The Egyptian Theatre has received a one-time $2,000 grant to use toward essential, organizational expenditures: employee payroll and rent and/or improvements to the organization’s websites that help to promote their mission and continue their programming, according to a June 4 news release. 

“What’s good about this grant is it’s not restrictive in its use, it can be used for payroll, operations and electric bills. It’s going to be used to cover our ongoing daily expenses, said Jeanine Holcomb marketing and communications director at the Egyptian Theatre. The Egyptian, 135 N. Second St., plans to use this grant to pay employees and maintain upkeep that would happen regardless of programming. 

Grants like the one from Landmark Illinois are very important to nonprofit organizations like the Egyptian Theatre whose revenue comes from the public and regular programming. 

Alex Nerad executive director of the Egyptain Theatre submitted a grant  application to Landmark Illinois. “We are certainly appreciative of any organization, businesses, or entities out there providing funds to help non profits,” Nerad said. “Especially in the arts and culture sector that is probably going to be impacted about the longest out of everybody, because we land in phase 5 of reopening.”

This grant comes from Landmarks Illinois, which has awarded $26,000 in grant funding to 13 nonprofits throughout the state that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release.

“We here at the Egyptian Theatre want to thank Landmarks Illinois for awarding us funding through this grant,” Alex Nerad, executive director of the Egyptian Theatre, said in the release. “The support we received from this organization will help ensure that the Egyptian can continue to be the home of over 30 community groups, keep providing quality entertainment to the Northern Illinois region as well as help preserve the historic integrity of this 90-year-old landmark.” 

According to the Landmark Illinois website they are the state’s leading voice for historic preservation. In response to COVID-19 Landmark Illinois created an Organization Relief Grant Program for organizations affected by COVID-19. 

Landmarks Illinois aims to be a collaborative partner, delivering needed solutions to non profits maintain their businesses. They are providing financial relief to nonprofits, enabling them to continue to care for historic places and serve their communities.

Landmarks Illinois received an overwhelming response to the grant program, with 94 applications for the 13 available grants according to the press release. 

According to the press release Landmarks Illinois staff evaluated each application based on three criteria: immediate need, the ability of the applicant to implement grant funds quickly and how closely the applicant’s mission aligned with that of Landmarks Illinois’ own work.