Aurora approves $1 million Quality of Life grant

Aurora City Council Tuesday night approved nearly $1 million in Quality of Life grants for 2024.

Council members voted on a list of 39 grants recommended by city staff from 49 organizations that applied.

The Quality of Life program is a local program funded by gaming taxes from Hollywood Casino-Aurora.

The types of activities covered in the Quality of Life program and the number of grants in these activities are as follows: 18 in education and youth; seven in the community; five in basic needs; four for seniors; three for mental health; and two for museums.

The city received approximately 49 requests totaling $1.75 million, according to Chris Ragona, the city’s Community Development director.

Grants and organizations include the Fox Valley United Way SPARK program ($25,000); Indian Prairie Education Foundation, $5,000; Loaves and Fishes, $25,000; Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, $25,000; YWCA early childhood emergency fund, $15,000; Aurora Area Crime Stoppers, $4,500; Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, $21,000; and Fox Valley Private Recreation Foundation, $5,000.

Also, Hope for Tomorrow, a homeless men’s and veterans’ recovery home program, $19,000; Ladder Up, a tax revenue preparation and financial support services program for low-income residents, $20,000; Lewis Simmons Foundation, $10,000; African American Union Men, $20,000; Agape, $11,000; Live Center, $11,500; Aurora Starz, $3,000; Aurora Men’s Baseball, $2,500; Elgin Boys and Girls Club, $7,500; and Communities in Schools, $290,000.

Also, Dominican Literacy Center, $10,000; Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, $19,000; Imperfect Angels, $5,000; Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center, $20,000; Food Bank of Northern Illinois, $20,000; Urban League of Quad County, $15,000; Simply Destinee SEEDS program, $15,000; Starter Program, $2,500; Three Fire Council, Boy Scouts of America, $10,000; and Waubonsee Community College, Aurora Adult Education students, $10,000.

Also Wayside Cross – Youth Services Program, $14,000; Wheatland Athletic Association, $10,000; World Aid, $15,500; Judah Robinson Foundation, $10,000 for homeless mental health interventions; NAMI DuPage, $10,000; Aurora Historical Museum, $50,000; and Aurora Regional Fire Museum, $50,000.

Also, DuPage Council of Elders, $25,000; Northern Illinois Food Bank senior grocery program, $25,000; Riverwalk Adult Day Services, $9,000; Xilin for managing aging life, $19,000; Ritas Ministries, $23,000; and Individual Development Association victim services program, $100,000.

slord@tribpub.com