It is time to collect ideas for project proposals for the Chester Fund. This is an endowed fund provided to the University of Illinois to be used for the purchase of items or commodities that will add to the attractiveness of the University to visitors, such as rare books, works of art and museum items/pieces. Successfully funded prior projects at UIS include: the welcome mural in Enrollment Management; artwork for the new Library Commons; interior and external artwork for the Student Union; and the Lincoln statue. 

UIS departments and units are encouraged to submit proposals for Chester funds to support the purchase of qualifying artwork or items no later than 5 p.m. April 11. There is $300,000 available for use in FY26 among all three U of I universities; UIS’ selected proposal should not exceed $150,000 but could be much lower (our last funded project was for $15,000 and deemed very successful). Distributed funds must be used during FY26 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026).

All proposal criteria are outlined within the online submission form. Any supporting documents/files/attachments should be sent to chancellor@uis.edu (subject line: Chester Fund materials) no later than 5 p.m. April 11. Questions should also be sent to that email or to me. The Chancellor's Cabinet will evaluate proposals and put forth one successful submission to President Killeen on or before April 18.

Please pass this information along to any individuals within your areas whom you believe would be interested in this opportunity.

Thank you,

Kelsea

Kelsea M. Gurski, MA
Associate Chancellor for Strategic Communication
Chief of Staff to the Chancellor