Kane County Awards $824,579 in Riverboat Grants to 24 Community Projects
The Kane County Board has approved $824,579 in Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund grants to support 24 community projects across the county during fiscal year 2026.
The funding, provided through the county's annual agreement with Grand Victoria Casino Elgin, will support a range of educational, environmental, social service and capital improvement projects led by nonprofit organizations and local government agencies.
The Riverboat Committee reviewed applications and recommended the projects for funding. The grants were included in the county's FY2026 budget.
The largest award, $88,450, was approved for Northern Illinois Food Bank to purchase dry food bulk repack equipment. CASA Kane County received $82,083 to help acquire and renovate a new facility and purchase vehicles, equipment and HVAC improvements. Other major grants include $57,863 for Enriching Partnerships for Early Learning to purchase a van, $57,060 for Anderson Humane for capital improvements and technology upgrades, and $53,417 for American Legion Post 75 for renovations, safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
Additional grants will support projects at organizations including Giant Steps, Hesed House, Little Friends, Marklund Children's Home, Friends of the Fox River, the Geneva Grotto Organization, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Community Crisis Center, Ecker Center, Senior Services Associates, St. Charles Arts Council, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation and Vanguard Gifted Academy.
The board also approved transferring the remaining $7,108 from the FY2026 external grant allocation into next year's funding pool. The addition increases the amount available for FY2027 external grants from $1,063,068 to $1,070,176.
The Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund receives annual contributions from Grand Victoria Casino Elgin through a 1997 agreement with the Kane County Board and provides financial support for projects that enhance education, economic development, environmental stewardship and community services throughout Kane County.
Learn more about the RIverboat Fund Program at https://www.kanecountyil.gov/pages/kcci/rfp.aspx
