places particular priority on proposals that: Use a Collective Impact model, which is a network of community members, organizations, and institutions who advance equity by learning together, aligning, and integrating their actions to achieve population and systems level change.  Bring about unity in diversity and emphasize the importance of breaking down barriers, building relationships, and working toward a shared vision of unity and mutual respect and understanding in the Skokie community. Grant Period Grants will be made for one year for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2025. Type of Grant Program: Applications may be based upon new initiatives, pilot projects, or continuing improvements to projects that have shown long-term, positive impact. Funding: SCF typically funds grants in the amount of $5,000. Proposals may requestup to $10,000. Areas of Funding: Preference will be given to proposals that directly address how the project will benefit Skokie residents in areas of clearly identified needs. SCF fosters a supportive, engaged and dynamic community in Skokie through meaningful giving, collaboration and community programming. Eligibility Criteria  Each proposal must be submitted by at least two organizations working together to benefit Skokie residents. Each organization must submit a joint written statement (which can be brief) detailing that each organization jointly supports the project, and detailing their responsibilities or how they will support the proposed project. One of the co-applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization, a school, or a government entity or must have a fiscal sponsor that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All proposals must address issues, concerns and/or opportunities for Skokie and its residents. Proposals must primarily benefit Skokie residents and the majority of those benefiting must be Skokie residents. Applicants need not be based in Skokie. Evaluation Criteria SCF will evaluate proposals according to the following criteria: Does the proposal address a significant concern, need, or opportunity in Skokie? Can it be scaled? Does the proposal clearly show how the grant will be used to foster collaboration between organizations to make a positive change in Skokie that would not otherwise occur? Does the proposal address the role to be played by each co-applicant, the qualifications of each co-applicant, and the division of responsibilities between each co-applicant? If applicable, does the proposal address the recruitment of participants from Skokie? Is the project budget appropriate to the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes? Is the evaluation plan sufficient to track progress and determine success? How important is the funding to the project? Would the project move forward without it? For more information, visit Skokie Community Foundation.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with site improvements. This includes demolition; grading/earthwork; landscaping; sidewalks; replacement of bridges; construction and/or upgrade of roads, parking lots, curb and gutter, parks and other open spaces as well as structures within them; etc. This may include associated streetscaping.

The Access to Recreation Program assists nonprofit organizations with accessible recreation projects, which include adaptive sports; games; programs; and capital projects for persons with disabilities and special needs such as sensory disabilities; physical disabilities and mobility impairments; cognitive and developmental disabilities; and/or emotional and psychological disorders. Donor Name: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln State: Illinois County: Sangamon County (IL) Type of Grant: Endowment | Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program supports accessible recreation that provides people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in indoor or outdoor recreation activities without barriers. We seek requests that support programs that are specifically designed for and/or about people with disabilities but also available to the general public. Funding Information Multiple grant awards totaling $6,000 may be available, and requests should not exceed $3,000. Geographic Limitations Funds must be used for programs primarily assisting residents of Sangamon County, IL. Who can apply? Applications are generally accepted from: registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations faith-based organizations (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for service provided which is not religious in nature) public or private schools (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school’s budget funding) units of government or municipalities. For more information, visit CFLL.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

Value: The Highland Area Community Foundation (H.A.C.F.) appears to be offering a grant for community-related projects. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative that includes a description of the organization's general purpose, objectives, and operational scope; a statement of the problem addressed; details on the purpose and expectations of the specific project for which funding is sought, including its relevance to community needs; a proposed program design; and a detailed project budget including other funding sources. Funds must be used specifically for the purpose stated in the grant award, and a progress report with photos is required within 12 months of receiving the award.

The City of Champaign is announcing the availability of funding for the 2024-2025 program year through the Community Matters youth program. Donor Name: City of Champaign State: Illinois City: Champaign Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Community Matters, founded in 2007, is a programmatic initiative that addresses safety, academic support, technology, recreation, career exploration and employment among City of Champaign youth. Through this funding opportunity, the City of Champaign seeks to fund public or private non-profit agencies providing programs that meet the needs of students and youth from Pre-K through 18 years of age and residing within the City of Champaign. Proposals should target youth from low-income families with the goal of having a lasting impact on the community. Prioritization shall be given to programs serving youth from the target areas (Beardsley Park, Bristol Park, Garden Hills, and Douglass Park). However, low-income youth from any Champaign neighborhood may participate as space and funding allows. Activities that can be carried out with CDBG funds include but are not limited to the rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, building demolition, construction/rehabilitation of public facilities, and public services. Activities pertaining to the general conduct of government, political activities, and new housing construction are generally ineligible. Proposing agencies should note that public service funds are extremely limited and subject to a 15% cap of the City of Champaign’s grant award. Funding Information The available public service funding amount is set by HUD through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and is limited to 15% of the City of Champaign’s CDBG annual allocation. The 2024-2025 allocation amount has not yet been announced. However, the public service allocation for the 2023-2024 program year was approximately $133,000. Funding Period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. For more information, visit City of Champaign.

