Illinois Dept of Commerce Weekly News

Office of Tourism

Pride Festivals in Illinois | Website
Mark your calendar for this summer’s celebrations of love and equality!

Pride in the Middle of Everything | Website
Whether you're visiting during Pride Month in June or enjoying a trip any other time of year, Illinois is alive with color. From Galena to Springfield, Peoria, and of course, Chicago, Illinois' inclusive communities welcome all.

Resources

Business and event resources and directories which include LGBTQIA+ businesses and nonprofit organizations:

Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA) Chicago | Website
One of the oldest Latinx LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States.

Equality Illinois | Website
The state's oldest, largest and most effective advocacy organization dedicated to defending rights for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.

LGBT Business Resource Page | City of Chicago | Website
Identifies business development opportunities for LGBTBEs as well as promote opportunities within the City’s procurement process.

LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois | Website
Promoting Economic Opportunities for the LGTBQ+ Business Community.

Illinois OMEE Juneteenth Emerging Leaders Summit

IL OMEE Black Business Collective Presents: Juneteenth Emerging Leaders Summit
Wednesday | June 12, 2024 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Virtual (click on header to register)

Join OMEE for a virtual event that will help high school and college age youth see themselves as FUTURE EMPLOYERS, as well as walk through the steps and resources available for starting a business in the State of Illinois!

Host - Matt Simpson, IL OMEE
Panelist - Micae Brown, US Bank
Panelist - Corey Dooley, Community Corey LLC
Panelist - Nacyla Mitchell, Sister Girls and Friends

OMEE Events & Webinars

All events and webinars are open to everyone but intentionally target specific OMEE communities. Feel free to contact us at CEO.OMEE@illinois.gov if we don't answer your questions during our webinars or contact the First Stop Business Information Center Helpline at 1-800-252-2923. Spanish speaking assistance is available.

Removing Barriers for Small Black and Latino Businesses
Thursday | June 13, 2024 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | event at no cost | in-person, Hartman Recreation Center, 511 Collins St., Joliet, IL 60432 (click on header to register)

This small business expo is designed to provide resources and support to current and aspiring business owners. The event will feature a variety of exhibitors offering business resources, networking opportunities, and on-site business advising. Don't miss this chance to connect with local organizations, gain insights, and build the network that will take your business to the next level. We look forward to seeing you there! The event will have information available in English and Spanish. Hosted by the Joliet Latino Economic Development Association, the Office of Minority and Economic Empowerment at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the African American Business Association of Will County, and the Entrepreneur and Business Center at Joliet Junior College.

June 24, 2024—In Person Lunch and Learn

“An Introduction to the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE)”

Rantoul Business Center in Rantoul, IL | 12 - 1PM 

Presentations by: Diana Alfaro, Latinx Business Development Manager with OMEE and Madeleine Wolske, Director of the Small Business Development Center at the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Registration required: https://cusbdc.org/event/informational-session-introduction-to-the-illinois-office-of-minority-economic-empowerment/

*a small lunch will be provided. This event is hosted by Champaign County Economic Development Corporation 

June 25, 2024—In Person Presentation

“Funding Opportunities and Technical Assistance for Minority Owned Businesses”

Beardstown Elks Club in Beardstown, IL | 10 – 11AM

Presentations by: Diana Alfaro, Latinx Business Development Manager with the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE). This event is presented by the Cass County OEDC and Opportunity Equity Forum.

For more information contact: 217-452-3211

Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) & Research in Illinois to 

Spur Economic (RISE) Recovery Implementation Grants

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $30 million in funding for the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital (RDMS, $20 million) and Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE, $10 million) programs to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas throughout the state and accelerate local economic recovery initiatives. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program (RDMS) will provide grants for construction, repair and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life and stimulate economic activity for communities that have experienced disinvestment. The goal of this program is to drive investment in infrastructure and public amenities that will invite more people back into Main Street districts and local city centers. The second round of RDMS funding builds upon $106 million in RDMS grants provided in 2022 – the state’s largest Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization.

Projects eligible for RDMS grants must be located in a commercial center or downtown area and may include, but are not limited to roadways, parking and public way improvements, investments in parks and venues or plazas for public use, sustainability upgrades, structural repairs, and mixed-use or transit-oriented development.

Through the RISE Implementation Program, the State is allocating funding toward economic development projects or initiatives identified in plans produced with support from RISE Local and Regional Planning grants to accelerate economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible projects may include capital and non-capital projects such as water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure, investment in affordable housing, local workforce development programming, retrofitting or renovating facilities and buildings, investment in site readiness for business development, and tourism promotion programming.

