Land & Building Acquisition Grants Management Program

The Land & Building Acquisition Grants Management Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). This initiative is guided by the Governor and General Assembly to support diverse capital projects aimed at enhancing Illinois’s economy, environmental health, and quality of life. The program reflects a strategic effort to direct state resources through lump sum appropriations toward tangible, bondable infrastructure investments. The overarching objective is to advance public and economic interests through selective acquisition and development of land and buildings. Eligible uses of grant funds under this program include costs directly associated with acquiring improved or unimproved real property. These allowable expenses cover a broad spectrum, such as appraisal fees, title opinions, surveying, title transfer taxes, condemnation, legal costs, and real estate fees. In certain cases, the grant may extend to support renovation or construction on the acquired properties, aligning with the capital nature of the program. Importantly, indirect costs are not eligible under this funding structure. Eligibility is broadly defined to include nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and governmental entities, allowing for a wide range of participants capable of undertaking capital infrastructure projects. Projects must be supported through lump sum appropriations and conform to the state’s guidelines for bondable costs. This inclusive approach ensures that a diverse set of stakeholders can access and implement capital improvements across the state. Applications must be submitted in response to a posted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NoFO) and emailed to ceo.ogmgrants@illinois.gov by the specified deadline. Evaluation is merit-based, and awards are contingent on project approval for capital eligibility. The program utilizes both working capital advances and reimbursements tied to approved financial reporting. Award announcements are made through a Notice of State Award, and recipients are subject to ongoing reporting, either quarterly or monthly, based on risk assessments and project specifics. The grant program does not follow a fixed annual funding cycle but has shown recurring activity across fiscal years. For example, funding has varied widely—from $1 in FY2022 to $6,000,000 in FY2025—illustrating the ad hoc nature of the program’s financial commitments. While specific submission timelines are governed by each NoFO, the most current window for applications is from November 17, 2025, to January 5, 2026. Funded projects typically span two years, reflecting the capital-intensive focus of the program. For inquiries, applicants may contact David E. Parr at david.parr@illinois.gov or call 217-524-5199. The program is governed under Illinois statutes 20 ILCS 605/605-55 and/or 20 ILCS 605/605-30, with compliance also required under federal guidance 2 CFR 200 and the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708). Record retention follows a standard three-year policy post-agreement, ensuring proper documentation and fiscal accountability throughout the grant lifecycle.

Awards are issued only if the project qualifies as capital and meets program approval.