BUNKER HILL - State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is encouraging small Central Illinois nonprofits that specialize in food and housing assistance to apply for grants under the state’s Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund, a biannual program administered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s office intended to support nonprofits across the state with annual budgets of $1 million or less.

The Treasurer’s office recently announced that it will double the number of recipients for the fall 2020 grant cycle in response to challenges related to COVID-19.

“The Charitable Trust grant opportunity comes at a critical time for the nonprofit sector in my district, which is largely made up of small, community-based groups that consistently make a profound impact on already modest budgets,” Manar said. “However, the pandemic has caused unforeseen financial shortfalls, while simultaneously deepening the need for food and housing support.”

The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund will offer a total of $375,000 to be split between 30 nonprofits. The maximum award amount is $12,500 for each organization.

Applications will be accepted from July 1 through Sept. 30 in two categories: Food Programs and Housing Programs.

“Any eligible Central Illinois nonprofit that needs assistance with the application process should reach out to my office directly,” Manar said. “My staff and I stand ready to help as best we can.”

Applicants will need to complete the online application in full, including all requested documents and forms, at ilcharitabletrust.com. Applicants without access to a computer or the internet should contact the Treasurer’s office at (217) 836-4590.

CHICAGO – With workers facing high rates of unemployment, Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) encouraged local organizations who work in the area of youth unemployment to take advantage of the extended Aug. 3 application deadline for the Illinois Youth Investment Program.

“Many of our newest workers are surviving paycheck to paycheck as the pandemic continues,” Martinez said. “For organizations that support underserved young people, these grants are an opportunity to help more those who need it the most.”

The Illinois Youth Investment Program, administered by the Department of Human Services, supports at-risk youth who are seeking long-term career employment. Providers interested in serving young people in their area can apply for grants online at DHS’ website.

Grants are awarded to providers who can assist at-risk youth with short-term, long-term and industry-specific career development opportunities. In addition to employment support, IYIP also provides participants with support services for their physical, emotional, social and mental health needs. Questions about IYIP and other DHS grants can be answered online or by calling 800-843-6154.

ROCKFORD – Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) wants to make sure Rockford area residents are aware that the secretary of state has extended the date to renew driver’s licenses, identification cards, and license plate stickers, in an effort to reduce heavy customer volume at driver services facilities and ensure current documents remain valid.

“Secretary of State Jesse White has decided to extend expiration dates for licenses, IDs, and vehicle registrations until Nov. 1,” Stadelman said. “This will give residents additional time throughout the summer and fall to renew their important documents.”

Many transactions, including renewing license plate stickers, can be done online, preventing people from waiting in line.

“During this current heat wave, I would suggest residents consider delaying their visit to a facility. But if you must visit a facility, please come prepared to wait outside due to social distancing, which limits the number of people inside a facility at one time,” Secretary of State Jesse White said.

Through July 31, driver services facilities are serving only new drivers, customers with expired driver’s licenses and ID cards, and vehicle transactions. Customers who must visit a facility to renew their driver’s license or ID card are encouraged to fill out the preregistration application here before their visit, which will speed up their transaction while at the facility.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Potential tutors who are interested in assisting adults with literacy and English language skills have an opportunity to volunteer for a state program that has awarded $235,000 to local adult literacy programs, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) said.

“These programs help adults learn the language and reading skills needed to enter the workforce,” Gillespie said. “I encourage anyone needing help to connect with these programs so that they can have access to more employment opportunities in the future, and if you have the skills to help them, you should consider volunteering!”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

The Center, a local non-profit that assists students and young adults who may be at risk for academic failure, will receive a grant of $85,000 for its Adult Learning Resource Center. Township High School District 214 will receive two grants with a combined value of $150,000 for their Read to Learn program and the Catherine M. Lee Women’s and Children’s Center. The Women’s and Children’s Center last year provided English as a Second Language and family literacy for 50 women and 58 of their pre-school-aged children.

“These programs are focused on lifelong learning, and these grants will help us continue to ensure the gift of literacy for both children and adults,” said Superintendent Dr. David Schuler. “It is incredibly inspiring to see our students succeed, and it could not happen without support like this.”

People interested in volunteering as a tutor should contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) applauds the West Pullman Elementary School project being a recipient of the Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which will allow for the recently-closed school to turn into an affordable housing complex.

“This program prioritizes revitalization projects in underprivileged communities and will ultimately accommodate the improvement of the local economy,” Jones said. “I fully support any agenda that drives investments to low-income communities and leads to new jobs, better housing, and other ways to redevelop the community.”

In 2013, West Pullman Elementary School was one of the 49 schools closed across Chicago. The school will be renovated into a 60-unit affordable senior housing. The project is a certified rehabilitation project making it eligible for a tax credit of 25% of its qualified rehabilitation costs up to $3 million per project. Credits are limited to $15 million per year, with a total of $75 million in tax credits available over the five years.

The West Pullman Elementary project is one of four building rehabilitation projects receiving allocations for state income tax credits in the second application round. During the first application round, 16 historic properties in nine different communities received the state’s tax credit across— putting the total private reinvestment of all projects to exceed an estimated $290 million.

The Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, provides a priority for buildings in low-income areas, federally declared disaster areas, and counties that border a state with a competitive statewide historic tax credit.

GLEN ELLYN – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) encouraged potential tutors to reach out to the College of DuPage on news it will receive $100,000 in state funds for the Literacy DuPage adult literacy program.

“Literacy DuPage helps adults learn the English language skills needed to live and work,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Anyone interested in becoming a part of this great program should contact Literacy DuPage to sign up for their next training session.”

More than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Adult literacy projects are focused on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the 9th-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

People interested in volunteering as tutors for Literacy DuPage should call 630-342-5210 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

KANKAKEE – Kankakee Community College has been selected to receive a grant for more than $67,000 from the Illinois Secretary of State to develop their adult literacy program, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) announced Friday.

“The importance of literacy cannot be overstated,” Joyce said. “During these challenging times, helping someone read and write effectively or acquire basic math skills will give them the tools to take steps toward a better career and a better life.”

According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students.

Adult literacy projects focus on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

Joyce urges skilled tutors interested in volunteering to contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is pleased to congratulate three area education institutions who received more than $200,000 total in literacy grants to help adult learners develop their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“Literacy is fundamental to learning and cannot be taken for granted,” Bennett said. “These programs present a wonderful opportunity for volunteer tutors to help others improve their lives through literacy and education.”

The following education institutions within the 52^nd Illinois Senate District have been chosen to receive grants:

According to the Secretary of State’s office, more than 13,500 students will be served by adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Supported by $5.6 million in state funds, the programs will depend on nearly 6,000 volunteer tutors to provide skills training for students.

Adult literacy projects focus on improving reading, writing and math and are targeted at Illinois adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level.

Bennett urges skilled tutors interested in volunteering to contact the Illinois Adult Learning Hotline at 800-321-9511.