Federal Grant Support Program

The Federal Grant Support Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to increase federal funding received by Illinois-based entities for projects aligned with the state's economic development objectives. This program provides grants to eligible businesses and organizations seeking federal competitive grants, offering up to $2,000,000 in matching funds per project or up to $5,000,000 for designated EDA Tech Hubs. Matching grants are designed to improve application competitiveness, meet federal cost-sharing requirements, and support initiatives that align with Illinois' priorities, such as fostering economic growth, reducing equity gaps, and advancing clean energy. The program has an anticipated budget of $40,000,000 and expects to fund between 10 and 100 awards. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, small businesses, for-profit entities, and educational organizations. Projects must align with Illinois' economic development goals and cannot primarily focus on transportation, parks, social services, or housing, except when seeking funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Applicants must demonstrate a cash contribution, and the state's matching grant will not exceed the federal award or be higher than a 1:1 match of the applicant's contribution. Applicants must register in the GATA Grantee Portal and meet specific pre-qualification requirements, including compliance with SAM.gov registration and good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Applications must include a project narrative detailing alignment with state goals, a budget narrative, and proof of need for state support. The application process is rolling, with decisions typically made within three weeks of submission. Commitments are contingent upon receiving federal awards, and notification to DCEO is required within 120 days. Evaluation of proposals includes criteria such as demonstrated need for state support (30 points), organizational capacity (25 points), and project quality (45 points). Applications must align with Illinois' economic development goals and demonstrate the potential for significant and sustainable economic impacts. Only proposals scoring above 70 points will be considered for funding, with additional considerations for underserved areas and new applicants. Grantees are required to report quarterly on project performance, including metrics like funds raised, job creation, and key deliverables. They must also comply with state and federal regulations, including the Prevailing Wage Act and Business Enterprise Program requirements. The grant term is expected to span two years, with an anticipated start date of June 2023. For further details, applicants are encouraged to attend optional technical assistance sessions and access resources on the DCEO's learning library. Additional program information and application forms are available via the links provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).