Illinois State Grants Portal

This grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Education, provides reimbursement funding for transportation costs associated with field trips for Illinois students (prekindergarten through 12) and homeschool groups to the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. The maximum award is $500 per application.

The Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP), administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) with federal VPA-HIP funding, leases private property from landowners to provide semi-controlled public access for outdoor recreational activities, focusing on youth and families. Landowners receive lease payments, liability insurance, and up to 75% cost-share assistance for implementing habitat management and improvement projects.

Conduct fish and wildlife management activities that align with the conservation, restoration, and management goals and priorities of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices.

Support for projects focused on coastal planning, coordination, coastal hazards, habitat protection and management, education and outreach materials and programs.

To provide technical and financial assistance to implement the highest priority actions in order to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Priority actions are to: identify, protect, conserve, manage, enhance or restore habitat or species on both public and private lands within the Great Lakes Basin

This grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) as a federal pass-through program (ALN 10.664), provides financial assistance for the planning and implementation of urban and community forestry programs. The funds support projects that analyze and report on the condition and disease problems affecting Illinois trees and forests, aligning with the state's Forest Action Plan.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Office of Water Resources (IDNR/OWR) Flood Hazard Mitigation Program provides financial assistance to communities for the acquisition and demolition of real property in flood-prone areas. The goal is to convert these areas into community open spaces, reducing future flood damage and public expenses.

The Illinois State Forest Action Plan (Forest Health) aims to collect data to analyze and report on the condition and disease problems affecting Illinois trees and forests.

This program provides both financial and technical assistance to communities, counties, and multi-county coalitions in Illinois for planning greenways and trails. Its goal is to encourage comprehensive, cooperative, and coordinated planning to protect high-priority greenways and provide public access through trail development.

The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit is a robust and sustainable financial incentive offering producers a credit of 30% of all qualified Illinois production expenditures, including post-production and labor. An additional 15% credit is available for salaries paid to individuals in economically disadvantaged areas. The credit is transferable and can be carried forward for 5 years. The program is designed to attract and retain film, television, and streaming production in Illinois.

The Land & Building Acquisition grant program, administered by the Illinois DCEO, provides funding to bolster the state's economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life. It supports entities receiving funding via lump sum appropriations, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government entities, for bondable costs associated with the acquisition of land and/or buildings.

The Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program provides Illinois' small businesses with financial and technical assistance to increase their exports. The program is an Illinois-specific implementation of the federal STEP grant and offers five options: Group Trade Missions (GTM), Individual Foreign Market Sales Missions (IFMSM), Product Compliance (PC), Website Localization (WL), and Ex-Im Bank: Export Credit Insurance (ECI). Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served...

The CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program provides grants to low-to-moderate income communities in Illinois to improve housing, rehabilitate, and retrofit properties. The goal is to provide residents with safe and sanitary living conditions and help stabilize neighborhoods and affordable housing.

The Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) is an Illinois state program administered by DCEO that provides grants to reimburse Illinois employers for up to 50% of the cost of training their full-time employees. The program aims to enhance workforce skills, increase business capacity, and foster a more competitive business environment. It is divided into an Incentive Program for relocating/expanding businesses and a Competitive Program for broader training needs.

State-administered grants under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The funding is allocated to Local Workforce Innovation Areas (LWIAs) to support local workforce systems, American Job Centers, and various skill development programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth. The FY2026 budget includes a $325 million allocation for WIOA grants.

The Illinois Capital Access Program (CAP) is a loan portfolio insurance program managed by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) to encourage financial institutions to make loans up to $1,000,000 to small and new Illinois businesses (500 or fewer employees) that may not qualify for conventional financing. The program works by having the bank, the borrower, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) contribute a small premium into a pooled reserve to cover potential loan...

This is a non-competitive Title XX DFI grant administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). The funding supports organizations in providing beginning level I and II sign language classes to family members, care providers, and significant others of newly diagnosed Deaf or hard of hearing individuals to promote self-sufficiency and self-support.

