Nonprofit organizations have been awarded their portion of hotel and motel tax funds dispersed by the City of Crystal Lake each year.
The City Council allocated the money Feb. 21 amongst 10 groups that submitted proposals totaling more than $352,000. Each entity received at least a portion of their request, with about $292,167 doled out.
The city imposes a 5-percent tax on overnight stays and the funds collected are invested in the community through designated projects and events that help promote overnight stays.
The Raue Center for the Arts again received the largest sum, $150,000, for programming and marketing efforts. The group has received more than $422,000 the last three years.
The Lakeside Legacy Foundation was awarded more than $35,000 after requesting $75,000. The foundation was allocated more than $20,000 last year.
The McHenry County Youth Sports Association lowered its request to $60,000 from $80,000 last year. The association received more than $52,000 this time around.
The Historic Downtown District of Crystal Lake again received $35,000. The funds are used each year to take part in the Illinois Main Street Program, according to Mayor Aaron Shepley.
Other allocations included the McHenry County Convention and Visitors Bureau ($4,000), Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce ($5,000), Berkshire Ballet Theatre ($1,900), McHenry County Music Center ($3,600), Crystal Lake Rowing Club ($2,500) and Crystal Lake Babe Ruth Baseball League ($2,000).
