Northeast Region Weekly Update January 6, 2025

Happy New Year!

Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Round 2

The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. While the Illinois Grocery Initiative is intended to reduce or eliminate the existence of "food deserts1" in Illinois and will prioritize stores located in food deserts, the Equipment Upgrades Program is not limited to establishments located in food deserts. These grants are intended, however, to facilitate energy- efficient equipment investment and sustainability for stores located in food deserts, areas that could become food deserts, and other areas that are underserved to a lesser degree. These grants will reimburse costs for the purchase and installation of new energy-efficient equipment. Other costs, including investment in solar generation equipment and remodeling, are ineligible for this program.

DCEO has contracted with Chicago State University (CSU) and Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide technical assistance services for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees. Applicants desiring assistance in preparing applications may contact these institutions directly.

Chicago State University Derrick K. Collins Dean, College of Business O (773) 995-3976 M (312) 953-1295 dcolli25@csu.edu

Western Illinois University Sean Park Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs 217-248-0079 ms-park@wiu.edu

The following expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement under this program, insofar the equipment will result in energy efficiency improvements:

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
• Refrigeration units and freezers
• Lighting systems

Eligibility for this program will be constrained by characteristics of prospective store ownership and the intended offerings of the store.

• Grants will be limited to projects making energy-efficient investments in existing bricksand-mortar operations in Illinois.
• This grant opportunity will be limited to independently owned grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than 4 grocery stores.
• Grocery locations must be consistent with the following to be eligible:
• The store is or will be classified as a supermarket or other grocery retailer in the 2022 North American Industry Classification System under code 445110, a meat retailer under code 44524, a fruit and vegetable retailer under code 44523, or a fish and seafood retailer under 44525.
• The store cannot derive more than 30% of its revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales.
• The store must accept or will accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits.
• The store must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in the community by selling fresh foods such as meats, fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner.

Cost sharing or Matching is required for this opportunity. Applicants are required to provide 25% of the total project costs, representing a 1:3 match. These matching funds can come from any nonstate sources such as local municipal funds, federal funds, or private investment. Such sources of funds shall be identified and documented in the application.

To review the NOFO and application information click here Application deadline is December 15, 2025.

Office of Broadband

The Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB) and Illinois Broadband Lab (IBL) invite local governments, internet service providers, communities, and more to participate in the many opportunities available throughout December in preparation for 2025’s program launches.

There’s something for everyone:

• For Local Governments: Learn about Broadband Breakthrough, a no-cost opportunity to build your

community’s broadband connectivity strategy with the support and coaching of experts.

• For Internet Service Providers: Register for the Weekly Webinar Series which dives into different components of the Connect Illinois Round 4 Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
• For Communities: Review the new Local Coordination Guidance Document to learn about how you can influence broadband solutions in your community.

Final BEAD-Eligible Locations & NOFO Preview

Click here to access the list of locations and community anchor institutions eligible to be connected through the BEAD-funded Connect Illinois Round 4.

What happens next? The Illinois Office of Broadband (IOB) is updating its Project Area Units (PAUs) to reflect the eligible locations. PAUs will serve as the building blocks of a BEAD application, each containing clusters of eligible locations. Then, the IOB will publish a map of all PAUs and eligible locations for prospective applicants to prepare their applications. (Note that you’ll need a Fabric License to access locations.)

Want to learn more? As the IOB updates its Project Area Units and final BEAD map, tune into the weekly webinar series preparing applicants for the BEAD application, as well as the Notice of Funding Opportunity and other guidance materials.

Don’t forget to complete the IOB’s intake form to receive key program updates.

BEAD-Funded Connect Illinois NOFO Preview

The BEAD-funded Connect Illinois Round 4 draft Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted for initial review. The NOFO details Illinois-specific program requirements, steps to qualify, an overview of the subgrantee selection process, and post-selection subgrantee obligations. It summarizes program details specific to the State of Illinois. Review the slides or recording from last week’s webinar for an overview.

Guidance Document on BEAD Local Coordination

Illinois has launched a new Guidance Document to assist prospective BEAD applicants and community institutions with compiling evidence of local coordination for Connect Illinois Round 4 applications.

