Grundy Reporter

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has introduced the Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program, aiming to restore cemeteries that have been abandoned or are in need of maintenance.

The program will provide ten grants annually, each up to $20,000, to eligible applicants. Local government units and not-for-profit organizations, including cemetery authorities, are encouraged to apply for funding.

Applicants must comply with the Cemetery Oversight Act, possess a valid FEIN, be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and be registered on the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grant Portal. Local governments are required to show proof of authorization for their application. Not-for-profits must submit documentation verifying their nonprofit status. If an applicant does not own the cemetery in question, they must either obtain permission from the owner or explain why such permission cannot be secured.

Applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025. AmpliFund, the state’s grant management platform, recently held a virtual training session for applicants; this session is now available on IDFPR’s YouTube page.

For further information about the program, Denise Bullocks, IDFPR Deputy Director of Cemetery and Funeral Oversight, can be contacted at denise.bullocks@illinois.gov or (312) 814-6187.

Sue Rezin has represented Illinois’ 38th Senate District since her election in 2010 as a Republican. She succeeded Gary G. Dahl in this role.