The Reimagine - High Risk Youth Intervention Services (HRYIS) program provides funding to current Rule 132 Certified Comprehensive Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) serving high-risk youth in identified Chicago communities with highly concentrated firearm violence. The evidence-based intervention services are designed to reduce involvement in the criminal and juvenile system, increase school attendance, and facilitate referrals to therapeutic programs for trauma recovery and mental health...

This non-competitive Direct Funding Initiative (DFI) grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), provides funding to organizations to offer services for individuals who are Blind, specifically those between 18 and 54 years of age whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment difficult but for whom independent living goals are feasible. The program is funded in part by the federal Title XX Social Services Block...

This is a non-competitive funding opportunity from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), for programs that offer services to individuals who are DeafBlind (age 18-54). The grant supports core services like information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, individual and systems advocacy, and services to promote independent living and self-sufficiency for individuals whose severe hearing and visual impairment makes competitive employment...

ExceleRate Illinois is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare programs. It provides standards, guidelines, resources, and support to help programs improve quality across four domains: Teaching and Learning; Family and Community Engagement; Leadership and Management; and Qualifications and Continuing Education. Programs that achieve the Silver or Gold Circle of Quality and serve children through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) receive a quality add-on...

The Supported Employment Program (SEP) is a non-competitive, purchase-of-care contract administered by the IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). It provides funding to Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) to assist individuals with the most significant disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated community employment (CIE). Funding is milestone-based, paid out across eight phases of service delivery, from initial assessment and job development to long-term job...

The purpose of the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program is to expand resources for food bank systems across the state while supporting local farmers. The program creates mechanisms for acquiring and distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy, and eggs to organizations providing free food for those in need.

The Illinois Pathways to Partnerships Project (IPPP) aims to improve transition outcomes, competitive integrated employment (CIE), and independent living outcomes for students with disabilities ages 10-24 across the State. The program delivers an innovative Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) model, including family supports and an age-appropriate curriculum developed and implemented by Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in collaboration with the Division of Rehabilitation Services...

This grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Family Nutrition, provides funding to organizations for statewide outreach activities related to the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The purpose is to increase awareness and participation in the WIC program among eligible populations.

Operating assistance in northeastern Illinois is comprised of the following state programs: Public Transportation Fund (PTF), Additional State Assistance (ASA-SCIP I)/Additional Financial Assistance (AFA-SCIP II), Reduced Fare Program (RTA), and ADA Paratransit. This funding is allocated to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and its Service Boards (CTA, Metra, Pace) to cover a portion of their operating costs, subject to a system generated revenue recovery ratio.

The Economic Development Program (EDP) provides state assistance for roadway improvements or new construction to facilitate access to new or expanding industrial, manufacturing, distribution, business service, or major tourism/entertainment companies in Illinois. Funding is non-competitive and is determined by the number of permanent full-time jobs created ($30,000 per new job) and retained ($10,000 per retained job), up to a maximum of $2 million per project. IDOT enters into agreements with...

The Federal Operating Assistance Program (Section 5311) is a federal pass-through program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). It provides operating assistance grants and capital funding to eligible participants for general public transportation service in rural and small urban areas (population under 50,000). IDOT's Office of Intermodal Project Implementation (OIPI) is responsible for administering the funds, reviewing applications, executing grant agreements, and...

The State Matching Assistance (SMA) Program allows Illinois counties (Local Public Agencies) to use their accumulated SMA funds to cover any part or the entire non-federal portion (local match) required for a local Federal-aid transportation project. The commitment is included in the joint agreement for federally funded projects.

The Township Bridge Program (TBP) is a state-funded program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that apportions $15 million annually to counties. These funds are specifically designated for road districts to use for the construction and, in some cases, rehabilitation of bridges on local public agency (LPA) roads. Counties must submit an annual program of proposed projects to IDOT for approval and fund obligation.

The Downstate Operating Assistance Program (DOAP), established by the Downstate Public Transportation Act, provides operating funds to assist in the development and operation of public transportation services statewide in Downstate Illinois. The program is administered by IDOT’s Office of Intermodal Project Implementation (OIPI) and pays up to 65% of a participant's actual eligible operating expenses.

