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PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Summary: The Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) requests authorization for the General Superintendent or a designee to have discretionary spending up to $100,000.00 through 2024 to support educational, recreational and community engagement program services with a variety of program partners, including, but not limited to, artists, arts groups, youth development groups, program trainers, curriculum development facilitators, and cultural groups. These program partners would be selected through a variety of processes including the Forest Preserves’ Event and Program Partnership application process. This Event and Program Partnership application is listed on the Forest Preserves’ website on the Doing Business and Partnership page and will be marketed through various Forest Preserves avenues. Program Partnerships may extend into the 2025 fiscal year depending on the program proposal but would not exceed twelve (12) consecutive months. Individual contracts would not exceed $5,000.00. The program partnerships would be proposed or vetted by the Forest Preserves’ Conservation and Experiential Programming team and selected based on community involvement; ability to provide the service; ability to bring a unique program concept to the Forest Preserves; ability and interest to connect with the Forest Preserves’ mission and vision; ability to serve a community impacted by racial and other inequities; ability to support Forest Preserves’ grant programs; price; and ability to bring a new audience to the Forest Preserves. This program strategy complements the goals of the Next Century Conservation Plan, to connect more people with nature and to make the Forest Preserves more welcoming and accessible. A report on partnership contracts and activities funded through this process in 2023 is attached.
Programming Good(s) or Service(s): Programming Partnerships
Fiscal Impact: FY 2024 $90,000.00, FY 2025 $10,000.00
Accounts: Professional Services 51001.520830; Special or Coop Programs 51001.521313; and various other grant funds
District(s): Districtwide
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