Application Available for the 2024 Governor’s Hometown Awards

Application due date is June 14, 2024

SPRINGFIELD – The IDHS-Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) in partnership with the office of the governor, is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program. GHTA gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life. These projects, sponsored by local units of government, had strong volunteer support, met a need, and made a definitive impact, thereby generating a positive outcome in the community, and by extension, the state.

Now in its sixteenth year with Serve Illinois, the Governor’s Hometown Awards continues to bolster the Commission’s mission to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. Volunteers are continuing to step up to serve unmet needs in their communities and recognition of these community service projects is essential.

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bipartisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

Part A

Interested non-profits, townships, villages, cities, and counties can apply from May 14, 2024, through June 14, 2024, for projects that occurred and utilized volunteers in their communities from the period of January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

Part B

To apply please visit: GHTA Application Link by 5:00 pm on June 14, 2024. On the application link, you will submit the below-required documents:

• A minimum of five (5) and no more than seven (7) photographs that accurately represent the project. Images should be uploaded through the provided application link. Photographs may be utilized for publicity or marketing purposes.

• A copy of the Letter of Support from the unit of local government (applicant).

• A copy of the Letter of Support from the group that completed the project and/or continues to oversee the project (if applicable).

Questions may be sent to: DHS.ServeIllinois@illinois.gov