This program represents the State of Illinois' administration of the federal Maternal and Child Health Services Title V Block Grant, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The funding is used to improve the health and well-being of mothers, infants, children, and their families, including those with special healthcare needs, across the state. Key focus areas include ensuring accessible primary care, supporting healthy pregnancies, expanding early childhood services, and...

The Illinois Family Planning Program (IFPP) is a statewide initiative managed by the IDPH to provide voluntary, high-quality, and culturally sensitive family planning services to low-income, under-insured, uninsured, and insured individuals of reproductive age. The program funds eligible organizations (health departments, FQHCs, non-profits) to offer services aimed at improving maternal and infant health, assisting in pregnancy planning, lowering unintended pregnancies, and reducing rates of...

This non-competitive grant provides funding to the 10 designated Administrative Perinatal Centers (APCs) in Illinois. The purpose is to support the administration and implementation of the state's Regionalized Perinatal Health Care system, which aims to improve maternal, child, and infant health outcomes. Funds support activities such as monitoring obstetric hospitals, providing consultation, conducting quality improvement projects, and offering outreach education for high-risk perinatal...

This program provides formula-based grants to certified local health departments in Illinois to support the Lead Poisoning Screening and Prevention Program. Funds are used for activities including blood lead testing for children, case management, environmental investigations for children with elevated blood lead levels, and public education to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Retains funding a pool of $50 million, to be disbursed among Safety Net Hospitals (SNHs) that maintain perinatal designation from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH). The funding is intended to preserve and improve access to hospital services, particularly for services rendered on and after July 1, 2020.

This program provides reimbursement-based grant funding to certified local health departments and non-profit agencies to operate mandated vision and hearing screening programs. The purpose is to ensure all 3-5 year olds enrolled in licensed preschools and daycare centers in Illinois receive mandated vision and hearing screening services in accordance with the Illinois Child Vision and Hearing Test Act.

The Certified Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program (CNA-A) provides tuition and payroll assistance to long-term care facilities to support CNA apprentices and their mentors. Its goal is to increase the retention of CNAs in facilities through education, financial assistance, and a structured mentorship model.

The Local Health Protection Grant (LHPG) provides non-competitive, formula-based funding to certified local health departments in Illinois to ensure basic levels of public health protection are maintained at the community level. Funds are intended to supplement other resources and support core programs for infectious diseases, food protection, potable water supply safety, and private sewage disposal.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow through On-going Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF) is a federal program administered by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency – Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). It provides low-interest loans to communities throughout the State of Illinois to implement hazard mitigation projects. The goal is to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and increase resiliency. Projects can include flood control, building code enforcement, and...

The grant program is appropriated to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency - Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) to cover all approved costs associated with the Homeland Security Preparedness, Response, and Unmet Needs Grant Program. IEMA is authorized to make grants to other State agencies, public universities, units of local government, and statewide mutual aid organizations to enhance statewide emergency preparedness and response.

The Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) is a competitive state grant administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that provides funding for early childhood and family education programs. Its primary purpose is to help young children enter kindergarten ready to learn by funding three main program types: Prevention Initiative (birth-to-three center and home visiting), Preschool for All (part-day/full-day preschool for ages 3-5), and Preschool for All Expansion (full-day preschool...

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Afterschool Meals component provides federal cash reimbursement for meals and snacks served to children and teenagers (age 18 or under) in eligible afterschool programs located in low-income areas. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

The Preschool for All (PFA) program, funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG), provides funds for school and community-based preschool for children ages 3 to 5 (prior to kindergarten). The goal is to provide at least 12.5 hours weekly of high-quality preschool, including comprehensive developmental screening, licensed teachers, and a standards-aligned curriculum, with a focus on serving children who experience risk factors, including those from low-income families.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded voluntary program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that provides cash reimbursement to eligible organizations for planning, purchasing, preparing, and serving nutritious meals to children and adults in child care centers, homes, and afterschool programs.

The Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) is a competitive grant funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Its purpose is to provide funds for early childhood and family education programs that implement and sustain high-quality, full-day, school and community-based preschool for children ages 3 to 5 (prior to kindergarten) in high-need communities. Programs must offer comprehensive services and focus on serving children who...

