2026 Call for Projects

Marguerite L. Storch Memorial Garden Fund

Open Letter to Garden Clubs, Organizations, and Other Interested Parties:

The Kenilworth Park District is pleased to announce that grant requests are now being accepted for the beautification of Park District properties. This marks the 27th year since Mr. Howard Storch generously established the fund in memory of his wife, Marguerite L. Storch.

The fund supports landscaping and horticultural initiatives, as well as permanent structures related to landscape design (e.g., gazebos, fountains, and pathways). In accordance with the terms of the donation, the Kenilworth Park District annually solicits and evaluates project proposals. All properties owned and managed by the Kenilworth Park District are eligible for consideration.

History and Terms of the Storch Fund

The Marguerite L. Storch Memorial Garden Fund was established on June 11, 1998, with the purpose of “beautifying Park District properties.” The terms of the fund include the following conditions:

A. Separate Fund

• A distinct fund shall be maintained, designated as the Marguerite L. Storch Memorial Garden Fund. The current principal fund balance is $1,511,289.80 as of January 16, 2026.

B. Investment of Fund

• The fund shall be invested in a diversified portfolio of high-quality financial assets that yield income while producing sufficient appreciation to keep pace with inflation. The current investment of the fund is invested in a 60/40 investment portfolio. The current balance of the interest fund is $141,545.64 which is available for project requests.

C. Use of Income Earned

• Annual income from the fund is to be used for beautification projects and the fund’s annual audit.

D. Use of Principal

• The principle of the fund is to remain intact in perpetuity.

E. Project Proposal Process

• January: Invitations are extended to Kenilworth garden clubs, organizations, and other interested parties to submit proposals for beautification projects.
• March: Proposals are reviewed, and the Park District seeks advisory opinions from the Kenilworth Garden Club. Final project selections are made at the sole discretion of the Park District.

F. Markers

• A permanent, tasteful bronze marker will be placed near major beautification projects funded by the Marguerite L. Storch Memorial Garden Fund.

G. Annual Audit

• The fund is subject to an annual audit, including a report of the income earned during the prior year.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

The Park District Board of Commissioners invites you to submit proposals that detail your proposed beautification project. Proposals must include:

• A thorough description of the project.
• Estimated costs for materials and labor.

Submission Deadline:
 Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 10, 2026, at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, 410 Kenilworth Ave., Kenilworth, IL.

Notification of Funding Decisions:
 Organizations will be notified of their funding status after the Regular Meeting of the Park District Board of Commissioners on March 19, 2026. Requests will be reviewed at this meeting, and we recommend that organizations submitting a request participate by attending this meeting.

The Board of Commissioners values the ongoing efforts of residents and organizations that contribute to the beautification of Kenilworth. While funding is not guaranteed, the Board remains committed to supporting projects that align with the fund’s mission of enhancing the community.

On behalf of the Kenilworth Park District Board of Commissioners, thank you for your dedication to keeping Kenilworth a beautiful and vibrant community.

Sincerely,
 

David Byrd, President
 Kenilworth Park District