title
PROPOSED GRANT AWARD
Department: Department of Resource Management
Grantee: Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”)
Grantor: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity ("DCEO"), Springfield, Illinois
Request: Authorization to accept grant
Purpose: Authorization is sought for the Forest Preserves to accept grant and enter into a grant agreement with DCEO for Conservation Corps programming.
Grant Amount: $709,500.00
Grant Period: 1/1/2026 (retroactive) - 6/30/2027
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Accounts: Professional Services 51036.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444; and all future Professional Services accounts
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): Districtwide
Summary: The Forest Preserves has been awarded $709,500.00 in grant funding from the DCEO to support the participation of one hundred twenty-nine (129) participants in adult and high school-aged summer youth programs, including but not limited to the Greencorps Chicago and Forest Preserve Experience programs (Board Item No. 23-0603). Funding is intended to cover 2026 program expenses, however, DCEO may, in its discretion, reimburse 2025 program expenses as well. Participants receive job skills training, environmental education, and professional networking experiences as they contribute hands-on conservation service to the land that benefits people, plants, and wildlife.
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