The Special Education Services Grants program, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), provides funding to school districts and special education cooperatives to support the provision of special education and related services for students with disabilities. Funding is primarily distributed through state categorical pupil reimbursement and federal IDEA Part B funds, covering costs such as private facility tuition, excess costs, special transportation, and staffing for...

Provides core funding for K-12 schools in Illinois based on the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act (Public Act 100-0465). The formula calculates an 'Adequacy Target' for each district and directs new state funds primarily to the most underfunded districts to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.

State-administered categorical grant providing reimbursement to local education agencies (school districts) for a portion of the cost of transporting eligible students (regular and vocational education) who reside 1.5 miles or more from their attendance center, or for students within 1.5 miles if hazardous conditions exist. The reimbursement amount is calculated based on a formula tied to the district's assessed valuation and transportation fund tax rate.

The Prevention Initiative (PI) is a program funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) that provides intensive, research-based, and comprehensive child development and family support educational services for expectant parents and families with children from birth to age 3 years. The goal is to help them build a strong foundation for learning and prepare children for later school success. PI funds both center-based care and home visiting services.

The Illinois EPA Office of Site Evaluation uses federal Brownfield funds to conduct Targeted Brownfield Assessments (TBAs) at the request of communities throughout Illinois. These investigations are conducted at no charge to the community and include the collection of soil and groundwater samples to determine the property’s redevelopment potential.

The Water Pollution Control Loan Program (WPCLP) provides low-interest loans and principal forgiveness (a grant component) for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects. Funding is prioritized for projects that meet affordability criteria and address specific needs like facility consolidation and compliance solutions, with a total of over $70 million in principal forgiveness available for FY2026.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits Renewal Applications from currently ICCB Title II funded programs to achieve the purpose of Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. The goal is to provide adult education and literacy services to assist adults in becoming literate, obtaining skills for employment and self-sufficiency, assisting parents/family members in their children's educational development, and helping adults attain a secondary school...

The Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare (PATH) Workforce Program is a statewide initiative funded by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to provide grants to community colleges. The program's primary goal is to address the shortage of healthcare workers by creating, supporting, and expanding opportunities for individuals to obtain certificates and degrees in high-demand medical positions. The FY2026 budget includes $15 million in continued funding for this program.

This program provides grants to public libraries for capital projects, including the acquisition, development, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and improvement of public library facilities. The grant amount is determined by a formula that calculates the State's Share based on a 'Grant Index' (which favors libraries with lower local property wealth) multiplied by the 'Recognized Project Cost.' The program is administered by the Illinois State Library and is governed by the Public...

To establish a program of matching State grants to aid in paying for the construction costs of public libraries and facilities for library systems within Illinois. The program includes three categories: Remodeling for Accessibility (up to 50% State match), Projects involving new construction, additions, remodeling, conversions, energy conservation, security, and technology wiring (up to 50% State match), and Mini-grants for new carpeting, furnishings, remodeling, etc., which require no local...

This is a recurring, formula-based grant program administered by the Illinois State Library to provide financial support to public libraries for general operations. Funding is calculated based on population (Per Capita), geographic area (Area), and local tax revenue (Equalization Aid). Libraries must complete the annual Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR) and meet state standards to be eligible.

Federal pass-through grants administered by the Illinois State Library to support statewide initiatives and sub-grant competitions for public, academic, school and special libraries, and regional library systems. The funds are provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to promote continuous improvement in library services, facilitate access to resources, encourage resource sharing, and promote literacy and lifelong learning.

This program provides annual per capita and equalization aid grants to eligible public libraries in Illinois. The purpose is to help public libraries meet or progress toward meeting state standards (Serving Our Public 4.0: Standards for Illinois Public Libraries) and to provide equalization aid to libraries with lower local funding capacity. To qualify, a library must be a member in good standing of a library system, not under suspension, and certify adherence to intellectual freedom policies....

The Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) Grants provide annual funding to designated Talking Book Centers (TBCs), Advisory and Outreach Centers (AOCs), and Machine Sub-lending Agencies (MSLAs) to offer postage-free mail order public library service to Illinois residents with permanent or temporary visual or physical disabilities that prevent them from reading standard print material. The grants support staff, materials, equipment, and services to expand these offerings.

