State Launches Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently announced the launch of the Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program. The initiative is designed to help restore cemeteries that have been abandoned, neglected, or are otherwise in need of care.

Under the program, IDFPR will award ten grants of up to $20,000 each year to eligible applicants. Units of local government and not-for-profit organizations, including cemetery authorities, are encouraged to apply.

To qualify, applicants must meet requirements under the Cemetery Oversight Act, have a valid FEIN, be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grant Portal. Local governments must show proof of authorization for the application, while not-for-profits must provide proof of nonprofit status. If the applying entity does not own the cemetery, it must either secure permission from the owner or explain why that permission is not possible.

Applications are due by October 24, 2025. To assist with the process, AmpliFund, the state's grant management platform, hosted a virtual training session earlier this month and made the session available on IDFPR's YouTube page.

Questions about the program can be directed to Denise Bullocks, IDFPR Deputy Director of Cemetery and Funeral Oversight, at [email protected] or (312) 814-6187.