The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Campus-Community Compact has awarded $94,000 through the 2026 Building Beyond the Barriers Grant Program to support collaborative projects addressing community-identified needs across Champaign County.
Facilitated by the Compact through the Office of Public Engagement, the program supports partnerships between university and community organizations working together to advance one or more of the Compact’s six focus areas: Accessible Technology, Community Health, Wellness, and Resilience, Community Relations, Economic Development, Inclusive Education, and Workforce Development.
This year’s funding cycle drew strong interest from campus and community partners, with proposals representing a wide range of initiatives focused on health, education, workforce development, language access, food systems, and community engagement. The selected projects reflect collaborative approaches that connect university expertise and resources with the knowledge and leadership of local organizations and residents.
The following projects were selected for funding for the July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 grant period:
- CU Early – Building Beyond the Bus Stop
This project transforms a neighborhood bus stop in Ivanhoe Estates into a multifunctional community hub that supports transit access, social connection, and communication. The project is led by CU Early in partnership with Urbana School District 116 and the Illinois School of Architecture. - Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) – Food Access Alliance Capacity Building Project
This project strengthens countywide coordination to address food insecurity by building the data and evaluation capacity of the Champaign County Food Access Alliance. Led by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District in partnership with nonprofit, healthcare, and community-based organizations, the initiative will improve how organizations track impact, coordinate services, and align food access efforts. - The Refugee Center – Ultimate Phonics Lessons
This project provides English and foundational literacy instruction for refugee women with limited prior formal education. Led by the Refugee Center in partnership with the University of Illinois Department of Linguistics, classes will take place at the Central Illinois Mosque and combine daily instruction with access to literacy software and technology. - Stratton Academy of the Arts / Yankee Ridge Elementary / Jefferson Middle School – French Pathway Project
This project unites dual-language teachers and the Department of French & Italian at the University of Illinois to strengthen multilingual education pathways for students in French immersion programs across Champaign and Urbana. The project is designed to support long-term multilingual learning for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. - Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Justice – Nurturing Birth Justice
This year-long initiative expands community-based birth support through public education, doula training, and workforce development activities focused on maternal health. Led by Urbana-Champaign Reproductive Justice in partnership with local birth workers, healthcare providers, and the University of Illinois Dismantling Racism & Inequities Lab, the project includes community workshops, professional development opportunities, and partnership-building efforts intended to improve access to culturally responsive birth support services.
To learn more about these projects, please visit our website.