HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-0521 Youth Leadership Academy ELGIN SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 21st day of May , 20 25 ,
by and between the CITY OF ELGIN, Illinois,a municipal corporation (hereinafter referred to as
the "City"), and Youth Leadership Academy, a not-for-profit corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Illinois(hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee").
WHEREAS, the City has determined that it would serve a beneficial public purpose to
enter into an agreement with the Grantee to provide a grant to the Grantee under the City's
Sustainable Elgin Community Grant Program in order to provide funding for Grantee's
Unwinding Climate Change: Small Actions, Big Impact(hereinafter the "Project") in accordance
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;and
WHEREAS, the Grantee represents that it has the necessary expertise and experience to
conduct the Project activities upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the City is a home rule unit of local government which may exercise any
powers and perform any functions pertaining to its government affairs;and
WHEREAS, providing financial assistance to the Grantee to conduct the Project as
described herein will promote the public welfare of the community and pertains to the government
and affairs of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby mutually acknowledged, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:
1. That the foregoing recitals are incorporated into this Agreement in their entirety.
2. The City shall provide a grant to the Grantee in the total amount of one thousand
and five hundred dollars ($1,500) (hereinafter referred to as the "Grant Funds"),to be utilized by
the Grantee for the Project Activities described in Paragraph 3 herein, and for no other purposes.
Payment of the Grant Funds by the City to the Grantee shall be as reimbursement to the Grantee
of approved Project expenses submitted by the Grantee in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement. Applicant shall present paid receipts or copies of paid receipts to
City specifically designating actual expenses incurred for the Project Activities described in the
application with any request for reimbursement from City. Such requests for reimbursement
and paid receipts shall be limited to and shall specifically designated actual expenses incurred
for the Project Activities described in the application, and reimbursements shall not
exceed the amount of Grant Funds approved at the time of the execution of this Agreement. No
funding shall be provided or approved by City for expenses incurred prior to the execution of the
grant agreement.
3. The Grantee shall utilize the Grant Funds to perform and provide the activities and
services for the Project described in and pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth on Exhibit
A, entitled Exhibit A: Project Proposal, attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference,
and for no other purposes (the Project activities and services, including terms, conditions, dates,
and times, are hereinafter referred to as the "Project Activities"). In the event of any conflict
between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions in Exhibit A hereto, the
provisions of this Agreement shall control. The Grantee represents and warrants that the
Grantee shall use its best efforts to perform the Project Activities in a reasonable, timely, and
efficient manner, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The
Project Activities set forth in Exhibit A are integral parts of this Agreement and may not be
modified, amended or altered except by a written amendment to this Agreement agreed to and
executed by both parties hereto.
4. The Grantee shall address all inquiries and requests made pursuant to this
Agreement to the Assistant City Manager of the City or his/her designee.
5. In connection with any Project Activities to be performed on any property other
than City-owned properties, the Grantee warrants and agrees to maintain all facilities and
equipment used in the performing of the Project Activities in a clean, sanitary and safe condition
and free from defects of every kind whatsoever. Grantee agrees and warrants that the Grantee
will periodically inspect, at reasonable intervals and with a reasonable degree of thoroughness,
all of such facilities and equipment for such purposes. Grantee also warrants that the Grantee
and the Grantee's facilities and equipment used in the performing of the Project Activities are
not now, nor shall be during the term of this Agreement, in violation of any health, building, fire
or zoning code or regulation or other applicable requirements of law. In connection with
the Project Activities on properties owned or controlled by the City, Grantee agrees and warrants
to use, and to cause persons participating in the Project Activities to use, through proper and
reasonable supervision and control, all facilities with due care, and to report all defects in or
damage to any such facilities, and the cause thereof, if known, immediately to the Assistant City
Manager of the City.
