Gurnee Cares Commission
This initiative is designed to actively promote community engagement within Gurnee by forging meaningful connections between residents and local organizations, non-profit groups, and essential resources such as food banks, education programs, and health services. This commission aims to strengthen the support network within our community, ultimately enhancing the range of services and opportunities available to all individuals and families living in Gurnee!
Gurnee Cares Grant Program
Now Accepting Letters of Intent: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 to Friday, November 21, 2025
The Village of Gurnee’s Gurnee Cares Grant Program partners with nonprofits and community organizations that serve Gurnee residents to expand reach, address urgent needs, and pilot effective new initiatives—building a more connected, resilient community.
This new grant program offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity to apply for up to $30,000 in funding to support programs in these priority need areas:
- Food security
- Utility/financial aid
- Housing & homelessness prevention
- Mental health & substance use
- Transportation
- Senior support
- Child & family support
The first step in the process is to submit a Letter of Intent by Friday, November 21, 2025. The Commission will review all entries as part of a preliminary screening process to verify organizational and program eligibility. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full grant application. After the Gurnee Cares Commission makes its recommendations, the Village Board will provide final approval of grant awards, with awards expected to be presented on Monday, February 2, 2026.
In the Letters of Intent, applicants will be asked to describe how their proposed programs will benefit the Gurnee community. Grantees will be eligible to receive up to 25% of their total award in advance, with the remaining funds distributed on a monthly reimbursement basis. All awarded funds must be utilized within 12 months of the award date.
For questions, please reach out to Matt Trujillo at mtrujillo@village.gurnee.il.us
Letters of Intent can be submitted to: GurneeCares@village.gurnee.il.us
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Matt Trujillo, the Community Engagement Coordinator, at mtrujillo@village.gurnee.il.us or (847) 599-7517.
Commission Members
| Kevin Woodside | Chair | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
| Rachel Chenier | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/26 |
| Mark Froseth | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/26 |
| Brooke Hagstrom | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/26 |
| Bryson King | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/26 |
| Liz Nelson | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/26 |
| Candy Reimholz | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/26 |
| Patrick French | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
| Gale Graves | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
| Malcom Kelly | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
| Roger Moreano | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
| Beth Pope | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
| Susan Squires | Member | Term Expiring 4/30/27 |
Upcoming Meetings
| Meeting | Meeting Date | Meeting Type | Notice | Agenda | Minutes | Recordings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Nov 11, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Notices | |||
| Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Dec 9, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Notices |
Past Meetings
| Meeting | Meeting Date | Meeting Type | Notice | Agenda | Minutes | Recordings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, October 14, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Oct 14, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Notices | Agenda | ||
| Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Sep 16, 2025, 7:00 PM | Canceled Meeting | Notices | Agenda | ||
| Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Aug 12, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Notices | Agenda | ||
| Tuesday, July 8, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Jul 8, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Notices | Agenda | Minutes | |
| Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Meeting | Jun 10, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Notices | Agenda | Minutes | |
| Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Gurnee Cares Commission Informational Meeting | Mar 25, 2025, 7:00 PM | Regular Meeting | Agenda |