Equitable Energy Future Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, a pre-development funding opportunity. This program aligns with a mission to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across Illinois, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities. It is established by Public Act 102-0662 and seeks to remove financial barriers that hinder project, community, and business development. The program targets eligible contractors, businesses, and community organizations with a specific focus on low-income communities and equity investment eligible communities. Impact goals include providing benefits to low-income households (where at least 50% of energy produced or saved benefits them or related non-profits/businesses), investing in equity communities, providing on-the-job training, and supporting contractors involved in Clean Energy Contractor Incubator and Accelerator Programs. Key priorities and focuses include promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, fostering workforce development by employing a minimum of 51% of its workforce from graduates or participants of CEJA and FEJA workforce programs (such as the Clean Jobs Workforce Network, Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship, Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training, Solar Training Pipeline, and Multi-cultural Jobs Programs). The program also emphasizes supporting Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC) as defined by the Illinois Power Agency Act. Expected outcomes include increased development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, particularly in underserved areas. Measurable results will likely involve the number of projects initiated, the amount of energy produced or saved benefiting low-income households, the number of individuals receiving on-the-job training, and the proportion of the workforce employed from specified clean energy job programs. The total funding available is $25.5 million, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000 over a four-year grant period, which indicates a strategic priority on scaling impact and fostering long-term sustainable energy solutions and economic development within the state.