Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

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 2024 Event Sponsorship Grant Program are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 12, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. — May 31, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.^*

^*Or until 100% of FY 2024 Program Funds are pledged, whichever comes first.

The MEPRD FY 2024 Community Planning Grant Program has a total program budget of $20,000.

Grant requests shall not exceed 25% of the final total out-of-pocket event cost, an amount not to exceed...

• Up to $2,500 for public organizations.
• Up to $1,000 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.

• Walking, running, hiking and/or biking events, to include biathlons and triathlons. (Virtual or In-Person)
• 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 2024 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:

• FY23-24 MEPRD Event Sponsorship Grant Reimbursement Form  

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the MEPRD FY24 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: September 2023.

• Belleville, City of

Event Title:	Gingerbread 5K Walk/Run
Event Date:	December 2, 2023
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00

• Highland, City of

Event Title:	Gobble Hobble
Event Date:	November 23, 2023
Grant Amount:	$1,899.00

• Millstadt, Village of

Event Title:	Millstadt 35th Annual Parks Biathlon & 3rd Annual Parks 5K
Event Date:	September 17, 2023
Grant Amount:	$2,481.25

• SIUE Foundation

Event Title:	SIUE Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run
Event Date:	October 11-15, 2023
Grant Amount:	$1,000.00

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: