Equitable Energy Future Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across Illinois. This initiative is funded through state appropriations under Public Act 102-0662 and aims to address historical inequities by providing pre-development funding to contractors and organizations that serve disadvantaged communities. The program prioritizes projects that benefit Equity Investment Eligible Communities, Restore. Reinvest. Renew. areas, and Environmental Justice communities. The grant provides funding up to one million dollars per project, with a minimum award of two hundred fifty thousand dollars. A total of twenty-five and a half million dollars is available through this funding round, with up to forty awards expected. Eligible activities include planning, feasibility studies, professional services, community outreach, land acquisition, permitting, and other pre-development expenses. Funds may not be used for construction or implementation activities. Applicants must be registered with the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal and meet various eligibility criteria. Qualified applicants include certified Equity Eligible Contractors or Illinois-based businesses, nonprofits, or cooperatives that meet equity-building criteria. The program strongly encourages leveraging additional funding sources to enhance project cost-effectiveness and requires applicants to demonstrate partnerships with impacted communities. The application process requires submission of various documents including a Uniform Grant Application, Uniform Budget, CEJA Ecosystem Utilization Plan, project timeline, letters of support, and proof of eligibility. Optional technical assistance is available through webinars and one-on-one sessions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-five. An optional technical assistance session is scheduled for June fourth, two thousand twenty-five. Applications will be evaluated on criteria including documentation of need, applicant qualifications, project quality, and cost effectiveness. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award followed by grant agreement negotiations. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to maximize their chances of funding, as awards are made monthly on a rolling basis.

Participate in technical assistance sessions; submit early; leverage other funding sources; emphasize strong partnerships and community engagement.