6. Grantee shall comply with all of the requirements, terms and conditions of the
City's Sustainability Commission Grant Program. All grant funds for the Project Activities shall
be expended by the Grantee between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, and the Grantee
shall complete the Project Activities for which Grant Funds have been awarded no later than
December 31, 2025. All funds awarded pursuant to this Agreement shall be expended in
accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and of the City's Sustainability
Commission Grant Program. The Grantee shall apply the Grant Funds solely to fund the Project
Activities identified in Exhibit A,and no funds from the grant provided pursuant to this Agreement
shall be used by the Grantee for operating expenses or for any purchase of permanent equipment,
capital improvements,construction or for the payment of any previous year's deficit.
7. Prior to entry into this Agreement, the Grantee shall complete a Project and
Financial Report in a form as required by the City. Following the completion of the Project
Activities the Grantee shall submit a final Project Report in a form as required by the City within
sixty (60) days of completion of the Project Activities, but no later than December 31, 2025.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Grantee shall also complete, maintain, and submit to the
Assistant City Manager of the City, or his/her designee, any and all records, reports, and forms
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relating to the Project Activities in this Agreement as may be requested by the City, including but
not limited to,as follows:
(a) The Grantee shall provide a budget to the City which shall reflect the
projected distribution of Grant Funds received from the City pursuant
to this Agreement during the term of this Agreement. The budget
shall be submitted to the Assistant City Manager of the City prior to
any payment by the City.
(b) The Grantee shall provide to the City all accounting records
substantiating any and all revenues and expenses relating to the Grant
Funds awarded pursuant to this Agreement. Such accounting records
shall be submitted by the Grantee to the City for review by the City's
Fiscal Services Department within sixty (60) days following the
completion of the Project Activities. Accounting records shall
include, but not be limited to, bank statements, cancelled checks,
invoices, ticket sales, and such other documentation as determined
by the City to verify the performance of the Project Activities and/or
grant related receipts and disbursements.
8. In the event this Agreement is terminated, or in the event the Project Activities for
which the Grant Funds provided herein are to be applied are discontinued, or the Grantee ceases
its operations prior to December 31, 2025, the Grantee shall refund to the City on a prorated per
diem basis any Grant Funds paid hereunder for the portion of the year remaining after any such
termination or for the portion of the year the Project Activities were not conducted.
9. The City of Elgin and the Sustainability Commission shall be recognized as
sponsors of the Grantee and shall receive the benefits of sponsorship consistent with the level of
support provided in this Agreement. At a minimum, the City's and the Sustainability
Commission's support shall be acknowledged on all print materials promoting the Grantee's
organization,press releases,radio advertising,web page information and event program(s)through
the following mandatory funding identification statement: "Funding for the organization is
provided in part through the City of Elgin and the Sustainability Commission." Three samples of
this acknowledgement shall be provided to the City. A logo provided by the City to the Grantee
shall be used for this purpose.
10. In all printed materials in which a City seal or logo is deemed appropriate, written
approval by the Public Information Officer of the City shall be required prior to printing.
11. The term of this Agreement shall commence from the date of the execution hereof
and continue through December 31, 2025,unless otherwise terminated as provided for herein.
12. This Agreement shall not be construed so as to create a partnership,joint venture,
employment or other agency relationship between the parties hereto. It is expressly agreed and
understood that the Grantee and the Grantee's officers, employees and agents are not employees
of the City and are not entitled to any benefits or insurance provided to employees of the City.
