Funding opportunity: 2017 ComEd/Openlands Green Region Program

Photo credit: Brandon Hayes

Openlands partners with ComEd to administer the ComEd Green Region Program. Recognizing that open space in our communities is a crucial element of the quality of our lives, the ComEd program awards grants to public agencies supporting their efforts to plan for, protect, and improve open space in ComEd’s service area of northern Illinois.

Grants of up to $10,000 support open space projects that focus on planning, acquisition, and improvements to local parks, natural areas, and recreation resources. Grant recipients can use Green Region grants in combination with other funding sources to cover a portion of the expenses associated with developing and/or supporting their open space programs. Learn more about the program guidelines.

The 2017 ComEd Green Region Program will have a special focus on pollinator conservation! Learn more.

Applications will be accepted from now until March 15.

South Suburban 2016 Green Region grant recipients include:

1. Village of South Holland, Veterans Park Wildlife Area and Observation Deck – This project will establish a wildlife area and observation deck. This will allow the public to view migratory wildlife, raising ecology awareness, and enhance the local ecology system.

2. Will County, Community Garden and Urban Farm Initiative – This project will establish a community garden/urban farm initiative. It includes an educational garden, small indoor hydroponic growing area, and compost bins.