cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Simon Rodriguez, Youth Services Manager
Nicole Mullins, Chief Community Services Officer
Chris Ragona, Director, Community Services
DATE: 6/30/2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution to utilize donation funds in the amount of $226,950 from the Festival of Lights for the purpose of a Youth Programs Enhancement Grant administered by the Youth Services Division.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to request approval from the City Council for a youth program grant that would fund multiple youth programs, events, and initiatives.
BACKGROUND:
Since 2021, the City has received donations from the Festival of Lights holiday program at Phillips Park. The total amount of funds received to date is $270,671.29. For the 2026-2027 school year, the Youth Services division has requested to use a portion of these funds ($226,950) for multiple youth programs and initiatives. This request is to use these funds for several initiatives, including an after-school programming grant, a scholarship program, portable soccer fields for area school districts, and a sponsorship for the 2026 Illuminate Pathways career exploration event. The remaining funds will be invested back into Phillips Park and into enhancements for the next Festival of Lights display.
DISCUSSION:
Funds requested for all programs mentioned above is $226,950 for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 in the form of one-time grants. The proposed program is to use these funds for several initiatives including:
-After-school programming grants (between $5,000-$20,000 each)
-Equipment Purchases (up to $20,000 each)
-Scholarships to attend programming during non school hours (between $5,000 and $20,000 each). We anticipate around 10-15 recipients for the After-School, Equipment, & Scholarship categories
-Sponsorship set aside for the 2nd annual Career Pathways event on 10/23/2026 ($20,000)
-Two portable soccer fields for two Aurora school districts ($40,000 total)
The exact number of recipients will depend on the number of applications received and the types of applications submitted. Recommendations will not exceed $226,950.
Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the following criteria:
-Completeness and quality of the application
-Alignment with city goals and strategies
-Budget including sources and uses
-Grant management experience
-Past performance
-Ability to operate or carry on project with a reduced amount of funds
-Performance metrics
-Duplication of services
-Ability to serve Aurora youth
Additionally, city staff will complete conflict of interest reviews, good standing checks with the City’s Division of Revenue and Collections, State of Illinois, Internal Revenue Service, and federal debarment registry to confirm each applicant’s funding eligibility. The application is anticipated to be released in early August. Notification will be sent out to 560+ representatives listed on the city's interested party list along with an ad in the Beacon, and social media postings. All recommendations with the exception of the VALEES sponsorship will be presented to City Council this fall for approval. VALEES is planning a citywide career exploration event at Waubonsee Community College on October 23, 2026 with over 2,000 high school freshmen in Aurora expected to attend.
The revenue is currently in account number 101-0000-227.01-11. Once approved, the Youth Services division will work with the Finance Department to establish the expense accounts required and submit a budget amendment.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approving the use of these funds will assist with enhancing current programming offered to youth throughout the City, bridging gaps in services provided, especially to low-income families and those with financial restrictions to cover costs for their families to attend after-school/enrichment programs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Youth Services Division requests approval to utilize donation funds in the amount of $226,950 from the Festival of Lights for the purpose of a Youth Programs Enhancement Grant administered by the Youth Services division.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to utilize donation funds in the amount of $226,950 from the Festival of Lights for the purpose of a Youth Programs Enhancement Grant administered by the Youth Services division.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has received donations at the Festival of Lights holiday program at Phillips Park since 2021; and
WHEREAS, many Aurora families struggle with funding programs for youth in their households; and
WHERAS, many community partners and program providers would benefit from more youth participants; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora's Youth Services Division continues to commit to finding methods to offset costs for families to attend programs year-round; and
WHEREAS, 2026 funds in the amount of $226,950 are available in our budget, revenue account 101-000-227.01-11, and a budget amendment will be required for the expense.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that donation funds from the Festival of Lights be used for the 2026-2027 Youth Programs Enhancement Grant is hereby approved.