Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

• Maximum Grant Award: For the FY25 program, MEPRD increased the MEPRD award maximum to 40% of eligible event costs (previously, 25%) and increased the maximum grant amount for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations from $1,000 to $2,500. Therefore, any eligible applicant with any qualifying event type can now receive up to $2,500 or up to 40% of the event cost, whichever is less.
• Eligible Event Types: The eligible event types were expanded as part of the FY25 program. In addition to events involving physical activity (e.g., walking, running, cycling, 5K, etc.), MEPRD now allows for events/programs that provide a public benefit related to protecting, preserving, and/or restoring the natural environment and/or the local wildlife within public parks, green space, greenways, nature preserves, or wetlands in the Metro East, including educational and volunteer events/programs."
• Application Submittal: Applicants applying for an FY25 Event Sponsorship Grant can now submit their application MEPRD, electronically, by emailing the completed application and supporting attachments to: info@meprd.org.

1. Click the 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.

Applications for the FY 2025 Event Sponsorship Grant Program are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 10, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. — May 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.^*

^*Or until 100% of FY 2025 Program Funds are pledged, whichever comes first.

The MEPRD FY 2025 Community Planning Grant Program has a total program budget of $30,000.

Grant requests shall not exceed 40% of the final total out-of-pocket event cost, an amount not to exceed...

• Up to $2,500 for public organizations.
• Up to $2,500 for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations.

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

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

• 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.
• ^*Refer to the FY 2025 Event Sponsorship Grant Application for complete details.

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:

• FY25 MEPRD Event Sponsorship Grant Reimbursement Form  

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the MEPRD FY25 Event Sponsorship Grant Program. These awards will help support events that will encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the incredible parks and trails found in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL.

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: November 2024.

• Belleville, City of

Event Title:	Gingerbread 5K Walk/Run (2024)
Event Date:	December 7, 2024
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00

• Emma L. Wilson King Foundation

Event Title:	EMMAFEST 5K Walk/Run (2024)
Event Date:	October 5, 2024
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00

• Highland, City of

Event Title:	Gobble Hobble (2024)
Event Date:	November 28, 2024
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00

• Millstadt, Village of

Event Title:	Millstadt 36th Annual Parks Biathlon & 4th Annual Parks 5K
Event Date:	September 15, 2024
Grant Amount:	$2,481.25

• SIUE Foundation

Event Title:	SIUE Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run (2024)
Event Date:	October 5, 2024
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00

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 event eligibility, preliminary application review, or general assistance.

Call (618) 346-4905 or click the link below to send us a message: