Above / The DuPage County Board meets at 10AM on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in County Board chambers, located on the third floor of the JTK Administration Building, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois. (PN File Photo)
Wheaton – DuPage County is now accepting applications for its newly-created grant program to assist small nonprofit agencies in the County.
The Small Agency Grant Program will provide grants of less than $25,000 to County agencies that provide programs and services in the areas of economic development, including job readiness and literacy, education and mentoring, housing and shelter, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, or food assistance.
“Throughout the last few years, we have heard from small nonprofits that are struggling to provide these crucial services,” said Greg Schwarze, Chairman of the Human Services Committee. “These funds will help to improve the lives of many of our neediest residents, and we are honored to assist these nonprofits in their missions.”
District 5, includes Naperville, and is served by DuPage County Board members Sadie Covert, Dawn DeSart and Patty Gustin, covering Naperville, Aurora and Lisle areas.
“Due to the after affects of COVID, we have seen an increase in need,” noted Board Member Gustin via email. “The smaller organizations provide assistance, but many times they get overlooked for funding. Each District has been allotted funds to be awarded by District.
Small Agency Grant Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the Small Agency Grant Program, the agency must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing
- Have annual revenue under $300,000
- Complete an application detailing the specific activities and outcomes to be supported by County funds
The DuPage County Board allocated more than $1 million the program at its May 9, 2023, meeting. Funds will be distributed equally among the six County Board districts, with each district receiving no more than $175,000.
Some agencies ineligible for funding / Apply by July 23, 2023
Any agency that previously received funding from the County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act program or the American Rescue Plan Act program is ineligible for funding.
For additional information, email ARPAExpenses@dupageco.org.
To apply for the grant program, visit the Small Agency Grant Program website. The portal will remain open until July 23, 2023.
Story submitted by Evan Shields, Public Information Officer, for the DuPage County Board.
