Metro East Park and Recreation District
Grant Programs

• Funding Commitment Timeline: Clarification added regarding the timeline for the Applicant’s project or program for the required net proceeds contribution. Costs related to the selected project/program cannot be incurred before the MEPRD grant has been formally awarded.
• Refined Event Eligibility: Physical activity events that inherently restrict public participation (such as tournaments and team-sport league events) are explicitly ineligible for funding. Events must remain open and accessible to the general public.

1. Click the download button above to open the application.
2. Download the PDF to your computer.
3. Close all internet browser windows.
4. Open the saved PDF from your computer.
5. Fill in and save the contents of the application as you work on it.

 Test this process out before spending time filling in all of the fields! Note that you will need a PDF reader/editing software installed on your computer, such as Adobe Acrobat.

Budget Requirement: A line-item expenditure budget showing expected "out-of-pocket" costs must be attached to your application .

Submission Requirement: You must submit two (2) original signed hardcopies and one (1) high-resolution electronic copy of your final application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The FY 2027 Event Sponsorship Grant Program has a total program budget of $30,000.

Maximum Grant Award: Eligible applicants with a qualifying event can apply for a MEPRD Event Sponsorship Grant valued at up to $2,500 or up to 40% of the eligible out-of-pocket event cost, whichever is less.

^*Refer to the application for complete details and requirements.

The FY 2027 Event Sponsorship Grant Program operates on a first-come, first-served basis; complete applications will be accepted, reviewed, and awarded in the order received until all program funds are depleted or the program deadline, whichever comes first.

Applications Accepted:  July 15, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. — May 31, 2027, at 3:00 p.m.
^*  Or until 100% of program funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

Eligible applicants include public organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The applicant must be headquartered in MEPRD's jurisdiction (Madison County and/or St. Clair County, IL) or within 15 miles of MEPRD's jurisdiction.

Eligible applicants are limited to one (1) event sponsorship award per MEPRD fiscal year.

Eligible Event Types:

In-person or virtual events involving physical activity (e.g., walking, running, hiking, cycling, biathlons, etc.) that either promote or make use of public parks, trails, or recreation facilities in Madison or St. Clair County, IL.

- OR -

In-person events or programs that provide a public benefit related to protecting, preserving, and/or restoring the natural environment and/or the local wildlife within publicly owned/operated parks, green space, greenways, nature preserves, or wetlands in the Metro East. ^* Includes educational and volunteer events/programs.

Additional Requirements:

The event must promote or make use of public parks, trails or outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and/or St. Clair County, IL.

All event activities must be located entirely within MEPRD's jurisdiction to qualify.

At least ten percent (10%) of the event proceeds must go towards funding improvements or developments to a public park or trail or to recreational programs within Madison and/or St. Clair County, IL.

^*For a complete list of eligible and ineligible project types/components, refer to the application.

Finished with an event funded in-part by MEPRD? A reimbursement request should be submitted to MEPRD no more than 45 days after the event. The reimbursement request form can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

We are pleased to announce the FY 2027 Event Sponsorship Grant Program is now accepting applications. As grants are reviewed and approved by the MEPRD Board of Directors, the awarded events will be added to this list. These grants support qualifying outdoor events held in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL that either make use of, or promote the use of, public parks and trails.

Please check back for updates.

The list of grant awards on this page is not final. Additional recipients/awards will be added as new grant requests are received and approved by MEPRD. The grant program will continue to accept applications until all program funds are depleted.

Updated: July 2026

If you have questions about the program or need assistance, we can help! Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact MEPRD if help is needed with verifying project and/or grant round eligibility, preliminary application review, or general assistance.

Call  (618) 346-4905

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