The City Council has approved $100,000 of these funds to be awarded in grants for opioid remediation programs and services. Donor Name: City of Naperville State: Illinois City: Naperville Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects must qualify as an approved abatement program under settlement restrictions and must impact Naperville residents. Programs and services must qualify as an Approved Abatement Program and impact Naperville residents. Approved Abatement Programs include the following: Expanding training and increasing distribution of Naloxone or other FDA-approved drug to reverse opioid overdoses Distributing medication-assisted treatment to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured Providing or expanding treatment and recovery support services such as residential and inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient therapy or counseling, recovery housing, and harm reduction Providing or expanding screening, intervention and treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women and recovery for neonatal abstinence syndrome Providing or expanding warm hand-off programs and recovery services, including comprehensive wrap-around services for individuals in recovery Providing or expanding evidence-based education to school-based and youth-focused programs that discourage and prevent misuse of opioids Providing or expanding syringe service programs and expanding community drug disposal programs Media campaigns and public education to prevent misuse of opioids. Grants are reimbursement-based. Grantees must accrue costs prior to requesting reimbursement from the City of Naperville. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations applying are not required to be a non-profit 501(c)(3) or recognized by the State of Illinois as a non-profit organization. School districts, medical providers, coalitions and faith communities are welcome to apply, as are non-profit organizations and providers. Entities that have already received 2024 City of Naperville grant funding are eligible to apply for additional funding. For more information, visit City of Naperville.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant dollars to support the important work of early child care providers in Will County. Donor Name: Will County State: Illinois County: Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Child care providers pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and/or improvements to physical space and technology. The Program will provide grants to eligible Applicants including, but not limited to, the following improvements: Educational Materials Books, paper, crayons, art supplies, fine motor toys, STEAM/STEM resources, etc. Physical Environment Safety and sanitation (e.g. kitchenware, baby gates, outlet covers, door locks, safe cleaning supplies, gloves, changing tables, cubbies, etc.); Furniture, rugs, inviting child friendly environment; Paint, air filtration, water filtration; Signage; Gross motor materials/safe playground/fencing  Technology Security system(s)-Inside/Out & installation; Computer software to enhance services/tracking, enrollment, meals, waitlists, parent communication, screenings for children, etc.; Hardware for faculty (smartboard, tablets, laptops, projector/screen); Upgrading parent communication systems; Webpage software/updates Developmental Supports Developmental Screening Tools; Hiring consultant(s)/trainer(s) to meet the needs of workforce, families, children; Social emotional program enhancement; Sensory related program enhancements (e.g. soundproofing, weighted blankets, etc.); Health screenings (mobile dental/health van, hearing and vision, medical checkup, remote services); Hiring remote services that target children’s needs (gross motor, language, fine motor, dramatic play, etc.); Healthy meal programming/food purchases  Funding Information Award Ceiling: $10,000.00 Award Floor: $2,000.00 Project Period The period of performance is expected to be June 14, 2024 through October 31, 2024, pre-award costs may be permitted with approval. Use of funds Child care providers can pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and improvements to physical space and technology. Allowable use of funds include, but are not limited to, the following: Educational Materials Physical Environment Technology Developmental Supports Targeted Population Providers who serve the following populations will also receive priority: DCFS Licensed childcare providers in the Will County R3 Zones who serve children ages birth to five years of age DCFS Licensed Providers who receive Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children 0-5 years of age whose families speak English as a Second Language (ESL) DCFS Licensed Providers who qualify for the Early Intervention program (program serves children birth to 2 years 11 months with developmental delays) DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with a developmental or medical diagnosis (children birth to five years) DCFS Licensed Providers who serve children with an active Individually Education Plan (IEP) in the public school system (ages 3-5 years) Eligibility Criteria All applicants must be a DCFS Licensed Childcare Provider located in Will County. For more information, visit Will County.

This program provides financial assistance to private marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs for the construction of sewage pumpout and dump stations to help reduce pollution from recreational boating.

Grants are available through the Metro East Park and Recreation District for events that promote the use of public parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. The Event Sponsorship Grant Program offers funding of up to $2,500 for public organizations and up to $1,000 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Eligible events include walking, running, hiking, biking, biathlons, and triathlons that take place within MEPRD's jurisdiction and contribute at least ten percent of event proceeds towards funding improvements or developments to public parks or trails in the designated counties. Eligible applicants must be public organizations or 501(c)3 organizations headquartered within MEPRD's jurisdiction or within 15 miles of it. Only one event sponsorship grant award is allowed per MEPRD fiscal year. For more information, visit MEPRD's website.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.