Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

1. Click the button above to open the application.
2. Download the PDF to your computer.
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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 Community Planning 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.

Any public agency having statutory authority to acquire and develop lands for public parks, public trails, public recreation, and/or bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Madison and/or St. Clair Counties, Illinois may apply for MEPRD grant funding. Such agencies include:

• Municipalities
• Townships
• Counties
• Transportation Districts
• Park Districts
• NOTE: Universities, Schools, and School Districts are not eligible applicants.

• Parks and Greenspace Master Planning (community-wide, township-wide, or county-wide)
• and/or
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Planning (community-wide, township-wide, or county-wide)

^*For a complete list of eligible and ineligible project types/components, see pgs. 4-5 of the application.

• The MEPRD FY 2025 Community Planning Grant Program has a total program budget of $400,000.
• Eligible applicants with a qualifying project type can apply for a MEPRD Community Planning Grant valued at up to $40,000 or up to 40% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
• At least 60% of the total project cost must come from another source, whether that be the project sponsor, public or private funds or grants from others, or some combination thereof.
• ^*Refer to the application for complete details and requirements.

Finished with a planning project funded in-part by MEPRD? Download the MEPRD Grant Reimbursement Request Form below to begin preparing for the grant reimbursement process. Refer to page 2 of the Reimbursement Form for a checklist of required supporting documents. If you are not sure which version to use, please contact us.

• FY23-25 MEPRD Community Planning Grant Reimbursement Form  
• FY 2022 MEPRD Community Planning Grant Reimbursement Form  
• FY20-21 MEPRD Community Planning Grant Reimbursement Form  

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our FY25 Community Planning Grant Program. These grants will assist communities in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL with developing/updating a community-wide bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure master plan and/or community-wide parks and greenspace master plan.

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.

• Highland, City of

Project Title:	City of Highland Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Grant Amount:	$34,200.00
Project Scope:	Development of a new, updated bicycle and pedestrian master plan for Highland, IL to guide the next 5-10 years of alternative transporation planning.

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 eligibility of a proposed project, preliminary application review, or general assistance.

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