The Illinois Local Coordination Guidance Document has three sections:

• Local Coordination Overview
• Helpful Information Gathering: Considerations & Questions
• Letter of Support Best Practices

If you are a county seeking support in creating and submitting evidence of community support – including letters of support – for broadband projects, please register for the Connect Illinois Round 4 (BEAD) Grant Webinar Series here

Community Broadband Planning Opportunity

Is your community ready to shape its broadband future? Learn more about the Broadband Breakthrough program! Led by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and Illinois Broadband Lab, Broadband Breakthrough equips local leaders with the tools, data, and knowledge needed to secure funding and build strong broadband partnerships. Looking ahead to the BEAD-Funded Connect Illinois Round 4, Broadband Breakthrough increases participating counties’ capacity to be a strategic and supportive community partners.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until January 31, 2025.

Slides | Recording | Application Information

To learn more, contact Reid Sharkey at reid@benton.org. View information about previous Broadband Breakthrough cohorts at: benton.org/broadband-breakthrough

Monthly Digital Equity Update Calls

The Illinois Office of Broadband holds a Monthly Digital Equity Updates call from 1:00 - 2:00 pm on the first Friday of every month. All are welcome! You can view a recording of the December 2024 call here.

Register for upcoming Monthly Digital Equity Updates Calls using the links below:

• January 2025 Monthly Digital Equity Updates Call register here.
• February 2025 Monthly Digital Equity Updates Call register here.
• March 2025 Monthly Digital Equity Updates Call register here.

Resources

Illinois Office of Broadband Illinois Broadband Lab

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Digital Equity Act Illinois Broadband Map

Low Income Energy Home Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. All income eligible households are now eligible to apply. They can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the state can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 333,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $724 per household. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found on the webpage.

CEJA Updates

If you haven’t already, please sign up for our mailing list HERE, so you can receive updates in your email as they are announced. Finally, stay tuned to the DCEO CEJA Updates and Program Status page for additional announcements and program information. Contact us: CEO.CEJA@illinois.gov

• Programs Currently Accepting Applications
• Programs Awarded
• Applications Under Review

Illinois Works Bid Credit Program

Contractors or subcontractors that employ apprentices that have completed the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program on any project (stated or privately funded) are eligible to earn bid credits they can use to make their bids for future state-funded public works projects more competitive. The Illinois Works Bid Credit Program provides bid credits for both hiring and retaining graduates.

For general program questions, please contact the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program

at CEO.BidCreditProgram@illinois.gov. If you’re a state agency seeking information regarding the Bid Credit Program, email Rebecca Bailey, Senior Bid Credit Program Manager at Rebecca.j.bailey@illinois.gov. For additional information, please download the Bid Credit Program One sheeter. To view application information and apply for the Bid Credit Program, please visit the DCEO website.

Interested in joining the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program?

If you are a contractor or subcontractor and are interested in registering for the Bid Credit Program, complete the Contractor Registration Form today!

Learn more about the Bid Credit Program at an upcoming information webinar.

*Recordings of our past webinars can be found on the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program Partner Guide.

Office of Accountability

Curious about the grant lifecycle or wanting to learn more about the different facets of grants? Do you have a grant-related question that you would like answered in real time? DCEO is pleased to offer three training options for current and potential grantees. Interested in participating in a training session? Sign up here

Virtual Office Hour Q & A - Tuesdays at 2pm:

Join for a virtual question and answer session via Webex in which potential and current Grantees may attend to ask questions and seek assistance. Technical Support Managers will be online to field questions, demonstrate steps, or provide instructions as needed to assist entities and individuals with the grant process.

Pre-Qualification Training – 1st Wednesday of the month 9AM:

This slide presentation will cover Pre-Qualification requirements. Pre-qualification is required of all grantees with the State of Illinois and must be maintained throughout a grant program. To be in pre-qualified status means that all required registrations have been met and an entity is in good standing and able to conduct business with the

State of Illinois. Join DCEO’s Technical Support Team as we explain each step in the pre-qualification process and how to get started.

Various topics Training – 3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM:

This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Below are recordings to the sessions offered in 2024. Sessions for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.

