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DuPage County Opens Applications for Small Agency Grant Program – Round 2

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By Heather Niziolek -West Chicago Voice

DuPage County is once again offering financial support to small nonprofit organizations through its Small Agency Grant Program. This initiative, which first launched in 2023, provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in DuPage County that serve local residents in areas such as job readiness, education, housing, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, and food assistance.

County officials recently approved $1,050,000 in funding for Round 2 of the program, which is supported by interest earnings from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This grant opportunity is designed for small nonprofits that may have missed out on previous federal COVID-19 relief funding through ARPA or the CARES Act. Local organizations that meet eligibility requirements can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. The online application portal will open on January 29, 2025, and will remain open until April 4, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by county officials, and grant funds will be distributed by district to ensure fair access to funding throughout DuPage County.

To be eligible for funding, an organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with annual revenue under $300,000, based on the most recent AG990-IL tax form. The organization must also be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, be located in DuPage County, and serve local residents. Eligible programs or services must fall under one of the following categories: economic development, education and mentoring, housing and shelter, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, or food assistance. The grant funds must be used between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

Certain organizations and expenses are not eligible. New agencies that have not yet filed the required tax forms, organizations with revoked nonprofit status, and groups that previously received Small Agency Grant funding but failed to meet reporting requirements will not qualify. Agencies with conflicts of interest, such as having a board member who also serves on the DuPage County Board, are ineligible as well. Additionally, the funds cannot be used for general operational costs, direct cash payments, religious programs, tourism, capital improvements to buildings or land, or projects contingent on external factors such as zoning approvals.

Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility before being forwarded to the DuPage County Board. Each of the six county districts has three board members who will collectively review applications from their respective areas. In District 6, which includes West Chicago, County Board Member Greg Schwarze will be among those reviewing applications. Each district will recommend grants totaling up to $175,000. Grant recipients will be announced later in the year, with checks distributed at a reception in June 2025.

A free informational webinar will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM via Zoom. The webinar will feature speakers from the county’s Community Services and Finance departments, who will guide applicants through the process and answer questions. The webinar recording will be posted on the county’s website for those who cannot attend live.

Local organizations providing essential community services are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. To apply, visit the Small Agency Grant Program online portal between January 29 and April 4, 2025. For further details or questions, email ARPAExpenses@dupagecounty.gov. With funding available and a streamlined application process, this program aims to strengthen small nonprofits serving DuPage County residents—one grant at a time.