Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

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Applications for the FY 2026 Event Sponsorship Grant Program are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting July 9, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. — May 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.^*

^*Or until 100% of FY 2025 Program Funds are pledged, whichever comes first.

• Eligible applicants include public organizations and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations.
• Applicant must be headquartered in MEPRD's jurisdiction (Madison County and/or St. Clair County, IL) or within 15 miles of MEPRD's jurisdiction.
• Eligible applicants are limited to one (1) event sponsorship award per MEPRD fiscal year.

Eligible Event Types:

• In-person or virtual events involving physical activity (e.g., walking, running, hiking, cycling, biathlons, etc.) that either promote or make use of public parks, trails, or recreation facilities in Madison or St. Clair County, IL.
• OR
• In-person events or programs that provide a public benefit related to protecting, preserving, and/or restoring the natural environment and/or the local wildlife within publicly owned/operated... parks, green space, greenways, nature preserves, or wetlands in the Metro East. ^* Includes educational and volunteer events/programs.

Additional Requirements:

• Event must promote or make use of public parks, trails or outdoor recreation facilities in Madison and/or St. Clair County, IL.
• All event activities must be located entirely within MEPRD's jurisdiction to qualify.
• At least ten percent (10%) of the event proceeds must go towards funding improvements or developments to a public park or trail or to recreational programs within Madison and/or St. Clair County, IL.
• ^*Refer to the FY 2025 Event Sponsorship Grant Application for complete details.

^*For a complete list of eligible and ineligible project types/components, refer to the application.

• The MEPRD FY 2026 Event Sponsorship Grant Program has a total program budget of $30,000.
• Eligible applicants with a qualifying event can apply for a MEPRD Event Sponsorship Grant of up to $2,500.00 or up to 40% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
• ^*Refer to the application for complete details and requirements.

Finished with an event funded in-part by MEPRD? A reimbursement request should be submitted to MEPRD no more than 45 days after the event. The reimbursement request form can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

• FY26 MEPRD Event Sponsorship Grant Reimbursement Form  
• FY25 MEPRD Event Sponsorship Grant Reimbursement Form  

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our FY 2026 Event Sponsorship Grant Program. These grants support qualifying outdoor events held in Madison and St. Clair Counties, IL that either make use of, or promote the use of, public parks and trails.

The list of grant awards on this page is not final. Additional recipients/awards will be added as new grant requests are received and approved by MEPRD. The grant program will continue to accept applications until all program funds are depleted. Updated: November 2025.

• Belleville, City of

Event Title:	Gingerbread 5K Run / Walk (2025)
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00
Event Date:	December 6, 2025

• Emma L. Wilson King Foundation

Event Title:	EMMAFEST 5K Walk/Run (2025)
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00
Event Date:	October 4, 2025

• HeartLands Conservancy

Event Title:	Exploration Garden Volunteer Stewardship Days (2026)
Grant Amount:	$2,495.50
Event Date(s):	March 13, April 10, and May 8, 2026

• Highland, City of

Event Title:	Gobble Hobble (2025)
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00
Event Date:	November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)

• Millstadt, Village of

Event Title:	Millstadt 37th Annual Parks Biathlon and 5th Annual Parks 5K
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00
Event Date:	September 14, 2025

• SIUE Foundation

Event Title:	SIUE Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run (2025)
Grant Amount:	$2,500.00
Event Date:	September 27, 2025

If you have questions about the program or need assistance, we can help! Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact MEPRD if help is needed with verifying eligibility of a proposed event, preliminary application review, or general assistance.

Call (618) 346-4905  or  Send us a message