• January 15, 2025 – Registering in SAM.gov: This training will explain the steps required to apply for a Unique Entity Identifier, how to complete your SAM.gov registration and steps for registration renewal.
• February 19, 2025 – Overview of DCEO Programs: This training will give an overview of the Grant Program Offices at DCEO as well as our mission and background of the Agency.
• March 19, 2025 – Risk Assessments: This training will cover the required Risk Assessments for Grantees including the Internal Control Questionnaire and Programmatic Risk Assessment.
• April 16, 2025 – Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.
• May 21, 2025 – Completing a Budget Application: This training will introduce the budget application and instructions on how to best complete the budget for application submission.
• Jun 18, 2025 – Reporting and Supporting Documents: This training will explain the Periodic Performance Report and Periodic Financial Report, as well as appropriate supporting documents required for submission.
• July 16, 2025 – Indirect Cost Rates: This training will introduce potential and current Grantees to the Indirect Cost Rate system, the different types of elections and requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders through the review process.
• August 20, 2025 – Help Desk Overview and Resources: (CSFA, GATA) This training will provide insight on the resources available to potential and current Grantees as they navigate the Grant process. Learn where to find grant opportunities, how to search the CSFA, and how to contact DCEO for assistance.
• September 17, 2025 – Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.
• October 15, 2025 – Capital Grants: This training will explain what a capital grant is, requirements and eligibility for capital grants, application documents, and an overview of the grant lifecycle
• November 19, 2025 – Notice of Funding Opportunities: (NOFOs) This training will explain what a Notice of Funding Opportunity is and give a breakdown of the template and where to find information.
• December 17, 2025 – Audits: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the importance of record retention.

Need assistance with a grant-related question? Please email inquiries to ceo.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or use this Help Desk Inquiry Form. All inquiries submitted outside of business hours will be addressed the following business day.

For a complete list of current DCEO grant opportunities, upcoming grant trainings, video resource library and Grant Help Desk assistance, visit DCEO Grants (illinois.gov)

Grant opportunities include:

Route 66 Grant Program – Click here Deadline January 8, 2025

SBIR/STTR Match Program - Click here Deadline June 30, 2025

Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Program Round 2 – Click here Deadline December 15, 2025

Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs (CEJA) - Click here Deadline Rolling

Federal Grant Support Program - Click here No specific due date but must submit at least 3 weeks ahead of federal application

CDBG Economic Development Program - Click here Deadline Rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

Landmarks Illinois

Since 1995, Landmarks Illinois has asked preservationists, community leaders and concerned citizens throughout the state to nominate threatened or endangered historic properties for its annual list, the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The purpose of the list is to focus attention on sites threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds or inappropriate development and to bolster local advocacy efforts and build support for each property’s eventual preservation. The Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois list also draws attention to important policy issues that affect these properties and historic properties throughout the state.

Once a property is included on the Most Endangered list, Landmarks Illinois remains committed to its preservation efforts, continuing communication and relationships with local advocates and elected officials to provide resources (including small grants) and connections where possible. In many cases, this has led to years- or decades-long relationships between local advocates and Landmarks Illinois. Staff at Landmarks Illinois can also serve as a link to pro bono services from other preservation professionals such as architects, engineers, historians and more. To submit a nomination, click here Nominations will be accepted until January 10, 2025.

Illinois EPA Unsewered Communities Planning Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced a new funding opportunity to assist communities where there are currently no wastewater collection and/or treatment facilities. Illinois EPA is making $1 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Planning Grant

Program, which will assist small and disadvantaged communities in developing a project plan that identifies a solution to wastewater collection and treatment needs. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website.

The Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP) provides grant funding to develop a plan that will address problems associated with the collection and treatment of wastewater in an unsewered community.

Ultimately, this information can be used in an application for a project that would be funded by the Illinois Unsewered Communities Construction Grant Program.

Funding for the UCPGP is made possible by utilizing a portion of Illinois EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan

Program Loan Support funds generated from loan repayments. Applicants that qualify can receive funding up to

$30,000, and Illinois EPA expects to fund up to 50 grants.

All required forms and information are available on the Illinois EPA’s UCPGP webpage. The application period will remain open until all funding has been expended. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.

OSFM New Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is announcing the opening of the application period for our new Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program. The Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant program provides grants up to $350,000 for the construction or rehabilitation of fire stations with a total of 5 million dollars available to departments across the state. Applications must be electronically submitted or postmarked no later than February 28, 2025.

In order to be eligible to receive these grants departments must have an active registration with SAM.gov and also be registered with the state’s Grantee Portal. Also, applicants must be NFIRS compliant for at least the last two years. The two-year required reporting period will be from December 2022 through November 2024. Fire departments are required to report all incidents responded to, including ambulance calls.