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13. If the Grantee violates or breaches any term of this Agreement, such violation or
breach shall be deemed to constitute a default, and the City shall have the right to seek such
administrative, contractual, legal or equitable remedies to which it may be entitled by law as a
result of such violation or breach; and, in addition, if the Grantee, by reason of any default, fails,
within fifteen (15) days after notice thereof by the City demanding compliance, to comply with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the City may terminate this Agreement and any and
all financial or other obligations on the part of the City shall cease and become null and void. In
addition, and without limiting the foregoing, if the Grantee fails to perform any of its obligations
under this Agreement, the Grantee shall be required to repay any and all Grant Funds in full upon
thirty(30)days written demand. If the City violates or breaches any term of this Agreement,such
violation or breach shall be deemed to constitute a default,and in the event the City,within fifteen
(15)days after notice thereof by the Grantee demanding compliance,fails to comply with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, the Grantee, as its sole and exclusive remedy, may terminate
this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or by implication or
estoppel,with the sole exception of the money the City has agreed to pay the Grantee pursuant to
paragraph 2 hereof, no action shall be commenced by the Grantee, any related agents, persons or
entities, and/or any of their successors and/or assigns, against the City for monetary damages. In
the event any legal action is brought by the City for the enforcement of any of the obligations of
the Grantee in this Agreement and the City is the prevailing party in such action, the City shall
also be entitled to recover from the Grantee interest at the rate of nine percent (9%) per annum,
plus attorney's fees at the rate of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per hour, which Grantee
agrees to be reasonable. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any expiration,completion
and/or termination of this Agreement.
14. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof,the City may terminate this Agreement
at any time upon thirty(30)days prior written notice to the Grantee. In the event this Agreement
is so terminated, the Grantee shall only be reimbursed for such reimbursable expenses related to
Project Activities that were actually incurred prior to termination, except that any such
reimbursement shall not, in any event, exceed the total amount set forth in paragraph 2 above.
Additionally, in the event this Agreement is so terminated, the Grantee shall immediately cease
the expenditure of any Grant Funds previously paid to the Grantee by the City and shall refund to
the City any unexpended funds.
15. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Grantee agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold harmless the City, its officers, employees, agents,boards and commissions from and against
any and all claims, suits,judgments, costs, attorney's fees,damages or other relief, including, but
not limited to, workers' compensation claims, in any way resulting from or arising out of any
negligent acts or omissions of the Grantee in connection herewith, including any negligent acts or
omissions of agents of the Grantee arising out of the performance of this Agreement and/or the
Project Activities. In the event of any action against the City, its officers, employees, agents,
boards or commissions covered by the foregoing duty to indemnify, defend and hold harmless,
such action shall be defended by legal counsel of the City's choosing. The provisions of this
section shall survive any expiration,completion and/or termination of this Agreement.
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16. The Grantee shall provide, pay for and maintain in effect, during the term of this
Agreement, comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering all owned, non-owned and
hired motor vehicles used in connection with the Project Activities with limits of not less than
$500,000 per occurrence for damages to persons or property. The Grantee shall also provide,pay
for and maintain in effect,during the term of this Agreement,worker's compensation insurance in
amounts required under the laws of the State of Illinois. At the request of the City the Grantee
shall provide to the City certificates of insurance regarding the insurance required in this
paragraph.
17. No official, director, officer, agent or employee of the City shall be charged
personally or held contractually liable under any term or provision of this Agreement or because
of their execution,approval or attempted execution of this Agreement.
18. In all hiring or employment associated with, arising out of or resulting from this
Agreement, there shall be no discrimination against any independent contractor, employee or
applicant for employment because of sex,age,race,color,creed,national origin,marital status,of
the presence of any sensory, mental or physical handicap, unless based upon a bona fide
occupational qualification,and this requirement shall apply to,but not be limited to,the following:
employment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and
selection for training,including apprenticeship.
19. No person shall be denied or subjected to discrimination in receipt of the benefit of
any services or activities made possible by or resulting from this Agreement on the grounds of sex,
race, color, creed, national origin, age except minimum age and retirement provisions, marital
status or the presence of any sensory,mental or physical handicap. Any violation of this provision
shall be considered a violation of a material provision of this Agreement and shall be grounds for
cancellation,termination or suspension, in whole or in part,of the Agreement by the City.
20. The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be severable. If any paragraph,
sub-paragraph, phrase, clause or other provision of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, shall
be held to be void or otherwise unenforceable,all other portions of this Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect.
