Metro East Park and Recreation DistrictGrant Programs

• Maximum Grant Award: The previous cumulative award cap has been removed. Qualifying past applicants may now request up to the full $40,000 maximum for a different eligible plan type in a new cycle.
• Cost Share Requirement: The total contribution from all MEPRD tax revenue sources (including this grant and any County PEP or Parks Grant funds) is now limited to a maximum of 80% of the total eligible project cost.
• New Eligible Plan Type: Jurisdiction-wide Forestry, Natural Habitat, and Water Quality Management Master Plans (FHMPs) are now eligible for funding as a standalone project or combined with another eligible plan type.

1. Click the button above to open the application.
2. Download the PDF to your computer.
3. Close all internet browser windows.
4. Open the saved PDF from your computer.
5. Fill in and save the contents of the application as you work on it.

 Test this process out before spending time filling in all of the fields! Note that you will need a PDF reader/editing software installed on your computer, such as Adobe Acrobat.

Applications for the FY 2026 Community Planning 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.

Any public agency having statutory authority to acquire and develop lands for public parks, public trails, public recreation, and/or bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Madison and/or St. Clair Counties, Illinois may apply for MEPRD grant funding. Such agencies include:

• Municipalities
• Townships
• Counties
• Transportation Districts
• Park Districts
• NOTE: Universities, Schools, and School Districts are not eligible applicants.

• Parks and Greenspace Master Planning (community-wide, township-wide, or county-wide)
• and/or
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Planning (community-wide, township-wide, or county-wide)
• and/or
• Forestry, Natural Habitat, and Water Quality Management Master Planning (community-wide, township-wide, or county-wide)

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

• The MEPRD FY 2026 Community Planning Grant Program has a total program budget of $400,000.
• Eligible applicants with a qualifying project type can apply for a MEPRD Community Planning Grant valued at up to $40,000 or up to 40% of the total project cost, whichever is less.
• At least 60% of the total project cost must come from another source, whether that be the project sponsor, public or private funds or grants from others, or some combination thereof.
• ^*Refer to the application for complete details and requirements.

Finished with a planning project funded in-part by MEPRD? Download the MEPRD Grant Reimbursement Request Form below to begin preparing for the grant reimbursement process. Refer to page 2 of the Reimbursement Form for a checklist of required supporting documents. If you are not sure which version to use, please contact us.

• FY23-26 MEPRD Community Planning Grant Reimbursement Form  
• FY 2022 MEPRD Community Planning Grant Reimbursement Form  
• FY20-21 MEPRD Community Planning Grant Reimbursement Form  

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 project, preliminary application review, or general assistance.

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