Peoria Proud Community Relief Fund

The Community Relief Fund provides small-scale relief to community members experiencing short-term financial strain. At this time (2025), Peoria Proud is only offering nutrition assistance through this fund.

Additional micro-grant categories (including medical and housing-related assistance) are planned for launch in 2026, pending funding availability and proof of government-assistance eligibility.

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• One application per household at a time.

• Individuals may receive up to two micro-grants per calendar year.

• Applicants must live within Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford County, or within a 20-mile radius of Peoria’s city center.

• For nutrition assistance applications, you must email your LINK Benefit Verification Letter or Proof of Receipt Letter AND a government-issued photo ID to Support@PeoriaProud.org before your application can be reviewed.

• Only nutrition assistance is available in 2025. Additional grant types (medical and housing support) will open in 2026.

Currently, the Community Relief Fund offers nutrition assistance only, provided as grocery store gift cards.

Coming in 2026:

Peoria Proud will expand the fund to include micro-grants for:

• Medical-related expenses

• Housing-related expenses

These additional grant types will require proof of government funding assistance (e.g., Medicaid statements, housing assistance verification). More details will be released closer to launch.

To complete your nutrition assistance request, email the following to Support@PeoriaProud.org:

1. LINK Benefit Verification Letter or Proof of Receipt Letter

2. Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)

You may send photos, screenshots, or PDFs.

Your application cannot be reviewed until these documents are received.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by Peoria Proud’s executive leadership team. Grants are awarded only when funding is available, and availability may fluctuate throughout the year.

Expect a response within 2–4 weeks after submitting all required documentation.

Yes. All personal information is kept strictly confidential and accessible only to a small number of trusted Peoria Proud board and executive members who administer the fund.

No information is shared outside the organization.

Nutrition assistance is provided through grocery store gift cards.

You will receive the pickup location after your application is approved.

You may receive up to two micro-grants per household each calendar year, regardless of grant category.

Your application will remain on file and may be reviewed when new funds become available. You may also be notified of future funding cycles.

You can obtain these through your Illinois LINK account, the DHS website, or your local DHS office.

Your application will remain incomplete until the documents are emailed to Support@PeoriaProud.org.

Yes. Email Support@PeoriaProud.org, and a team member can assist you.

You may still be eligible. We will work with you to confirm your residency within the tri-county/20-mile radius requirement. Email Support@PeoriaProud.org for help.

Yes. In 2026, Peoria Proud plans to introduce additional assistance categories, including:

• Medical-related expenses

• Housing-related expenses

These categories will require proof of government-funded assistance. More detailed guidance will be released ahead of launch.