Qualified entities for both programs include EDOs, local units of government and private for-profit and non-profit businesses. RDMS projects must be located in a commercial corridor or downtown area, and RISE projects must be aligned with a RISE Planning grant recovery plan. Applicants must demonstrate consistency with applicable local or regional economic development plans and provide letters of support from elected officials and other community stakeholders. Successful applicants will demonstrate that their project will address barriers to economic growth and/or stimulate economic growth and recovery. Eligible entities are limited to one submission.

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. For more information and to review the NOFO, click here. Application deadline July 22, 2024.

Office of Broadband

Digital Equity Grants Capacity Building Series
Wednesdays | 1-2 PM CT | REGISTER

CEJA Updates

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity encourages organizations to apply to deliver the following Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce and contractor programs in select regions. 

• Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (Workforce Hubs). Application link. Regions accepting applications: Carbondale, Danville, and Peoria
• Energy Transition Navigator Program. Application Link. Regions accepting applications: Champaign, East St. Louis, and Joliet
• Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program. Application Link. Regions accepting applications: Waukegan, Champaign, Danville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton. 

Applications for these target regions will be accepted on a rolling, first come, first served basis through June 30, 2024 or until all of the funds that are earmarked for this NOFO are awarded. 

Get Technical Assistance 

Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of technical assistance to improve the quality of their applications. 

• Request one-on-one technical assistance by completing this form.  
• Review recordings of information sessions, located at the bottom of the NOFO websites for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Energy Transition Navigator Program.
• View the Questions and Answers document or submit new questions to ceo.ceja@illinois.gov.

Please see the CEJA Updates and Program Status page for more CEJA announcements.

The Equitable Energy Future and the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Programs are both actively accepting applications now. Although these are rolling grant opportunities, the first application window for both grants is coming to a close soon.

Applicant resources are available for each grant on their DCEO NOFO Page:

• Merit Review Scoring Rubric (NEW!)
• Clean Energy Funding Sources (NEW!)
• Technical Assistance Information Sessions
• One-on-one technical assistance from a CEJA Program Coach Sign Up

Further CEJA updates and resources are available on the CEJA website. Questions? See the CEJA Q+A or email CEO.CEJA@Illinois.gov

Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program 

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $9 million in funding for the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

The Primes Accelerator Program is designed to increase business opportunities for clean energy contractors that serve areas impacted by economic, social, and environmental challenges. The organizations that will serve as the Primes Program Leads to deliver the Primes Accelerator Program will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov  for application assistance.

Through the competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $1 million to $3 million to deliver the Primes Accelerator Program in each region. Applications will be accepted until July 2, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The Primes Accelerators will provide a variety of services to a cohort of contractor and clean energy small businesses, helping them grow their businesses and take advantage of opportunities such as bidding on projects, applying for grants and loans, becoming approved vendors, getting certified, and more. Participant businesses will be selected based on criteria that includes experience, business revenue, and demonstrated relationships with equity investment eligible individuals, businesses, and communities.

The Primes Accelerators services will be offered in the three geographic areas designated by statute: Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois. The Department anticipates selecting one Primes Program Lead for each area.  Qualified entities that can apply to be a Primes Program Lead include organizations that have experience providing business-related assistance, knowledge of the construction and clean energy trades, have a record of effectively serving diverse populations, and have established relationships within the local area.

The Primes Accelerator Program is one of several contractor, workforce, and community support programs established by the landmark CEJA legislation intended to move Illinois to a 100% carbon-free future. Under CEJA, DCEO will administer $180 million per year in workforce and community support programs designed to build Illinois’ clean energy economy and prepare the state’s workforce and communities for the jobs of the future. 

Illinois Works Bid Credit Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that contractors can now apply for the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. The program is part of the state’s multipronged effort to increase equity and opportunity in capital construction jobs through the Illinois Works (ILW) Jobs Program.  The Illinois Works Bid Credit Program is designed for contractors working on or interested in working on State of Illinois-funded capital projects. The program offers eligible contractors the opportunity to earn bid credits by hiring and retaining Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program graduates.

Bid credits are virtual dollars contractors can earn when they hire and retain an ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduate who is enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program (DOL RAP) and works on both state-funded capital projects or any construction project. Once these bid credits are earned, contractors can submit the credits to bid on future state-funded public works projects. Eligible contactors can request ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduates from DCEO’s Illinois Works Career Services Team using the Illinois Works Employer Form. The Illinois Works Career Services Team will identify program graduates who meet contractor needs and requirements.

Through the ILW Bid Credit Program, contractors can earn up to six years of bid credits for each hired and retained ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduate, depending on their trade of choice. This will increase contractors' competitiveness when submitting future bids for state capital projects. This program also allows contractors to pool their bid credits with other contractors to strengthen their bids.