21. This Agreement and its exhibits constitutes the entire Agreement of the parties on
the subject matter hereof and may not be changed, modified, discharged or extended except by
written amendment duly executed by the parties. Each party agrees that no representations or
warranties shall be binding upon the other party unless expressed in writing herein or in a duly-
executed amendment hereof.
22. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in, and shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Venue for the resolution of any disputes or the
enforcement of any rights pursuant to this Agreement shall be in the Circuit Court of Kane County,
Illinois.
23. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, it is expressly agreed and
understood that in connection with the performance of this Agreement the Grantee shall comply
with all applicable federal, state,city and other requirements of law including,but not limited to,
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any applicable requirements regarding prevailing wages, minimum wage, workplace safety and
legal status of employees. Without limiting the foregoing,the Grantee hereby certifies,represents
and warrants to the City that all of Grantee's employees and/or agents who will be providing
products, and/or services with respect to this Agreement shall be legal residents of the United
States. Grantee shall also at its sole expense secure all permits and licenses, pay all charges and
fees and give all notices necessary and incident to the due and lawful prosecution of the work,
and/or the products and/or services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement. City shall have the
right to audit any records in the possession or control of the Grantee to determine the Grantee's
compliance with the provisions of this section or of law. In the event the City proceeds with such
an audit, the Grantee shall make available to the City the City's relevant records at no cost to the
City. The Grantee shall pay any and all costs associated with any such audit. The provisions of
this paragraph shall survive any expiration,completion and/or termination of this Agreement.
24. All notices, reports and documents required under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be mailed by First Class Mail,postage prepaid,addressed as follows:
As to the City: As to Grantee:
City of Elgin 1151 N State Street
150 Dexter Court Elgin,IL 60123-1404
Elgin,IL 60120-5555 Attention: Kathy-Ann Pegues
Attention: Richard G. Kozal
City Manager
With a copy to:
Christopher Beck,Corporation Counsel
City of Elgin
150 Dexter Court
Elgin,IL 60120-5555 -
25. This Agreement is, and shall be deemed and construed to be, a joint and collective
work product of the City and the Grantee and, as such, this Agreement shall not be construed
against the other party, as the otherwise purported drafter of same, by any court of competent
jurisdiction in order to resolve any inconsistency, ambiguity, vagueness or conflict, if any,of the
terms and provisions contained herein.
26. This Agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement and the obligations herein may not be assigned
or delegated by the Grantee without the express written consent of the City,which consent may be
withheld at the sole discretion of the City.
27. Grantee hereby waives any and all claims or rights to interest on money claimed to
be due pursuant to this Agreement,and any and all such rights to interest to which it may otherwise
be entitled pursuant to law,including,but not limited to,pursuant to the Local Government Prompt
Payment Act (50 ILCS 505/1, et seg.), as amended, or the Illinois Interest Act (815 ILCS 205/1,
et seg.), as amended. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any expiration, completion
and/or termination of this Agreement.
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28. The parties hereto agree that any cause of action by the Grantee arising out of this
Agreement must be filed within one year of the date the alleged cause of action arose or the same
will be time-barred. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any expiration, completion
and/or termination of this Agreement.
29. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts,each of which shall be an original
and all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. For the purposes of executing this
agreement, any signed copy of this Agreement transmitted by fax machine or e-mail shall be
treated in all manners and respects as an original document. The signature of any party on a copy
of this Agreement transmitted by fax machine or e-mail shall be considered for these purposes as
an original signature and shall have the same legal effect as an original signature. Any such faxed
or c-mailed copy of this Agreement shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as an
original document. At the request of either party any fax or e-mail copy of this Agreement shall
be re-executed by the parties in an original form. No party to this Agreement shall raise the use
of fax machine or e-mail as a defense to this agreement and shall forever waive such defense.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have entered into executed this agreement on
the date and year first written above.
