Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program
This program provides funding to community organizations and partners in Illinois to develop and implement solar energy projects that prioritize local ownership and benefit underserved populations.
The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and was established under Public Act 102-0662, part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). This grant program seeks to support the planning, development, and implementation of community solar projects across Illinois, especially those that prioritize community ownership and energy sovereignty. These efforts aim to benefit historically underserved populations by promoting equitable access to clean energy. Community ownership, as defined in the authorizing legislation, involves significant ownership by local community members who also participate in decisions regarding project governance and benefit from its use. The grant provides awards ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 per application. A total of $8.5 million in funding is expected to be awarded across approximately 40 projects. This program funds activities within Phase 1 (planning and feasibility) and Phase 2 (pre-development construction), including early-stage planning, site assessments, project team organization, and securing permits and contracts. Construction and implementation costs (Phases 3 and 4) are not eligible for funding under this NOFO. The grant also allows pre-award costs, though these may trigger an audit depending on applicant risk factors. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations (CBOs), certain public entities that can demonstrate the absence of capable CBOs, and technical service providers working in partnership with CBOs. All applicants must be registered in the GATA Grantee Portal and meet specific registration and compliance requirements. Projects located in equity investment eligible communities—areas historically burdened by discrimination or environmental injustice—and those offering benefits to low-income households are prioritized for funding. Applications must include a detailed project narrative, budget, conflict of interest disclosures, and several supporting documents, including letters of support and proof of site control or property ownership. The application window runs from May 27, 2025, to December 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST. Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling monthly basis, meaning early submissions have a strategic advantage. A technical assistance session is available but not mandatory, scheduled for June 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. Evaluation of proposals is based on need, capacity, project quality, and cost effectiveness. Applicants must demonstrate both a strong project plan and a history of engagement with the community they aim to serve. Performance metrics will be tracked through required periodic reports, and successful Phase 1 performance is necessary for Phase 2 funding. Contact for program support is Matthew Swaine at ceo.ceja@illinois.gov. Questions can also be submitted for posting on the official FAQ section of the NOFO site.
Award Range
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Total Program Funding
$8,500,000
Number of Awards
40
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Covers Phases 1 (Planning and Feasibility) and 2 (Pre-development). Construction and implementation costs are not eligible. Pre-award costs are permitted. No indirect costs allowed. No match required but leveraging of other incentives encouraged.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
A. Community-based organizations defined by the National Community-Based Organization Network (NCBON) in the Illinois Power Agency’s 2022 Long-term Plan2 as organizations in which: a. The majority of the governing body and staff consists of local residents, b. The main operating offices are in the community, c. Priority issue areas are identified and defined by residents, d. Solutions to address priority issues are developed with residents, and e. Program design, implementation, and evaluation components have residents intimately involved, in leadership positions. B. A public entity may qualify as a community-based organization, but only if the public entity meets the following requirements: a. The public entity must represent a municipality or county (or school district, park district, etc.) Priority given to proposed projects located in and supporting an equity investment eligible community or communities; and benefiting participating low-income households. b. The public entity must certify that no local community-based organizations exist that are capable of filling this role. c. The public entity must provide the same showing of robust community engagement as a non-public entity would be required to show. C. Technical service providers working in direct partnership with community-based organizations (as defined in CEJA Section 5-60(e)(4)). a. The entity must demonstrate robust community engagement and support. b. A technical service provider can be a solar supplier or installer or business involved in the field of solar energy. All applicants must demonstrate their ability and intent to create community and other local community benefits through their proposed project. They should have proof of a historical or future, and persisting, long-term partnership with the community in which the project will be located (especially those within Environmental Justice (EJ) and/or R3 communities and/or serving EJ and/or R3 communities) and must demonstrate how the project will benefit that community. The Department complies 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.).
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
May 27, 2025
Application Closes
December 31, 2025
Grantor
Matthew Swaine
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