Land & Building Acquisition

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced the Land & Building Acquisition grant opportunity under its Grants Management Program. This funding initiative is part of the state’s capital improvement efforts as authorized through Public Act 104-0003. The overarching mission of DCEO is to enhance the quality of life for Illinois residents by supporting strategic investments that expand infrastructure, improve service delivery, and address critical community needs. This grant is focused on permanent capital improvements and is specifically intended to support the acquisition and/or remodeling of a facility located within the boundaries of Illinois’ 30th Senate District. This grant opportunity is designed to enable eligible nonprofit organizations to acquire or improve buildings that will serve as program facilities for initiatives targeting the unhoused population. The grant covers capital expenditures such as property purchases, remodeling, and related bondable costs, consistent with the restrictions and provisions of the Build Illinois Bond Act (30 ILCS 425). However, it explicitly excludes coverage for indirect costs, general operational overhead, and administrative expenses. Funds may be used for direct acquisition costs, down payments, closing costs, or paying down existing debt related to property purchases. All costs must comply with the bondability guidelines and be justified in the project narrative and budget. To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with a clear mission to assist unhoused individuals. These organizations must offer comprehensive services such as housing, education, employment training, mentoring, and transitional programs to integrate the homeless population back into society. Proof of eligibility is required at the time of application. Additionally, applicants must register and qualify through the Illinois GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) Grantee Portal, ensuring they meet all federal and state compliance checks, including SAM.gov registration and verification of good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. The application process includes several mandatory components: a Uniform Grant Application, Uniform Budget, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Mandatory Disclosure, Project Narrative, W-9 form, and IRS determination letter. All documents must be submitted electronically to the Program Office by the final deadline of January 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time. The Project Narrative must provide detailed information about the project scope, budget justifications, timeline, and include specific performance and financial reporting mechanisms. While there are no technical assistance sessions for this opportunity, detailed templates and forms are available on the DCEO grants webpage. Applications will undergo a merit-based review process conducted by a designated evaluation committee at DCEO. The proposals will be scored based on four key criteria: Capacity (40 points), Economic Impact (30 points), Need (15 points), and Quality (15 points). Applicants must demonstrate their readiness to execute the proposed project, the potential for meaningful economic benefit, clear evidence of community need, and the overall quality of the proposed improvements. The highest-ranked application based on this scoring will be selected, with only one award anticipated for this funding cycle. Award notifications are expected approximately three months after the submission deadline, pending any additional requirements such as environmental reviews. Following an award, grantees must accept a Notice of State Award (NoSA) in the GATA portal and adhere to all administrative, reporting, and auditing requirements. These include submission of Periodic Financial and Performance Reports at least quarterly, compliance with the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative and Prevailing Wage Act, and adherence to the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act. This is a one-time funding opportunity and is not expected to recur. For inquiries, applicants may contact David E. Parr at [email protected] or 217-685-1197.