CITY OF ELGIN, a municipal corporation GRANTEE: Youth Leadership Academy
(Applicant Kathy-Ann Pegues)
By: By:
Richard G Kozal, City Manager Name/Print: Kathy-Ann Pegues
Title: FYwriitiva f)irectnr
Attest:
City Clerk
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Exhibit A: Project Proposal
From: noreply(&civicplus.com
To: Kristin Iftner
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Sustainable Elgin Community Grant Application
Date: Tuesday, March 25,2025 5:36:58 PM
Sustainable Elgin Community Grant Application
Step 1
Please Note:
We are excited to review your grant proposal! The questions below will
help us better understand what you want to do, why and with whom.
Please be as specific as possible.
Applicant Information
Project Title: Unwinding Climate Change: Small Actions, Big impact
Applicant Name: YEA cadets, from the 10th and 11 grade
Applicant Website (if https://www.ylacademy.org/
available): Instagram: unwinding_earth
Does the applicant Yes
have a 501(c) status?
Primary Contact Name: Kathy-Ann Pegues
Primary Contact 1151 N State Street
Address:
Primary Contact 317-250-6626
Phone:
Primary Contact Email: Kpegues@ylacademy.org
Projects will be funded N/A, applicant will provide upfront funding needed for project,
through and will not be using a fiscal agent.
reimbursements. A
group can utilize a
"fiscal agent" for
purposes of funding the
project. Note if a fiscal
agent will be utilized.
If using a fiscal agent, Field not completed.
attached letter or
documentation
verifying agreement
Has this organization No
acted as a fiscal agent
for another group that
is receiving grant funds
from the City of Elgin?
Has the applicant No
received another grant
from the City of Elgin
for the 2024 calendar
year?
Project Information
Project Location Festival park, Gail Borden library, and Elgin parks
Physical Address,
intersection, or location
description if there is
not specific address;
project must be in Elgin
corporate limits:
Attach map and/or Field not completed.
drawings of project
location, if applicable
Project Location: Downtown
Grant total requested: 1.500
Dates of Project: June 2025-June 2026
Anticipated Project June 1,2025
Start Date:
Anticipated Project End June 1. 2026
Date:
Applicants Community Youth Leadership Academy
Group/Organization(s)
Organizational Mission
Statement - What does The mission of the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is to
your group do and engage and inspire youth to maximize their potential by
why? becoming successful community leaders via the access and
responsible utilization of post-secondary education. The mission
of the student leadership group, Unwinding Climate Change is to
raise awareness and educate the city of Elgin that the change
starts at home. The purpose of Service Learning in YLA is to
provide a structured environment where our students can
practice and enhance their leadership skills. Service Learning
offers young people an intentional way to develop important
philanthropic values. These values include volunteering and
building foundational relationships with organizations and
community leaders who address issues they are passionate
about. The Service Learning group Unwinding Climate Change
embodies these values by educating, advocating, and initiating
hands-on initiatives. The group aims to empower the people of
Elgin to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable
lifestyle. By uniting at a local level, we contribute to change on a
global scale. Through these efforts, we hope to inspire nearby
communities, creating a ripple effect amplified through social
media. We are committed to protecting our future, our
environment, and our community working together to build a
cleaner, greener world where we can all thrive.
Project Leader/Grant Kathy-Ann Pegues
Contact:
Phone: 317-250-6626
Email: kpegues@ylaacademy.org
Address: Judson University; Creekside South Office 113 1151 North State
Street Elgin, IL 60123
Physical Address of Judson University;1151 North State Street Elgin, IL 60123
intersection if
applicable:
City of Elgin Mission Collaborative: Routinely engaging each other in planning and
Statement: A problem solving while equally weighing ideas and opinions to
transformative arrive at the best possible outcome
organization at the
forefront of
governmental service
delivery. Vision
Statement: Elgin is a
diverse and authentic
City that embraces its
history while aspiring to
be an inclusive.
innovative. and vibrant
community. Does your
project address any
one of the City
Council's Core Values?
