2009 Governor’s Hometown Award Application coming Spring 2009

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is particularly proud of the citizens of Illinois who give unselfishly of their time, money and efforts to make their communities better places to live and work. Volunteers are making a difference in Illinois by creating a positive climate in which businesses and families want to live and work. Yet, their efforts often go unheralded by their fellow citizens - even though these efforts contribute to the overall quality of life in the community. When you give of your time, donate materials, or reach into your pocketbook to help guide youths, look out for seniors, feed and shelter the homeless, and reach out to conserve our natural resources, you are making Illinois a better place for all of us.

There is a way to make sure that the volunteers in your community receive the thanks and recognition they deserve. Nominate them to compete in the Governor's Home Town Awards competition! The Governor's Home Town Awards are presented in eight categories, based on community population.  Applications for awards may be submitted by a variety of community representatives such as local governments, schools, community organizations, chambers of commerce, community action agencies, area agencies on aging, local job training organizations, etc.   Applications are reviewed by a team of impartial volunteer judges, who conduct site visits to finalist communities before deciding on winners.  The judges also select one project from among the winners to receive the coveted Governor's Cup, a traveling silver trophy which signifies the project deemed most representative of the spirit of Illinois volunteerism.  Past Governor's Cup winners have ranged from a wellness center for cancer victims in Hinsdale, to a downtown revitalization project in Fairbury.

Each year, the Governor's Home Town Awards banquet is held to announce the individual category winners and the Governor's Cup Award winner and to formally recognize the hard work and dedication of our state's volunteers.

Contact Info
Program Manager:
Lou Ann Williams
tel: 217/558-4104
email: louann.williams@illinois.gov