Enrolling in this program gives contractors access to the various skilled and certified graduates of the ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program. Besides being eligible to generate bid credits through the Bid Credit Program for contractors that hire them, graduates will also help contractors maintain compliance with state apprenticeship requirements, which includes the 10% apprenticeship goal of the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative. 

To view application information and apply for the Bid Credit Program, please visit the DCEO website. 

Do you have questions about ARPA NEU funding? 

This is a friendly reminder, that the ARPA Compliance Report was due on April 30^th. The Portal is still accessible, and we recommend submitting as soon as possible. If you have not submitted, below are some helpful links:

Online Access
All reports must be submitted through the State, Local, and Tribal Support portal via the following link:  

• If using Login.gov- https://portal.treasury.gov/compliance/s/

Self-help resources and frequently asked questions (FAQs) available on the Treasury SLFRF Website and the Reporting Responsibilities

US Treasury Technical Assistance Contact: SLFRF@treasury.gov and COVIDReliefITSupport@treasury.gov

Please reach out if you need assistance reporting.

Thank you,

NEU Support Team

ILARPA@crowe.com or CEO.CURE@illinois.gov

https://dceo.illinois.gov/cureneu.html

Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program

DCEO is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity to solicit applications for Business Resiliency program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development.

The objective of this program is to fund construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for Homeless (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing; with a goal of increasing capacity to pre-COVID levels.

Eligible Applicants must:

• Be a unit of local government receiving, or in an area receiving direct “Entitlement” Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. See list below.

• Have a current Shelter Funding Strategy identifying needs and plans to meet the needs.

• Have a strong collaborative relationship with all relevant local entities (service providers, community organizations, etc.) and have letters of support from a minimum of 5 community homelessness support services;

• Remain compliant with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.)

The following Units of Local Government receiving an annual allocation directly from HUD on an entitlement (formula) basis are “Entitlements”, and eligible for this grant. Communities located within a named Urban County are also eligible to apply. In 2023, Illinois had 33 metropolitan cities and eight urban counties named as Entitlements. They are: Urban Counties: Cook County, Madison County, DuPage County, McHenry County, Kane County, St. Clair County, Lake County, Will County Metropolitan Cities: Arlington Heights, DeKalb, Mount Prospect, Rantoul, Aurora, Des Plaines, Naperville, Rockford, Berwyn, Elgin, Normal, Rock Island, Bloomington, Evanston, Oak Lawn, Schaumburg, Champaign, Hoffman Estates, Oak Park, Skokie, Chicago, Joliet, Palatine, Springfield, Cicero, Kankakee, Pekin, Urbana, Danville, Moline, Peoria, Waukegan, Decatur

For more information visit Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3351-2722) (illinois.gov)  Application deadline July 31, 2024.

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 – 1^st 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 – 3^rd 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. Future topics offerings include:

• 6/19/24 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.
• 7/17/24 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.

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)

Other grant opportunities include:

SBIR/STTR Match Program Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators (CEJA) Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network (CEJA) Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Jobs Training and Economic Development Teachers Apprenticeship Program Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program Click here Deadline July 1, 2024

Illinois Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program Click here Deadline July 2, 2024

Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets and RISE Implementation Click here Deadline July 22, 2024

CDBG Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program Click here Deadline July 31, 2024

Quality Jobs Program Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

JTED Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Click here Deadline rolling

Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs (CEJA) Click here Deadline rolling

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program Click  here Deadline rolling

Federal Grant Support Program Click here  No specific due date

CDBG Economic Development Program Click here Deadline rolling

Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Click here Deadline rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation Green Drives Conference and Expo

The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation invites you to attend their annual Green Drives Conference and Expo on August 1 at the Morris Center on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.

Green Drives is one of the largest clean-transportation conferences in the Midwest, and a must-attend event for government officials, commercial and municipal fleet managers, corporate sustainability officers, and clean-tech and clean-energy professionals.

You will learn from and network with national and regional experts on fleet-focused alternative fuels and electric vehicle best practices, solutions, resources, and technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to discover how to take advantage of various federal and state funding opportunities and tax incentives for clean vehicles and charging stations. 

Registration

Fleet managers can attend Green Drives for free! This offer is exclusively available to commercial or government fleet managers, as well as other fleet operations decision makers such as directors, city managers, mayors, or county officials.

To secure your complimentary pass, send your request to info@il-act.org by July 12 at 5PM CT, including your name, title, organization, and contact information. Please note that only one free pass is available per organization, but additional tickets may be purchased.

Early bird registration is available until July 12.

