The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grant program through August 31st.
This year, $37.5 million is available to help local governments acquire land and develop public parks and outdoor recreation areas.
The program will once again provide 100% funding for eligible projects in economically distressed communities. Communities rebuilding parks damaged by severe storms may also qualify for reduced matching requirements, needing only a 10% local match.
Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has awarded more than $675 million for park and recreation projects across Illinois.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on August 31st through the Amplifund portal. Applicants must also be registered through the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act grantee portal.
For more information, visit the IDNR OSLAD website or call 217-782-7481.