SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The application period for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Illinois.
These grants are used to provide funding assistance to local government agencies to acquire land and develop it into public parks and open spaces. Projects can vary from small neighborhood parks to large community and county parks and nature areas. The program is state-financed by a percentage of Illinois’ Real Estate Transfer Tax.
Funding assistance of up to 50% or 90% for distressed communities of approved costs can be obtained. Awarded funds for acquisition projects can go up to $1,725,000, and development/renovation projects are eligible for up to $600,000.
All applicants must be prequalified through the State of Illinois Grantee Portal. Additional information on prequalification can be found at this link. School districts are not eligible for the grant funding.
Applicants can submit their application at this link after reading the Notice of Funding Opportunity and downloading the OSLAD Program manual. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on September 13.
