Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program

The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy, is designed to support energy efficiency improvements in residential properties that house low-income Illinois residents receiving public housing assistance. The program is funded through the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund established by 20 ILCS 687/6-6, and prioritizes projects that reduce energy demand and improve comfort for residents of public housing or nonprofit-managed properties. Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, municipalities, counties, townships, and nonprofit organizations that manage properties where residents receive federal, state, or local rental assistance, housing choice vouchers, or subsidized housing. Private landlords and individual homeowners are not eligible. Applicants must also be registered and pre-qualified under the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal. Projects must be based on third-party energy efficiency assessments conducted within the past five years. Eligible improvements include window and insulation upgrades, HVAC retrofits, lighting enhancements, and installation of ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and thermostats. Upgrades to common areas or health and safety enhancements must not exceed 20% of the total funding request. The program emphasizes resident engagement, requiring applicants to provide a detailed communication plan explaining the timing, benefits, and expectations of the project. Awards range from $50,000 to $1,000,000, capped at $20,000 per dwelling unit, for properties with no more than 40 dwelling units. A cost share is required and scales with award size—2% for awards under $250,000, 5% for awards up to $499,999.99, and 10% for awards up to the maximum. In-kind services and direct costs may count toward this requirement, while indirect and administrative costs are ineligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until either all funds are expended or June 30, 2026. Grants are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis to complete and eligible applications. Grantees must provide detailed invoices for all reimbursable project activities, with payments issued monthly by the Illinois EPA and grantees required to demonstrate payment to contractors within 45 days of receipt. The project performance period is 12 months from award, and applicants may reapply after closing a previous grant. For assistance, applicants can attend scheduled Technical Assistance Office Hours or contact Rebecca Luke at the Illinois EPA via email or phone. Additional program information, including access to the NOFO and energy assessment guidance, is available on the Illinois EPA website.

Ensure audit is completed by a third party within 5 years; clearly correlate recommendations to project proposal; provide detailed resident communication plan to avoid disqualification.