Dupage Policy Journal

A $711,000 grant program approved by the DuPage County Board has prompted public scrutiny, with some residents questioning the selection process, political affiliations of recipient organizations, and the focus of funded initiatives.

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Small Agency Grant Program awarded up to $30,000 each to 32 local nonprofits. 

A previous round in 2023 allocated more than $1 million in ARPA funds.

County board members, Republicans Brian Krajewski (left) and Kari Galassi (second from right), along with Democrat Lucy Chang Evans (right), celebrate with an award recipient. | Facebook / DuPage County Board

The latest round has drawn attention for grants supporting climate advocacy, undocumented immigrants and cultural inclusion efforts—placing the line between community support and political alignment at the center of debate.

Recipients include Accelerate Climate Solutions, which opposes coal energy; CREO DuPage and My Half, which support immigrant and refugee families; and Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA), which promotes civic engagement.

Critics have questioned some recipients’ political affiliations and international activities, raising concerns about the prioritization of taxpayer dollars.

Notably, Republican Board Member Kari Galassi voted in favor of the grant package during the DuPage County Human Services Committee meeting on May 20.

“It is an absolute outrage that the DuPage county board has funneled taxpayer money to groups that give those funds to Illegals, climate change and people living in other countries, amongst other liberal causes,” Concerned Parents of IL founder Kristina McCloy told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Even more concerning is that Republican members not only failed to oppose this but voted ‘aye’ and joined Democrats in applauding the outcome. This is a betrayal of conservative principles and a failure to represent the taxpayers of DuPage County. Voters deserve accountability, not silence and complicity.”

Several other DuPage County residents questioned the spending priorities. 

Former Warrenville alderman Burt Minor, who has held a variety of leadership roles in the GOP including Chairman of the DuPage County Republican Party, summed up the discontent. 

“Seems idiotic to give away tax payers $$ instead of lowering taxes,” Minor said on Facebook.  

The grant allocations sparked backlash from some residents who argue the funds should prioritize basic human needs over advocacy efforts.

“$30,000 for climate change!?” Ian Mus posted. “DuPage needs to help people—homelessness, food pantry, assistance with bills—not BS climate change! Vote for change! Vote for new board members next election!”

Brian Andrews added, “Because we all know how non-profits are so effective at putting tax dollars to use... WE KNOW IT’S ALL A SCAM.”

Benjamin David wrote: “This committee is 100% focused on spending tax-payer dollars, and for the purpose of receiving credit as if it was their own good hearted will. — Standard IL politics that led to us being a highest tax burdened state in the country.”

Others raised concerns about funding for programs that assist undocumented immigrants.

“Uhhh... that’s the money going to illegals, right?” wrote Mark Woznica. “I mean that’s how they funneled our money to them. I hope you are gonna follow the paper trail.”

Critics also questioned the transparency of the process and whether grants were awarded based on political alignment rather than broader public needs.

At the state level, approximately $240 million in similar funds are distributed annually to Democratic legislators for allocation to community organizations. Democratic senators reportedly receive $3 million each, and representatives $1.5 million, while Republican lawmakers receive no such allocations.

Critics have described the practice as a form of "legalized bribery" that penalizes Republicans and excludes them from the funding process.

“Playing Santa Claus with taxpayer money. It’s what Democrats do best!” Greg Abbott wrote on Facebook.

One grant in particular drew attention: Naperville Neighbors United (NNU), founded by Democratic Naperville City Councilman and former mayoral candidate Benny White, received $30,000—the group’s largest award to date. NNU promotes racial and cultural diversity and has received support from Democratic officials including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and State Reps. Anne Stava-Murray and Janet Yang Rohr.

DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy, a Democrat and former state representative, led the presentation of grant checks. She also donated $1,000 to White’s 2023 mayoral campaign.

“30k to Benny White??!!! Classic pay for play. Tax free to Benny too,” Kurt Dorr posted on Facebook.

County officials have defended the program as a bipartisan initiative. They said applications were reviewed by staff, vetted by the State’s Attorney’s Office, and final selections were made by district board members.

“Each board member here played a vital role reviewing applications, which were previously vetted by finance staff, and as a district, members made the award selections,” Board Member Greg Schwarze, a Democrat, said. “From that group, applications were further reviewed by our State’s Attorney’s Office and the grantees are here today receiving their checks.”

Despite the defense, some board members acknowledged the political sensitivity. District 3 Chairman Brian Krajewski, a Republican, said he was pleased to see the grants reinstated, noting that the board used to offer “million-dollar grants” to nonprofits before scaling back in recent years.

“They were grants that were given to mostly small business not-for-profits. And down over the years, we eliminated that,” Krajewski said during the June 24 board meeting.

Notable grant recipients listed below are drawing attention: 

• Accelerate Climate Solutions received $30,000 for advocacy against coal-based energy contracts in Naperville. Its “Say No to Coal” campaign has generated debate about tax dollars funding environmental lobbying.

• Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA) was awarded $26,500. CAWA co-hosted a Naperville City Council candidate forum in March and has supported Democratic County Board Member Lucy Evans Chang. It also collaborates with NNU on cultural events.

• CREO DuPage Ltd. received $15,000 to support immigrant and refugee families through higher education access, legal aid fairs and simulations designed to build empathy for displaced persons. They frequently partner with World Relief, ACCESS DuPage, and other organizations offering aid to illegal immigrants.

• D41 Kids Foundation was awarded $7,500 to provide emergency aid to families who are ineligible for government assistance due to immigration status or other barriers.

• Elmhurst Walk-In Assistance Network (EWAN) was granted $30,000 and operates from within the United Methodist Church of Elmhurst. EWAN also partners with Justice For Our Neighbors, a Methodist-backed nonprofit that offers legal support to illegal immigrants.

• Kids Against Hunger – Illinois, granted $30,000, has faced criticism for focusing on redirecting funds from DuPage County to Nicaragua. 

• My Half, awarded $25,000, partners with social enterprises to empower refugees and survivors of human trafficking. The group employs Ukrainian refugees and aims to break cycles of poverty.

• You Matter Inc., granted $30,000, supports mental health initiatives focused on Muslim youth, providing education for parents, educators and community leaders.

• Restorative Resources Foundation of DuPage ($5,000), supporting ex-convicts. 

• Serenade Love Your Neighbor ($10,000), which serves Burmese families.