Section 615.30  Eligibility Requirements

a)         A municipality or 501(c)(3) organization located in Illinois is eligible to receive certification as a State-designated cultural district from DCEO if the applicant:

1)         Demonstrates the community seeking certification has been historically impacted and is currently at risk of losing their cultural identity because of gentrification, displacement, or the COVID-19 pandemic;

2)         Demonstrates a history of economic disinvestment; [20 ILCS 605/605-1057(c)(2)]; and

3)         Demonstrates strong community support for the cultural district designation through active and formal participation by community organizations and municipal and regional government agencies or officials.

b)         To be eligible for certification, an applicant shall have an active GATA registration and be qualified on the GATA Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/) at the time the application is submitted.

c)         Applicants are encouraged to partner with other units of local government or 501(c)(3) organizations, but only one eligible entity may be listed as the primary applicant. 

d)         An eligible entity may apply for more than one State-designated cultural district designation. Each designation requires a separate application.