The Barbara C. and Thomas E. Donnelley II Preservation Fund for Illinois provides monetary assistance to preserve or protect significant structures and sites in Illinois. Eligible beneficiaries include significant structures or sites in Illinois that are under threat of demolition, in imminent deterioration, in need of stabilization, in need of structural or re-use evaluation, or need to be evaluated for landmark eligibility. Landmarks Illinois manages the fund, which was established in 2013. Click here to see all past recipients of the Donnelley Fund.
2026 Donnelley Fund Grant Recipients
Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,250
Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, originally the Third Christ Scientist, was designed by Hugh M. G. Garden and constructed in 1901. It has continued to serve as an architectural and community anchor of Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood. It is both a City of Chicago Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The church is hosting a one-day educational program on June 13 called “Preservation Through Photography: The Story and Legacy of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church.” The educational program will include a tour and panel discussion, led by Landmarks Illinois Easements and Advocacy Associate Amber Delgado, focused on the intersection of art and historic preservation. The church will use Landmarks Illinois grant funds to print programs for the event and cover honoraria for panel speakers.
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Ottawa Center for the Arts, Inc, Ottawa
GRANT AMOUNT: $3,250
Ottawa Center for the Arts, Inc., is working to restore two local historic buildings — the Great Hall, constructed in 1870, and the Abbey (pictured), constructed in 1871 — to create a vibrant, accessible arts and community hub near the Washington Park Historic District known as Washington Square. The local nonprofit acquired both buildings in 2025 and has held numerous fundraising events to drive donations for the overall project. Landmarks Illinois grant funds will advance the organization’s comprehensive concept design, the first step in developing a long-term Master Plan to transform the National Register-listed buildings into a community gathering space. This effort will lay the groundwork for the redevelopment and establish complete floor plans and conceptual designs.
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