CDBG Public Infrastructure Program

The 2025 Public Infrastructure Grant opportunity, issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to address critical public health, safety, and welfare issues in communities with significant low to moderate-income populations. The program's core mission is to fund water and sanitary systems and storm sewer construction projects that directly alleviate these concerns. While a specific "foundation mission alignment" isn't explicitly stated for DCEO as a foundation, its alignment with the CDBG program's goal of developing viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate-income persons, is evident. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are communities with substantial low-to-moderate income (LMI) populations, specifically those where at least 51.0 percent of residents are low-to-moderate income persons. Projects must be located in areas that are primarily residential in character; commercial/business areas are not eligible. The impact goals are to improve public health and safety by addressing existing deficiencies in water, sanitary, and storm sewer infrastructure, thereby enhancing the overall living environment for these vulnerable populations. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrably address present conditions affecting public health and safety. Additionally, for water and sewer projects, the rates must currently meet or exceed 1 percent of the Median Household Income (MHI) per 5,000 gallons, although this does not apply to storm sewer or drainage projects. These criteria ensure that funding is directed to areas with the greatest need and where local commitment to sustainable infrastructure is present. The program does not explicitly detail a "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" for DCEO, but the focus on alleviating public health and safety issues through infrastructure improvements for LMI populations aligns with a theory of change where targeted investment in essential services leads to improved quality of life and reduced disparities. Expected outcomes include the construction or rehabilitation of vital public infrastructure, leading to a direct improvement in water quality, sanitation, and storm drainage. Measurable results will include the percentage of low-to-moderate income persons benefiting from the project (expected to be at least 51%), and the successful completion of water, sanitary, or storm sewer construction projects that mitigate identified threats to public health and safety. The total funding expected is $19,500,000, with individual awards ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000, and a grant duration of two years from the execution date. Eligible applicants are units of general local government (cities, villages, townships, and counties), ensuring that the grants are administered by entities directly responsible for local infrastructure.