Choose all that apply:
Describe your idea/project by answering the following questions. Be as specific as
possible. Address each question.
Scoring:
o Question 1 (a,b,c): 5 points
o Question 2: (a,b): 3 points
o Question 3: 3 points
• Question 4: 3 points
o Question 5: 3 points
o Question 6: 3 points
• Question 7 (a,b): 3 points
o Question 8 (upload project budget): 6 points
1.a What is your At Unwinding Climate Change, we are dedicated to raising
idea/project? (100- awareness and fostering a community committed to fighting
word max each) climate change. Our focus is on the local level here in Elgin,
where we engage through education, advocacy, and hands-on
initiatives such as tree planting, clean-up events, and
sustainability workshops. We aim to empower everyone,
children, teens, parents, and the elderly making environmental
responsibility both accessible and impactful. Our goal is to inspire
small, consistent actions that lead to meaningful change. By
unraveling the complexities of climate change and providing
practical solutions,we believe we can collectively restore
balance to our planet and create a greener, more sustainable
future for generations to come.
1.b Who will benefit Our project, Unwinding Climate Change, benefits everyone, the
from your idea/project? Elgin community, nearby areas, and the planet as a whole. By
(100-word max each) raising awareness, providing education, and creating
opportunities for action, we help build cleaner, greener, and
healthier living spaces. Both current and future generations will
benefit from a more sustainable world with reduced pollution and
preserved natural resources. Schools, businesses, and
organizations can engage in eco-friendly initiatives, fostering a
culture of responsibility and innovation. Ultimately, by combating
climate change and promoting sustainability, we create healthier,
more resilient communities for all.
1.c How will you Phase 1: Awareness & Planning (June 1 -July 31)
implement your Collaborate on a podcast with another YLA Service Learning
idea/project (include Group.
timeline, process and
people)? (100-word
Organize community panel nights at Gail Borden Library.
max each)
Increase social media advocacy.
Identify locations for recycling bins and work with officials to
expand waste management.
Secure a site for a community garden.
Phase 2: Action & Engagement(August 1 to October 31)
Host panel nights to discuss solutions.
Launch a sustainable clothing swap.
Organize park and community clean-ups.
Fundraise and begin tree planting.
Start the community garden with hands-on involvement.
2.a How will your Elgin is a diverse community, home to people of various races,
project address religions, and cultural backgrounds. Our project prioritizes
diversity, equity and diversity and inclusion by ensuring that everyone has a voice in
Inclusion (could climate action. To foster accessibility, we will host panel nights in
incorporate this into both English and Spanish, making us a bilingual organization
project planning, (haciendonos una organizacibn bilingue). Our marketing
strategies will leverage social media and local networks to
marketing, and/or collaborate with schools, community centers, and local groups.
execution). (100-word By creating a welcoming space, we aim to empower all
maximum) (100-word individuals to take part in building a more sustainable Elgin.
max each)
2.b. Outreach & At Unwinding Climate Change, we prioritize representation,
Planning: How will your accessibility, and community engagement to reach underserved
project will reach populations. We will collaborate with local schools, libraries. and
underserved organizations to connect with Elgin's diverse neighborhoods. Our
populations in your outreach will include social media platforms like Facebook and
planning, marketing, Instagram, email campaigns, a website, and printed flyers to
and/or outreach ensure accessible information for both native and non-native
English speakers. By fostering exclusivity, we aim to create a
process? (100-word welcoming space where everyone has a role in environmental
Maximum) action, ensuring that all voices are heard and empowered in the
fight against climate change.
3. All projects must Our project will incorporate both community engagement and
include community education, as learning is most impactful when put into action.
engagement and/or During our panel nights at Gail Borden Library, we will educate
Community education, the public on local environmental issues, providing an open
Explain how you will space for discussion. Experts, activists. and community leaders
incorporate one or both will share insights and solutions, deepening participants'
in your project. (200- understanding.