Visit our event page for more information and to register today, 2024 Green Drives Conference & Expo Edwardsville.

Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion

The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) is announcing the second segment of their inaugural educational webinar series, entitled State of Illinois Buying Plan - Making it Work for Your Business. The webinar will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 26th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.

As the State's foremost authority on promoting supplier diversity, equity, and inclusion, CEI is committed to providing beneficial training resources to support underrepresented businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans, increase their capacity, grow their revenue, and enhance their credentials.

This spring, CEI kicked-off the first segment of its educational webinar series to provide potential Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program (VBP) vendors with practical insights regarding the benefits of being certified with the State of Illinois, contract bid opportunities and resources, and step-by-step guidance to complete their BEP and VBP certification applications successfully.

The second installment of the series, scheduled for June 26th, will help BEP and VBP vendors understand the State of Illinois Buying Plan, why it matters to their businesses, and how to strategize for greater success in obtaining contracts with the State of Illinois. CEI will be joined by experts from Aetna Better Health of Illinois, a prominent healthcare provider committed to supporting business and procurement diversity, The Rising Tide Group, a diverse BEP-certified consulting firm specialized in supplier development, and Medellin and Associates, Inc., a BEP-certified leader dedicated to driving collaboration among industry innovators. Catherine Bradbury from the Chief Procurement Office for Higher Education will also be available to provide subject matter expertise to vendor questions during the Q&A segment.

No registration is required. Click here to join the webinar.

About the Commission on Equity and Inclusion

CEI was created through the passage of 30 ILCS 574/40-10 to expand access to State contracts for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans. CEI’s reach into state contracting is expansive and involves several State agencies, boards, commissions, and public institutions of higher education.

CEI is dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion in the State's procurement processes. CEI is vital in promoting supplier diversity, ensuring a level playing field for all businesses, and advancing Illinois' commitment to inclusive economic growth.

Third Annual EV Charging Infrastructure Midwest Conference 

The electrification of the transportation sector in the Midwest offers distinctive opportunities for establishing a robust charging network. To address the challenges and explore solutions for advancing resilience, accessibility, and equity in the Midwest’s charging infrastructure, Global Transmission Report is hosting its 3rd annual EV Charging Infrastructure Midwest conference on June 26-27, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.

The mission of the conference is to highlight programs, opportunities, technologies, and solutions to build an efficient charging infrastructure in the Midwest.

Cast of speakers includes:

• Doug P. Scott, Chair, Illinois Commerce Commission
• David Anglero, Co-Founder, Green Edge Tech
• Nate Baguio, Senior Vice President, Commercial Development, Lion Electric
• Jesse Baker, Vice President - Marketing & Strategic Initiatives, Joule Case
• Steven Banks, President, KMB Design
• Cristina Botero, Senior Manager – Beneficial Electrification, ComEd
• Stephen C. Seelye, Superintendent, Pellston Public Schools, Michigan
• Kaylee Dann, Executive Director, Greater Indiana Clean Cities Inc
• Kara Demirjian Huss, Senior Vice President, TCCI Manufacturing
• Bridget Gilmore, Midwest Regional Technical Assistance Lead, Joint Office of Energy and Transportation
• Elizabeth Irvin, Deputy Director, Office of Planning and Programming, Illinois Department of Transportation
• Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• Brendan Jordan, Vice President, Drive Electric Minnesota
• Megha Lakhchaura, State EV Officer, State of Illinois
• Carl Lisek, Executive Director, Drive Clean Indiana
• Christopher Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority
• Erinn Monroe-Nye, Energy Services and Policy Manager, Madison Gas and Electric
• Mary Nicol, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Division of Strategic Initiatives, Chicago Department of Transportation
• A.J. Palmisano, Director - Zero Emissions Charging and Infrastructure, Navistar Inc
• Emily Pape, Senior Associate , Electrification Coalition
• Muhammed Patel, Midwest Advocate - Clean Vehicles and Fuels, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
• Cheryl Purefoy, Deputy COO, IndyGo
• Josh Sapp, Business Manager, IBEW Local 146
• Jacob Schwemlein, Director, Drive Electric Ohio Program, Clean Fuels Ohio
• Jeannette Tamayo, Associate Vice President, Workforce Development & Community Engagement, University of Illinois System-OVPEDI
• Kristen Wahl, Director of Energy Justice & Workforce Readiness, Argonne National Laboratory 

The two-day event will feature key sessions such as State Programs and Support; Building an Optimal Charging Infrastructure; Electrification of Fleets; Electrifying Transportation – Municipal and City Perspectives; Charging for Multifamily Housing; Ensuring Equitable Access; Business Challenges and Solutions; Looking Ahead: Future-Proofing the Infrastructure; Grid Impact and Solutions; Partnering with Utilities

Other recent electrification conferences in the US included EV Charging Infrastructure West (3rd edition: February 2024, San Francisco); Building Electrification US (November 2023, San Francisco); EV Charging Infrastructure US (5th edition, October 2023, NYC); and Fleet Electrification US (4th edition: April 2024, Washington, D.C.). To learn more about these conferences, please click here.

