Continuous Improvement Committee: Budget Award Proposal

Have you ever had an idea that could make our programs better, support our staff, or make a positive impact on our community? Now’s your chance to bring it to life!

The CIC Budget Award is offering $75,000 in total funding across three areas: General, Recreation, and Museum. This funding is all about thinking outside the box and bringing innovative ideas to life that go beyond our typical budgeted items. Whether you have an idea to improve programs and services, meet a community need, support staff development, or create a lasting impact, we want to hear it!

Applications open November 2, 2026, and will close November 30, 2026, with award announcements expected on December 2, 2026.

CIC BUDGET AWARD — PROJECT PROPOSAL APPLICATION

Application period: November 2–30, 2026. The CIC Budget Award supports creative projects beyond normal budgeted items that advance the Park District mission and vision, respond to staff or community needs, or strengthen staff development and leadership.

Applicant & Project Information

Employee/project lead:(Required)

First Last

Department:(Required)

Email:(Required)

Supervisor:(Required)

First Last

Project Title:(Required)

Primary focus (check all that apply):(Required)

Community benefit

Staff benefit

Staff development / leadership

Other

2. Project Purpose & Impact

A. Describe the proposed project, its goals, and the need or opportunity it addresses.(Required)

B. What makes this idea innovative or outside the scope of routine operating expenses?(Required)

C. Who will benefit? Estimate the number of staff or community members reached, if known.(Required)

3. Funding Request

Amount requested:(Required)

Total project budget:(Required)

Please describe any expected expenses/resources you will need for the project, as well as the estimated cost for each expense:(Required)

Other funding sources (if any):

4. Implementation & Sustainability

Proposed start date:(Required)

Proposed completion date:(Required)

D. Outline key activities, milestones, and who will carry out the work.(Required)

E. Can this project be completed within the applicable fiscal year? If not, explain the timeline:(Required)

F. What ongoing costs, staffing, maintenance, or second-year funding will be needed?(Required)

5. Results & Reporting

G. Identify two measurable outcomes (examples: participation, efficiencies, satisfaction, skills gained):(Required)

How will results be documented? Select all that apply:(Required)

Participation data

Surveys

Photos

Efficiency measures

Other

If you selected "other" above, please specify:

H. What lasting benefit will the project provide to the Park District?

6. Applicant Acknowledgment

I confirm that this proposal reflects my best estimates. If selected, I will participate in a brief CIC presentation as requested, follow the approved project timeline, provide progress updates, and share final results with the CIC.

Signature:(Required)

Today's date:(Required)

Review and award planning: Applications close November 30, 2026; target award announcement December 2026. Partial awards may be considered. Final reporting expectations and implementation dates will be established with selected applicants.

Continuous Improvement Committee: Budget Award Proposal

CIC BUDGET AWARD — PROJECT PROPOSAL APPLICATION

Applicant & Project Information

2. Project Purpose & Impact

3. Funding Request

4. Implementation & Sustainability

5. Results & Reporting

6. Applicant Acknowledgment

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CIC BUDGET AWARD — PROJECT PROPOSAL APPLICATION

Applicant & Project Information

2. Project Purpose & Impact

3. Funding Request

4. Implementation & Sustainability

5. Results & Reporting

6. Applicant Acknowledgment

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Support Our Parks

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