State Planning Funds

The State Planning Funds grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), is designed to support transportation planning initiatives across the state of Illinois. Funded through annual state appropriations, this grant provides financial resources to advance cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive transportation planning at various governmental levels. The initiative aligns with IDOT’s broader objective of developing an integrated and multimodal transportation system that promotes economic growth, environmental sustainability, and enhanced mobility for Illinois residents. The State Planning Funds program complements federal planning programs but also allows for broader state-directed activities that may not qualify for federal support. The grant targets local government entities including counties and municipalities, particularly those engaging in statewide or regional transportation planning activities. Eligible applicants must register and pre-qualify annually through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal. Two primary types of registration are supported: centralized registration, which is suitable for local governments with multiple departments under a single administration; and parent/child registration, where individual departments maintain separate registrations and receive funds directly. All applicants must also maintain current registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM), possess a valid DUNS number, and remain in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Funding may be used in support of planning efforts consistent with local, regional, and state transportation strategies. These efforts include, but are not limited to, transportation studies, policy development, data analysis, and other planning-related functions that inform transportation investments. While the funds may serve as match for federal planning dollars—including Metropolitan Planning and State Planning & Research programs—a portion is also allocated for initiatives that fall outside federal funding eligibility. Indirect costs are permitted, but subject to limitations outlined in 23 U.S.C. 505. For instance, Illinois universities may apply specific reduced indirect rates based on whether their programs are on-campus or off-campus. The application process is non-competitive and rolling, meaning there are no fixed deadlines and proposals may be submitted at any time. Each proposal should include a detailed scope of work and be accompanied by several mandatory forms: the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, Uniform Budget Template, Programmatic Risk Assessment, and the Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest affidavit. Applications are reviewed by IDOT’s Office of Planning and Programming based on alignment with local and state transportation plans and their consistency with the State Long Range Transportation Plan. While there is no formal technical assistance session, applicants are encouraged to ensure compliance with submission requirements and policy certifications. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA), which must be accepted through the GATA Grantee Portal. The NOSA outlines the award conditions and funding terms but does not authorize project initiation or expenditure. Awardees must submit quarterly reports using IDOT’s BoBS 2832 Reporting Form, which consolidates performance and financial reporting. Reports are due within 30 calendar days of each reporting period's end. Non-compliance with reporting may result in funding delays or suspension. Overall, this funding opportunity presents a flexible and accessible means for local governments to engage in essential transportation planning across Illinois. With no match requirement and a significant total program funding pool of $12 million, the State Planning Funds program represents a valuable tool for strategic development and regional transportation coordination. Interested applicants should initiate the process by confirming their GATA and SAM registration statuses and preparing the required documentation for submission.