Federal Grant Award Summary

Prairie State Legal Services Inc. received a $260,000 Project Grant award from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity under the Fair Housing Organization Initiatives program (CFDA 14.417) for the period of June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. The award supports the organization's efforts to educate the public about fair housing rights and protections under the Fair Housing Act and substantially equivalent state and local laws. As an established legal aid organization serving 36 counties across northern and central Illinois, Prairie State Legal Services will utilize this funding to develop and implement public education and outreach programs addressing housing discrimination based on protected classes including race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin.

The organization will deliver fair housing education and enforcement services targeting two primary beneficiary populations: individuals and groups aggrieved by discriminatory housing practices, and housing industry professionals including landlords and real estate agents seeking to prevent discriminatory practices. This award aligns with the organization's existing Fair Housing Initiatives Program activities and represents sustained federal investment in strengthening local fair housing enforcement capacity in the Rockford, Illinois region and surrounding service areas.