Group discounts are also available. Participants from government agencies, regulatory authorities, academia, and research institutions will benefit from a special low fee of USD425.

Special Startup Discount: special discounted fee of USD 500 for startups! Register now to secure your spot.

For clarifications, please contact Shreya Gaba at Shreya.gaba@globaltransmission.info or +1 (315) 675-4313.

Illinois Partners for Human Service Webinar

Deciphering GATA and Finding Related Resources: Live Training with GOMB Experts

June 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Please join Forefront, Illinois Partners for Human Service, and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) as they walk users through the pre-award process to become GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) pre-qualified. This virtual training intuitively guides our community partners through every step of the application process while providing a high-level overview of how to successfully respond to a grant application with helpful tips. REGISTER HERE. 

This webinar is being offered as part of the Equitable Access and Capacity Initiative (EACI). EACI is designed to equip organizations with the skills they need to prepare for and manage government funds and tactical support to build the internal systems needed to manage government reporting requirements successfully.

IDNR Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 14. 

Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in their purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation intents. 

The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs on natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand their staff and equipment for these activities.

Funding for this program is derived from a portion of the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund and must be used by IDNR for the stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species.

Stewardship actions funded by this grant program must be included in the management schedules approved by the INPC and are limited to a maximum of $100,000 per proposal. Eligible costs may include contractual services, staff time related to the project, equipment, and materials necessary to complete stewardship projects such as tools, safety items, herbicide, construction materials, and indirect costs. Benefit costs are not eligible. 

Matching funds are required on all projects. The minimum match requirements allowed by administrative rule are 5% or $1,000, whichever is less, to ensure all land trusts have access to the program.

Potential applicants can find more information online or by emailing Susan.Duke@Illinois.gov. Go online to view the Notice of Funding Opportunity for IDNR programs or to browse all State of Illinois grant opportunities.

Federal Grant Application Bootcamp Registration is now Open

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided cities with unprecedented opportunities to apply directly for federal funding, but some cities and towns have fewer resources and staff, impeding their ability to bid effectively. Through the Local Infrastructure Hub, small and mid-sized municipalities can receive an expert suite of supports to develop strong, competitive grant applications through pro-bono technical training and grant-writing Bootcamps. 

Over the past five Bootcamp series, the Local Infrastructure Hub has supported over 700 cities with 150,000 residents or fewer navigate the federal grant writing process, and is working with more than 1,200 localities overall across all of its program offerings, including virtual webinars and learning opportunities available for cities of any size.

Current bootcamps include: Bridge Investment Program; Brownfields Program; Railroad Crossing Elimination / Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements; Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods; The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Program; and Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program Application Bootcamp - Local Infrastructure Hub. Registration is required and bootcamps are offered on a first-come basis.

IEPA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

Third Notice of Funding Opportunity

This third round of funding is for the development of energy plans only. The third round of EECBG Program funding will award grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 to units of local government to assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities.

This competitive grant program invests U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program.

Grant applications for the third round of EECBG Program funding will be scored based on funding justification, projects located in environmental justice areas of concern, energy burden, energy/electric service, and partnerships between local units of governments, 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 on June 17, 2024.

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.

IEPA Energy Efficiency Projects Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim announced the Residential Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program – previously known as the Low-Income Residential Energy Efficiency Program or LIREE - with up to $5,000,000 in funding available for energy efficiency upgrades at single family or duplex residential properties. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program will benefit residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal housing assistance program and located in areas of environmental justice concern. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Agency’s website.

Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local government (municipalities, counties, or townships), or nonprofit organizations. Examples of eligible projects include window replacement, heating and cooling equipment retrofits, and lighting upgrades. Total project costs may range from $25,000 - $500,000 with a match requirement subject to total funding request.

Applications for the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program NOFO will be accepted on a rolling basis and eligible properties will receive funding on a first come, first serve basis. For eligibility and application information, visit: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-trust-fund-grant.html.

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/.

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

Browse our Learning Libraries, Quick Reference Guides, and Instructional Videos

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

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.  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.

Posting closing 6/13/24 

VCP Investment Manager (PSA, OPT 1) – Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology – Cook County

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 of Commerce & Economic Opportunity