To extend our reach beyond in-person events. we will partner
word maximum) with the senior YLA cadets on their podcast, highlighting topics
related to sustainable living. Additionally. hands-on initiatives
such as clean-up events, tree planting days, and clothing swaps
will allow participants to actively engage in sustainable practices.
We will also advocate for increased recycling in public spaces,
incorporating community feedback to guide our efforts. By
connecting education with direct action, we empower individuals
to make meaningful contributions to their communities. With their
involvement. our project comes to life, creating a lasting impact
and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable Elgin.
4. Define success. How To us, success is not measured by medals, money, or statistics
will you know your —it's about the people of Elgin. As many of us were born or
project is a success? raised here. we are passionate about giving back to this amazing
(150-word maximum) and supportive community. Success means growth, education,
and the lasting impact of sustainable living. Seeing the Elgin
community become informed, engaged, and committed to
environmental action is our true achievement. We will measure
success through community participation in our events and
hands-on activities by having at least 50 citizens participate. We
would have reached our success goal. Our greatest
accomplishment will be witnessing individuals make sustainable
choices in their daily lives, inspiring future generations to protect
our planet. If we create even a small ripple of change, it will grow,
spreading throughout our community and beyond.
5. Measuring Impact. We will measure our impact using both quantitative data and
How will you measure qualitative feedback to assess participation and community
your impact? All growth. Attendance will be tracked at panel nights, clean-up
grantees are required events, tree plantings. and the clothing swap. Social media
to complete a project metrics such as reach, interactions, and community engagement
report summarizing will help gauge our online impact. Additionally, the number of
basic impacts, such as trees planted, parks cleaned, and clothing items swapped will
serve as tangible indicators of success. Surveys and testimonials
number and from participants will provide insight into knowledge gained and
demographics of motivation to take action. Long-term impact will be measured
people reached through continued volunteer participation and collaborations with
through the project. local organizations. All collected data will be compiled into a
(150-word maximum) project report summarizing our reach, impact, and key
takeaways.
6. Prior Experience. YLA has experience organizing community-based initiatives that
Please describe any bring people together to learn, engage. and take action. Through
experience you have our involvement in the Youth Leadership Academy, we have
managing a successfully led educational discussions, community outreach
community-based programs, and volunteer-driven projects. YLA has worked with
project including the diverse audiences including students, families, and local
target audience, organizations using interactive workshops, panel discussions,
and social media outreach to drive engagement. Our approach
method of engagement emphasizes hands-on involvement, ensuring participants gain
and results. If you do both knowledge and practical ways to take action. While we are
not have experience, not professionals,we are ready to learn—an essential trait of
what resources will you strong leadership.This project is an opportunity to grow and
use to manage the collaborate with others. Our experience with YLA has prepared
project? (150-word us to successfully execute our climate change initiative. With a
maximum) strong track record of organizing impactful events, fostering
collaboration, and driving real change, we are committed to
making a meaningful difference in Elgin.
For question 7, refer to the following:
o City's 2011 Sustainability Action
Plan: https://www cityofelgin.org/2584/Planning-for-Sustainability-
and-Climate-.
o Greenest Region Compact
2: https://www.cityofelgin.org/2584/Planning-for-Sustainability-and-
Climate-
Sustainability Action Plan Focus Greenest Region Compact
Areas Focus Areas
Alternative Energy Energy
Economic Development Economic Development
Green Building & Technology Climate
Green Infrastructure Land Use
Healthy Living/Education Sustainable Communities
Recycling & Waste Management Waster & Recycling
Transportation & Mobility Mobility
Urban Design Leadership
Water Resources Water
Municipal Operations
7.a. Project Focus Recycling &Waste Management, Water Resources, Healthy
Area. Which of the Living/Education, Waste & Recycling, Water, Climate, Land Use,
Elgin Sustainability Leadership, Sustainable Communities
Action Plan and/or
Metropolitan Mayor's
Caucus Greenest
Region Compact focus
areas does your project
support? Check all that
apply.
