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PROPOSED MISCELLANEOUS ITEM OF BUSINESS
Department: Office of the General Superintendent
Goods or Services: Acceptance and match of grant funds from the Forest Preserve Foundation (“Foundation”) for various programs
Fiscal Impact: Not-to-exceed $50,000.00 in the aggregate per year through 12/31/2027, for a total of $150,000.00
Accounts: Special or Coop Programs 51001.521314; and Habitat Restoration 51001.521444
Summary: The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mission of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) and to raising funds that support Forest Preserves initiatives and projects that protect and restore natural habitats, ensure that all people in Cook County feel welcome in the preserves, and encourage residents to seek out the Forest Preserves for outdoor recreation and nature exploration. The Forest Preserves and the Foundation currently work together to secure funding for the implementation of important initiatives such as the Conservation Corps, restoration projects, volunteer stewardship activities, and community engagement programs, and the Forest Preserves wishes to contribute to these efforts by providing cash match, staff support and expertise.
The Forest Preserves would like to streamline the process of accepting grant funds from the Foundation via agreements that require matching grant funds and/or other contractual obligations upon the Forest Preserves. Thus, the Forest Preserves hereby seeks authorization for the General Superintendent to execute grant agreements with the Foundation on behalf of the Forest Preserves to provide the Foundation a cash match up to $50,000.00 in the aggregate, if needed, per calendar year through 2027. In no event will a match fund more than 50% of any individual project’s costs. The term of each such grant agreement would not exceed three (3) years in length and would be subject to legal review and approval. While the Foundation currently receives an annual contribution from the Forest Preserves (see Board Item No. 22-0371), this request is limited to those projects for which funding was secured in part by the Foundation, but a match is required by the Forest Preserves up to a maximum of 50% of project costs.
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): Districtwide
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