“I encourage those who may be eligible to consider applying for these dollars by the September 30th deadline. The OSLAD grants help communities improve their parks and nature areas for families to enjoy,” said Rep. Rosenthal.
This program provides state-financed grants supporting funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks to large community and county parks and nature areas. The program is financed by a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.
Grant awards up to $1,725,000.00 are available for acquisition projects, while development/renovation projects are limited to a $600,000 grant maximum. This is a competitive grant process and adequate steps must be taken to be eligible. Please visit Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (illinois.gov) for more information or further assistance on how to apply.
All applicants must be pre-qualified through the State of Illinois Grantee Portal.
Information on the prequalification process is available here.
For a walkthrough on applying please check out this helpful video.