Event Sponsorship Grant Program

The Metro East Park and Recreation District Event Sponsorship Grant Program is administered by the Metro East Park and Recreation District, a regional public entity established by voters in 2000 to develop and enhance parks, trails, and recreational facilities in Madison and St. Clair Counties, Illinois. The district operates with a mission to build a connected public system of parks and trails while supporting local governments and organizations engaged in recreational and environmental initiatives. This grant program is one of the mechanisms through which the district advances that mission by supporting community-based events that promote outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The purpose of the Event Sponsorship Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to qualifying events that either promote the use of public parks, trails, and recreation facilities or deliver environmental education and conservation benefits within the district’s jurisdiction. The program emphasizes public accessibility, community engagement, and measurable benefits to local recreational infrastructure. Eligible events include physical activity programs such as walking, running, hiking, or cycling events, as well as educational or volunteer programs focused on preserving natural areas and wildlife habitats. All supported activities must occur within Madison or St. Clair Counties and must be open to the general public. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and is designed to offset a portion of eligible event costs. Awards are limited to up to 40 percent of documented out-of-pocket event expenses, with a maximum grant amount of 2500 dollars per event. The program has a total funding pool of 30000 dollars for the fiscal year. Funds may only be used for direct event-related expenses or for an approved local project or program identified in the application. A key requirement is that recipients must reinvest at least ten percent of their event’s net proceeds into improvements to public parks or trails or into recreational programming within the district, reinforcing the program’s long-term community impact. Eligibility is restricted to public organizations and nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applicants must be headquartered within the district’s jurisdiction or within fifteen miles of it, and they must serve as the lead event host. Each eligible organization may receive only one award per fiscal year. Events must meet strict criteria, including being family-friendly, open to the public, and located entirely within the designated counties. Certain types of events, such as tournaments that limit participation, political or religious events, and purely entertainment-focused gatherings, are explicitly excluded. The application process requires submission of a complete application form along with a detailed line-item budget of anticipated out-of-pocket costs. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as facility permissions when applicable and a plan for fulfilling the required community reinvestment commitment. Submissions must include both physical and electronic copies, and incomplete applications are not considered. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is awarded in the order received until all program funds are exhausted. The application window opens on July 15, 2026 and closes on May 31, 2027, or earlier if funds are fully allocated. Applications must be submitted between forty-five days and nine months prior to the event date, creating a defined planning window for applicants. After the event, recipients must submit a reimbursement request within forty-five days, including documentation of actual expenses and proof of compliance with program requirements. Award disbursement is contingent upon successful completion of the event and fulfillment of all conditions. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the Metro East Park and Recreation District directly by phone or email. The district encourages prospective applicants to seek guidance on eligibility, application preparation, and project planning to ensure compliance and improve application quality. This program is expected to continue annually, with funding availability and guidelines subject to updates in future fiscal cycles.

Ensure event is fully public and accessible align clearly with park or environmental goals document all out of pocket costs carefully and plan reinvestment requirement early