To learn more about the grant program and to find the application please visit our website at sfm.illinois.gov/iam/firedepartment/grants-and-loans.html.

Illinois EPA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Energy is announcing a fourth Notice of Funding Opportunity available to municipalities and counties through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program for the completion of energy efficiency building audits and/or building upgrades identified in a published energy or climate action plan. Awards for projects will range from $50,000 to $250,000 with a total award distribution over $1,000,000. Examples of eligible projects include installation of insulation, energy efficiency lighting, HVAC upgrades, weather sealing, and retrofit and/or replacement of windows and doors in publicly owned buildings.

Grant applications will be competitively scored based on funding justification, projects located in environmental justice areas of concern, energy burden, areas of co-op or municipally owned electric, and partnerships between local units of governments and organizations, or where planning benefits multiple communities. Application materials are available at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy webpage. The application period closes at 5:00 pm

(CST) on February 3, 2025. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program.

Illinois’ EECBG Program invests U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning, building energy audits, and energy efficiency projects. To date, the Program has awarded $1,837,082.55 to fourteen (14) municipalities and counties statewide to develop or update comprehensive energy plans and complete building inventory audits and energy efficiency projects.

For more information about Office of Energy programming, including the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, please visit https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy.html or call 217-785-8841. More information on the U.S. DOE EECBG is available at https://www.energy.gov/infrastructure/articles/doe-iija- congressional-report

IDES Workforce Resources

The Illinois Department of Employment Security, New York University, and Illinois Department of Corrections would like to invite you to participate in a Virtual Job Fair highlighting your company and job opportunities for Returning Citizens to the Southern Illinois Area.

Webinar topic: Re-Entry Virtual Job Fair

Date and time: Tuesday, January 28th 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Register: Registration is required. Please contact Freddie.L.Buckingham@illinois.gov for more information.

IEPA Residential Sharps Collection Program

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced an additional

$400,000 in funding available to units of local government to conduct collection and disposal of household sharps for their residents. Sharps, including needles, syringes, and lancets, collected from private citizens are a household waste. Through the grant program, Illinois EPA provides funding for grantees to operate a sharps collection station, as defined in Section 3.458 of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, and disposal of the collected sharps as Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW) rather than comingled with other household items.

Grant funding of up to $35,000 per applicant is available to cover expenses incurred in collecting, storing, and disposing of used sharps. Eligible expenses include costs to obtain collection containers for use by individual residents, collection receptacles to store sharps at the sharps collection station, mobilization fees assessed by a permitted PIMW transporter to pick-up collected sharps, and disposal fees for the collected sharps. All required forms and information can be found at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste- disposal/medication-disposal/sharps/residential-sharps-collection-program.html.

Applications for the Residential Sharps Collection Program will be accepted until funding is expended or June 30, 2025. Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.

IEPA EV Rebate Program

The Illinois EPA will open the next EV Rebate Program funding round on January 21, 2025. The funding round will run from January 21, 2025, to April 30, 2025. Illinois residents purchasing a new or used all-electric passenger vehicle ($4,000) or all-electric motorcycle ($1,500) from an Illinois licensed dealer are eligible for the rebate.

Applicants that certify as low income are given priority in disbursement of the rebates.

EV rebates are subject to the availability of funds for each cycle. The Illinois General Assembly has appropriated

$14 million to Illinois EPA for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025. Actual funding amounts will be determined by the amount of money available in the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund, not to exceed $14 million. The Illinois EPA is announcing the funding round now to allow Illinois residents time to plan vehicle purchases.

Applicants must apply during the rebate cycle window and within 90 days of purchase of the vehicle. The application and instructions will be available shortly before the opening of the rebate cycle on the Illinois

EPA’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage.

Eligibility requirements for an EV rebate in Illinois are set forth in the Illinois EPA’s regulations at 35 Ill. Adm. Code

275. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

• The purchaser must reside in Illinois at time of vehicle purchase and at the time the rebate is issued.
• An applicant may not previously have received an Electric Vehicle Rebate.
• The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State.
• Rented or leased vehicles do not qualify for the rebate.
• Vehicles purchased from an out-of-state dealership, and vehicles delivered to or received by the purchaser out-of-state are not eligible for a rebate.
• The purchaser must apply for the rebate within 90-days after the vehicle purchase date.
• The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase date.
• The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.