7.b. Describe how this Our project supports Recycling &Waste Management, Water
project addesses the Resources, Healthy Living/Education, Climate, Land Use, and
focus area(s) selected. Leadership by promoting sustainable practices and community
(100-word max) engagement. Through clean-up events, tree planting, and a
clothing swap, we address waste reduction, land conservation,
and environmental stewardship. Our panel nights and social
media outreach focus on education, equipping the community
with knowledge about climate change and sustainability.
Additionally, our advocacy for more recycling bins in parks and
exploring community gardening encourages responsible land and
water use. By empowering individuals to take action, our project
fosters leadership in sustainability and strengthens Elgin's
commitment to a greener future.
8. Project Budget. Submit the budget for the proposed budget, in a table similar to
the one below. List expense items associated with your proposed project, and
description of how they will be used (this could include but is not limited to items
such as supplies, facility rental, marketing materials, educational materials, and
food). The estimate should be based on research, whether it's obtaining a quote
on items or services, or researching costs online.
Project Budget
Project Further Estimated Cost
Budget Description of
Item
Item #1 [Insert description $
of item #1]
Item #2 [Insert description $
of item #2]
Item #3 [Insert description $
of item #3]
Item #4 [Insert description $
of item #4]
Etc... Etc... $
Total Sustainable Elgin Grant Funds Requested:_$
8. Project Budget Service Learning Project YLA- Unwinding Climate Change
(1).pdf
Step 2
5. Applicant Match: Field not completed.
Identify any expense
items that will be
covered through a
match or with other
funds, if applicable.
Matching funds (cash
or in-kind) are not
required, but please
note if any planned to
be used in the project.
Total Match: Field not completed.
If a grant is awarded, the Applicant/Community Group/Organization agrees that:
• The project/program/activities and services for which the grant is sought will be
administered under the supervision of the applicant.
• The applicant has read and will conform to the grant guidelines.
• The applicant organization will expend the grant funds received as a result of the
application solely on the project and program described herein.
• Any funds received under this grant shall not be used to supplant any budgeted
funds.
• The applicant organization will comply with all laws, acts and ordinances of the
United States, the State of Illinois and the City of Elgin, and further fares that no
person will be excluded from participation or be denied the benefits of any
program. activity or service on the basis of race, sex, sexual preference, color,
religion, ancestry, age national origin, or disability. The applicant further agrees to
make every attempt to ensure the program is accessible to persons with
disabilities.
• The figures, facts and representations in this application, including attachments,
are true and correct to the best of its knowledge and belief.
• Failure to follow these guidelines will disqualify you for future grants.
• Cancellation of funded projects or programs will result in forfeiture of funds and
funds must be returned within sixty (60) days of the scheduled event.
• Grants are subject to entering into an approved grant agreement with the City of
Elgin and applicant's compliance with the terms and conditions of such grant
agreement.
Signature of Kathy-Ann Pegues
Authorizing Official
Date 3/25/2025
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Service Learning Project YLA - Unwinding Climate Change
Expense Item Description Estimated Cost
Facility Rental Rental fees for panel nights at Gail Borden $0
Library
Marketing and Flyers, posters, and social media ads for $150
Educational Materials outreach, Informational brochures,
handouts, and signage for events
Podcast Equipment Microphones, recording software, and $0
editing tools
Supplies for Events Gloves, trash bags, and tools for clean-up $200
efforts
Tree Planting Purchase of trees, soil, and planting tools $300
Community Garden Seeds, soil, planters, and gardening tools $250
Supplies
Clothing Swap Setup Racks, tables, and organizational supplies $50
Food & Refreshments Snacks and drinks for volunteers at events $200
Miscellaneous Unforeseen costs and additional supplies $100
Stipend for Mentors Mentor will be compensated for their time $300
Supervision
Total Estimated Budget $1,550
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