The Home Illinois Program (HIP) initiative addresses homelessness among individuals returning from incarceration. These funds are not limited for use in homelessness prevention, emergency and transitional housing, rapid rehousing, as well as outreach, related services and supports for individuals at risk of experiencing homelessness. Programs aim to provide housing and supportive services to returning citizens, accompanied by an evaluation component to assess outcomes and program impact.

The Street Intervention Program (SIP) provides sub-awards to agencies for outreach services, conflict mediation, and other supports aimed at reducing shooting and homicide incidents in high-need communities. The program focuses on expanding or enhancing existing street intervention programs.

The Rental Housing Support Program (RHS) promotes permanent housing by funding rent subsidies for extremely and severely low-income households in Illinois. It is funded by a $20 charge on real estate document recording fees. The program operates through two main sub-programs: one contracting with Local Administering Agencies (LAAs) and another providing long-term, project-based subsidies to owners of rental developments.

The Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit (IAHTC) is a state tax credit program administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to encourage private investment in affordable housing. Donors of qualified donations receive a one-time tax credit on their Illinois state income tax equal to 50 percent of the donation's value. The donor can then transfer these credits to the project sponsor (developer), which creates additional project financing through syndication of the credits...

Provides federal funds, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), to subsidize rental housing that offers access to supportive services for extremely low-income persons with disabilities, assisting states in meeting their obligations under the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision and making it easier for persons with disabilities to live independently in the community of their choice. IHDA awards the rental subsidy to owners of eligible properties via a selection process.

This program utilizes HOME-ARP funds, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), for the acquisition and development of non-congregate shelters. The goal is to provide immediate and direct relief to qualifying populations, including those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and those fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, to help them remain stably housed.

This program, administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, provides competitive grants to Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to help offset their operating expenses. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to foster innovation and originality in natural resource management.

The AgriFIRST program provides grants to individuals and agribusinesses in Illinois for projects that enhance the value of agricultural products or expand agribusiness within the state. Funds can be used for technical assistance, feasibility studies, acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, or improving agricultural facilities for value-added purposes.

This program establishes a $3.5 million annual funding pool for publicly owned Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in Illinois. The supplemental payments are intended to support the delivery of essential healthcare services, including perinatal and obstetrical/gynecological services, behavioral healthcare (including substance use disorder services), other specialty services, and the expansion of telehealth services. The program was implemented in accordance with Public Act 103-0102, with payments...

A supplemental payment program for non-public Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in Illinois, providing directed payments from a $10 million annual pool (split into $2.5M quarterly pools) to support perinatal, OB/GYN, behavioral healthcare (including SUDs), other specialty services, and telehealth expansion. Payments are calculated based on a hospital's percentage of total adjusted outpatient claims.

The Illinois Care Connections (ICC) program provides technology and assistive devices to older adults living in the community to enhance their well-being and quality of life. Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging in partnership with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP), the program works through referring organizations like Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Care Coordination Units (CCU). These organizations help older adults obtain necessary devices, which are provided at...

The Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Cornerstone Program provides fundamental and essential skills training to fire departments and mutual aid organizations throughout Illinois. The training is delivered at no cost to students or local fire departments, as funding is supported through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

The Veterans Cash Lottery Ticket Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA), provides competitive reimbursement grants to non-profits, tax-exempt entities, and governmental organizations. The program is funded by the Illinois Lottery's Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket and aims to address critical issues facing Illinois veterans, including behavioral health, homelessness, long-term care, and employment assistance. Grants are offered quarterly and range...

The Large Business Development Program (LBDP), administered by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), offers a combination of grants and long-term, low-interest loans to mature, stable industrial and service businesses that employ over 500 people. The program supports major expansion or relocation projects that result in substantial private investment and the creation or retention of a large number of jobs in Illinois. Funds are typically used for bondable business activities like real estate...

State appropriated funds are allocated to Illinois public universities to establish a merit-based, means-tested award program customized for their campus, with the goal of increasing enrollment and retention of Illinois residents. The universities are also required to provide matching institutional funding.