Applicants will need to submit the following along with the information contained in the rebate application:

• Copy of the bill of sale, purchase invoice, or purchase agreement from an Illinois dealership;
• Documentation of proof of purchase, such as a copy of a canceled check, an invoice or bill showing that the applicable amount has been paid or that no remaining balance exists, or loan documents
• Copy of the Illinois vehicle registration or temporary permit provided by the dealership at the time of sale/delivery; and
• IRS W-9 or W-8 form

IEPA Announces Expanded Eligibility for Energy Efficiency Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced the expansion of two energy efficiency grant opportunities. The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program provide funding for energy efficiency assessments and upgrade projects at eligible properties serving residents receiving housing assistance. These grant programs will now accept applications statewide for single-family residential and multifamily properties with up to 20 dwelling units serving residents receiving housing assistance.

The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program give organizations the tools to identify renovations that will improve both energy efficiency and comfort of the buildings and then fund those projects. Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local governments, or nonprofit organizations throughout Illinois that serve residents using housing assistance programs. Both programs will make awards on a first-come, first-serve basis and will remain open until funds are depleted. For eligibility and application information, visit:

• Energy Efficiency Assessment Program https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy/energy-efficiency/energy- efficiency-assessment-program.html Send EE Assessment Program questions to Rebecca Luke, Office of Energy - Energy Projects Coordinator at Rebecca.J.Luke@Illinois.gov.
• Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy/energy-efficiency/energy- efficiency-trust-fund-grant.html Still have questions? Review the FAQ Document Link OR send EE Trust Fund Grant Program questions to Rebecca Luke, Office of Energy - Energy Projects Coordinator

at Rebecca.J.Luke@Illinois.gov

Before applying to the grant program, applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, https://gata.illinois.gov/. For more information about these grant programs and other Office of Energy efforts to increase energy efficiency and resiliency please visit https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy.html

Helpful Resources

Grant Help Desk Resources DCEO Office of Accountability

• Office Hours for Grantees – Office of Accountability is hosting a weekly office hour every Tuesday from 2-3pm for any questions grantees or potential grantees may have.
• Sign up for any of these sessions with this link
• Email Us:
• ceo.granthelp@illinois.gov
• Or use our Inquiry Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/df9d38efa4e241218ced486c54f3c109
• Visit Our Website:
• https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities.html
• Video Training & Resources Library Video Training & Resources (illinois.gov)

Grant Accountability and Transparency (GATA)

• GATA Grantee Portal: https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/
• GATA Grantee Portal New User Guide: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/GATA%20New%20User%20Guide. pdf
• GATU Resource Site: https://gata.illinois.gov/
• Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA): https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html
• DCEO Current Grant Opportunities: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/grants.html

Audit Report Review Process Manual: https://gata.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gata/documents/audit/audit-manual-august-2018-revision.pdf

Workforce Development – Office of Employment & Training

The Office of Employment and Training supports innovative workforce programs and career, training and employment services that connect employers to a highly skilled workforce. Providing assistance and resources for job seekers is central to Illinois’ commitment to ensuring that businesses thrive in our state.

Programs and services:

• Illinois workNet®
• WIOA Works Illinois
• Apprenticeship Illinois
• Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA)
• WIOA Success Stories
• More Programs and Resources
• Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS)
• Climate and Equitable Jobs Act 

American Rescue Plan (ARPA) for Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government (NEU)

Do you have questions about ARPA? Check out the Technical Assistance page on our DCEO website. Click here August 8, 2024 - offices hours presentation slides Click here

FAQs: View frequently asked questions about this program.

Need help? To ask a question or request a support call, contact the NEU Support Team at

either ILARPA@crowe.com or CEO.CURE@illinois.gov. To ask a question about the U.S Treasury Reporting Portal, please contact covidreliefITsupport@treasury.gov.

DCEO Website – https://dceo.illinois.gov

The Illinois DCEO website includes a page dedicated to current state and federal grant opportunities as well as Grantee resources. Click here to find valuable information!

Join DCEO’s Team

DCEO’s Team is expanding around the state, including on Team RED. To apply for these jobs, please go to the Work4Illinois website at https://illinois.jobs2web.com/ and use the search function to find the positions for our department.

Following DCEO & Connecting with Team RED

If you have upcoming meetings or events and would like DCEO to participate, please reach out to us. Follow us on our social media channels for real time updates.

Facebook: @illinoisdceo

 LinkedIn: Illinois Department