The state of Illinois has taken notice of its forgotten histories and lost narratives, as the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announces a significant move towards the restoration of dignity to its abandoned and neglected cemeteries. Through the Cemetery Relief Fund Grants, the IDFPR extends a hand to aid local governments and not-for-profit groups eager to bring care to the final resting places that tell the stories of their locales, as outlined in a recent press release. Units of local government and not-for-profit cemetery authorities, among others, now find themselves newly empowered to seek grants valued up to $20,000 for the upkeep of these sacred spaces.
For each year, ten of these grants will be issued, drawing from an allocation in the FY26 state budget inked by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Applications for these grants can be found on a dedicated online platform with an approaching deadline of October 24. The urgency to seize this opportunity is palpable amongst those who hold these grounds as communal anchors of memory and heritage. Recognizing the profound link between these sites and the living community, IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. remarked, "Cemeteries hold deep historical and emotional significance for local communities, and it is vital they are properly maintained for future generations to honor and remember their loved ones," as per the State of Illinois.
Applicants vying for these grants must clear certain administrative hurdles, including submission of proof that the individual applying has the delegated authority or proof of not-for-profit status for the organization. Additionally, if the entities do not own the cemeteries, they must secure permission from the owners or explain why securing such consent is not feasible, according to the State of Illinois. A series of eligibility criteria is to be met, including having a valid FEIN number and being a good standing with the Secretary of State, ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilization of these funds. Entities are required to be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, also endorsing compliance with the Cemetery Oversight Act.
AmpliFund, the state’s grant management support service, will host a virtual training session on September 4 at 3 p.m. to help potential applicants navigate the complexities of the grant process. The session will provide key guidance for a smooth application and will also be available later on IDFPR’s YouTube channel. For more information, applicants can contact Denise Bullocks, IDFPR’s Deputy Director of Cemetery and Funeral Oversight, via the provided email or phone number for direct assistance.
