The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway this week began a launch of requests for the next round of funds to businesses and communities along Illinois Route 66 ranging from $500 to $1,000 to byway members.
Funds are available only to byway members; one can join the byway at illinoisroute66.org/membership. Applications will be accepted through the close of business on Dec. 1. Application forms are under “Support” in the top menu of the website.
“Many of our members are still struggling to recover from the pandemic; we are pleased to be able to provide some assistance to our members. As our program grows, we look forward to being able to increase the dollar amount and number of grants we can award,” said Casey Claypool, the byway’s executive director.
Funding is used to support events, attractions and projects that help preserve the heritage of Illinois Route 66 and promote travel to Illinois Route 66 communities and sites.
The first-round funding recipients were:
- Litchfield Skyview Drive-In received $1,000 for the repainting of its movie screen.
- Joliet Historical Museum/Old Joliet Prison received $1,000 for a series of informative and
interpretative banners and signage throughout the site. - City of Atlanta received $1,000 to be used towards the creation of interpretive panels for the
Atlanta Coal Mining Company Historic Mine. - Henry’s Rabbit Ranch received $750 to replace three of its outdoor sign panels.
- Village of Elkhart received $750 to advertise and support their June 12 ribbon-cutting
event for the Village of Elkhart Native Plant and Pollinator Habitat. - City of Edwardsville received $500 to add photo opportunities, selfie stops and backdrop props
at the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival held on June 12.
(Image of Route 66 directional sign in Illinois by Mike Linksvayer via Flickr)