Installation and/or Replacement of Utilities

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), through the Grants Management Program, is offering a grant opportunity under the title “Installation and/or Replacement of Utilities” as part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 (SFY25) initiatives. The program aims to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents by funding capital improvements defined in the annual appropriation bill (Public Act 103-0589). This grant opportunity aligns with DCEO’s mission to support the development and sustainability of Illinois communities through infrastructure and utility-related enhancements. The funding is sourced from state bond funds under the Build Illinois Bond Act (30 ILCS 425) and will provide a total of $1,000,000 for one successful applicant. Eligible projects must include permanent capital improvements, specifically including utility installations such as street lighting within or near the 7300 block of South Clyde Avenue and the 7400 block of South Merrill Avenue in Chicago. The use of funds is limited to bond-eligible direct capital expenses and excludes indirect costs, administrative overhead, and general operations. Applicants must be an Illinois municipality with a population of nearly 3,000,000 per the 2010 U.S. Census and must possess jurisdiction to implement the project. Additional eligibility requirements include successful registration and prequalification via the GATA Grantee Portal, along with verification of good standing with relevant state and federal registries. Entities failing these checks or classified as disregarded by the IRS for federal income tax purposes are ineligible. To apply, entities must submit a comprehensive application package that includes the Uniform Grant Application, budget, conflict of interest and mandatory disclosures, a project narrative, a W-9 form, and an IRS determination letter. Submissions must be made electronically by 5:00 p.m. on June 25, 2025, to CEO.OGMgrants@illinois.gov. All forms and instructions can be accessed via the DCEO’s grant opportunities webpage. Grant applications will be evaluated competitively based on capacity (40 points), economic impact (25 points), need (20 points), and project quality (15 points). Successful applicants will be notified approximately three months following the application deadline. The grant requires detailed quarterly financial and performance reporting, subject to periodic site monitoring and audits. For technical and administrative questions, applicants may contact David E. Parr at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via phone at 217-685-1197 or email at CEO.OGMgrants@illinois.gov. This grant represents a one-time funding opportunity and does not imply future availability.