Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction and Window Replacement (CLEAR-Win)

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is offering a grant opportunity under its Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction, and Window Replacement (CLEAR-Win) Program. This program is administered by the Division of Environmental Health and is designed to support efforts to reduce lead hazards in residential properties throughout Illinois. Initially piloted under Public Act 95-492, CLEAR-Win proved effective in reducing lead exposure risks by replacing over 8,000 windows in 466 housing units between 2010 and 2014. The program demonstrated benefits beyond lead hazard reduction, such as improved energy efficiency, enhanced property values, and increased local employment. This funding aims to mitigate lead exposure hazards in low-income, pre-1978 homes. Applicants will be expected to assist in replacing windows and addressing other lead hazards in owner-occupied and rental housing. Owner-occupied homes must house children under six or pregnant women, and owners must be low-income. Rental properties are eligible if at least half of the tenants are low-income, with a five-year low-income rental commitment required post-rehabilitation. Assistance is also available to properties subject to Lead Mitigation Notices. All work must comply with applicable Illinois laws and codes, including inspection and clearance processes. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt and governmental entities, particularly those with experience or capacity in lead hazard mitigation. Potential grantees must be registered through the State of Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal and meet several compliance checks, including SAM.gov and Illinois Secretary of State status. Submissions must be completed through the Illinois Department of Public Health's Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS). Applications will be evaluated on criteria including applicant grant history, scope of work, a detailed work plan, a health equity checklist, and budgetary considerations. A minimum score of 75 is needed for funding consideration. A health equity-based review process plays a significant role in the evaluation. A non-mandatory technical assistance session will be held via WebEx on May 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The grant cycle spans three years, beginning July 1, 2025, with $4 million allocated for the first year. Awards are expected to vary depending on organizational capacity, and subsequent years may receive up to an additional $4 million each, subject to performance reviews. The total funding pool is $12 million. While indirect costs are allowed, they must follow state-defined procedures, and the grant includes specific permissible spending categories such as contractual services and administrative costs. Applications are due by June 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., and must be submitted electronically via EGrAMS.

Strong emphasis on health equity, compliance with Lead Safe Housing Standards, and robust partnerships with certified contractors and assessors.