ICJIA Invests Nearly $51 Million in Fourth Round Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Grants to Empower Historically Underserved Communities

ICJIA Invests Nearly $51 Million in Fourth Round Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Grants to  Empower Historically Underserved Communities     

Grants represent largest funding commitment to date, scaling  support for critical community-led programs 

CHICAGO—The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today announced 147 grants to organizations totaling $50.8 million in the latest round of Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Program funding. These grants continue the state’s commitment to uplifting communities that have experienced systemic racism and historic disinvestment.


“Illinois is proud to make historic investments in neighborhoods that have too often been left out and left behind,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This new round of R3 funding — the largest investment of its kind to date — marks another meaningful step toward justice, empowerment, and opportunity for the Illinois communities most impacted by systemic racism and the war on drugs.”   


The R3 Program is funded by 25% of state tax revenues from adult-use cannabis sales, as established by the Cannabis Regulation and Trust Act. R3 grants are specifically designed to empower communities most affected by the long-term consequences of systemic racism and the war on drugs. Grants were awarded to organizations that serve residents of designated eligible R3 zones. 


"R3 was created to turn a promise into action, and as Chair of the R3 Board, I am proud to see that promise continue to reach communities across Illinois," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "These investments recognize the talent, resilience, and leadership that already exist in neighborhoods that have too often been overlooked. By supporting local organizations that are advancing safety, opportunity, healing, and economic growth, we are helping build a future where every community has the chance not just to recover, but to prosper."


Of the $50.8 million awarded for Cohort 4, about $35 million was awarded to organizations that support community reentry from the justice system, economic development, and civil legal aid, and about $15 million was awarded to organizations dedicated to youth development and violence prevention. 


"The R3 program is the backbone of our commitment to equity and restoration,” said ICJIA Executive Director Delrice Adams. “Black and Brown communities have been profoundly impacted by systemic disinvestment, the cycles of violence, chronic unemployment, and the overuse of incarceration.

These funds are not just an investment. They are a vital catalyst for the healing, stability, and future prosperity that these families and residents deserve."


Organizations submitted 780 applications. Application reviewers included 194 members of R3 grant-eligible communities, university students, subject matter experts, and individuals with work or lived experience in at least one of the five R3 program priorities (economic development, violence prevention, reentry, youth development, and civil legal aid). 


Grassroots organizations with operating budgets of less than $2 million were prioritized to ensure equity. Organization capacity building plays a significant role in ICJIA’s grant administration process. Hyperlocal organizations often face challenges in managing grant administration, financial compliance, data tracking, and strategic leadership, diverting critical resources and time away from direct intervention work. ICJIA’s Institute to Innovate (i2i) program offers tailored grant readiness and administration, organizational development, and performance and data management training designed to set R3 grantees up for success.


Since the R3 Program’s inception in 2021, ICJIA has awarded more than $290 million to organizations in communities across Illinois. 


R3 Awardees for State Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028  can be found by visiting: www.icjia.state.il.us

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