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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Chris Ragona, Director of Community Services
DATE: January 28, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving of the 2026 Quality of Life Grants in the Amount of $863,000.
PURPOSE:
A Resolution Approving of the 2026 Quality of Life Grants in the Amount of $863,000.
BACKGROUND:
The Quality of Life Grant (QOL) application process opened on September 9, 2025 and closed on October 10, 2025. For 2026, the total Quality of Life funding available is $863,000. This amount is lower than in past years because the set aside for afterschool programs previously awarded to Cities in Schools was transferred as part of a 3-year contract awarded to the Boys and Girls Club in the amount of $290,000.
City staff outreach efforts included notifications to prior and current QOL recipients and prospective first-time applicants. The following table outlines the City’s outreach efforts:
|
Outreach Opportunity |
Date |
|
Pre-Application Announcement Email - Notice #1 |
8-26-2025 |
|
Beacon Newspaper Advertisement |
8-17-2025 |
|
Community Resource Team Email |
8-29-2025 |
|
Community Resource Team Social Media Post |
8-29-2025 |
|
Pre-Application Announcement Email - Notice #2 |
8-29-2025 |
|
Pre-Application Announcement Email - Notice #3 |
9-04-2025 |
|
Pre-Application Virtual Workshop |
9-09-2025 |
|
Final Reminder Regarding Application Due Date |
10-06-2025 |
|
Application Due Date |
10-10-2025 |
Under each email notification, an estimated 560 representatives from non-profit agencies, elected officials, advisory boards, interested businesses, and residents of the City were provided with information regarding the City’s grant opportunities. The City also contacted other area grant providers via email to share the City’s grant opportunities and published an advertisement and press release in The Beacon News. An estimated 120 attendees participated in the non-mandatory pre-application virtual workshop. The workshop was recorded and posted on the City’s website along with the workshop’s presentation slides.
The 2026 Quality of Life funding round closed on October 10, 2025, with 58 applicants requesting $2.4 million dollars, a decrease of 6 applicants from 2025 and an increase of $200,000 in requested funds from the City’s 2025 Quality of Life funding round.
Community Services Department staff reviewed and scored each application to focus on the following criteria:
-Completeness and quality of the application.
-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 residents.
City staff also completed 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. Numerous site visits and pre-application meetings were completed, and additional research was conducted to confirm the accuracy of the applicants’ described service areas and outcomes.
After a review of each application, City staff organized projects by the requested amount, funding availability, and funding proposal quality. For 2026, the Quality of Life (QOL) grant program saw a decrease in recommended applications, with 45 now being proposed compared to 50 in 2025. Thirteen (13) applications are recommended for denial, a decrease from fourteen (14) applications in 2025.
A summary of each application received, the funding requested, and recommendations for funding have been attached (EXHIBIT A). Additional information including an agency description and detailed project proposal have also been included (EXHIBIT B). All awarded agencies, except those recommended for sponsorships, will be required to sign a contract and submit quarterly reports to receive payments. Failure to submit quarterly reports or to demonstrate direct service to Aurora residents will result in a reduction or denial of payment requests.
DISCUSSION:
The 2026 QOL Grant program continues to evolve as the City moves towards implementation of a new automated reporting system. While significant online platform testing was completed in 2025, City staff are still working on implementing a comprehensive solution that will include the application, review, and reporting process for each grant awarded.
In addition to performance outcome metrics, the submittal of success stories will remain a priority and will be required as part of the QOL grantee’s 2026 quarterly progress reports. The reports will further enhance accountability and transparency in funding utilization, helping the City to assess accomplishments and unmet needs while guiding future funding priorities.
Additionally, as a 2026 award recipient, all agencies will have the opportunity to leverage the City’s various outreach efforts including social media and emailed newsletters to promote their agency, events, and highlights.
Lastly, 2 agencies partnered with the City to create no cost videos highlighting services offered. This opportunity will be once again opened to some 2026 grant recipients. The link below highlights a video completed on behalf of Fox Valley Hands of Hope <https://youtu.be/pEQ_LpvWKdc>.
In 2026, on-site project set up meetings for new QOL recipients will remain a priority to complete basic monitoring and when feasible, a tour of the funded program sites and facilities. Additional monitoring will include spot checking expenses and accomplishments for previously awarded agencies recommended for 2026 funding.
Four virtual quarterly meetings for all recipients of QOL will continue taking place to discuss progress, share ideas, and further collaborate. Failure to attend at least 2 of these quarterly meetings will result in a loss of 25% of a QOL award. The results of set-up meetings, as well as quarterly progress reports will be further utilized to increase partnerships, reduce duplication of services, and increase further collaboration between the City and its partners.
Account numbers where funds have been requested for 2026 budget:
101-1302-419.53-25 - $75,000;
215-1302-419.53-25: $477,000;
215-1302-419.50-50: $18,000;
215-1370-440.50-30: $4,000;
215-1360-450.53-26: $158,000; and
255-3536-421.50-05: $131,000.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The 2026 QOL Grants will support 45 activities. These funds will support a wide variety of agencies and fund programs such as basic needs, community, education & youth, mental health, museums, public safety, seniors, workforce development and other programs benefiting the residents of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends adoption of this Resolution authorizing the funding of the 2026 Quality of Life Grants in the amount of $863,000.
For Reference, the following documents are attached:
- EXHIBIT A - QUALITY FUNDING RECOMMENDATION
- EXHIBIT B - QUALITY APPLICANT SUMMARY
cc: Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Approving the 2026 Quality of Life Grants in the Amount of $863,000.
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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's Quality of Life Grant program has supported dozens local non-profits since 2008, and
WHEREAS, the Quality of Life Grant program has helped serve thousands of people, and
WHEREAS, the financial support of local partners is critical to continue to provide a wide range of programs and services, and
WHERAS, the Block Grant Working Committee has reviewed the 2026 QOL applications and made recommendations for funding for 2026, and
WHEREAS, funds are requested in the 2026 budget in the following accounts: 101-1302-419.53-25: $75,000; 215-1302-419.53-25: $477,000; 215-1302-419.50-50: $18,000; 215-1370-440.50-30: $4,000; 215-1360-450.53-26: $158,000; and
255-3536-421.50-05: $131,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: subject to the approval of this item in the 2026 budget, the 2026 Quality of Life Grants are approved and incorporated as part of the 2026 City of Aurora Annual Budget.