The State Planning Funds program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, provides financial support for transportation planning activities that guide long-term investment decisions across the state. Its purpose is to help public agencies develop strong, data-driven plans and studies that improve the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of Illinois’ transportation system.
The program emphasizes alignment with local, regional, and statewide priorities, including the State Long Range Transportation Plan. Projects are expected to contribute to a cooperative and comprehensive planning framework that supports consistent transportation decision-making across jurisdictions and modes.
Funds may be used for a wide range of planning activities, such as corridor studies, multimodal assessments, safety analyses, freight and transit planning, community mobility plans, or other technical work that informs future infrastructure development. These activities can focus on highways, transit systems, active transportation, rural mobility, system resilience, or emerging technologies.
Eligible applicants are public agencies that are fully registered and pre-qualified through the GATA Grantee Portal. A complete submission must include a clear scope of work, a uniform budget, a programmatic risk assessment, and required disclosures. Applications are reviewed based on alignment with IDOT priorities, project feasibility, and the applicant’s capacity to carry out the proposed work.
This program is funded through an annual state appropriation of approximately $12 million, and applications may be submitted at any time since IDOT accepts them on a rolling basis. There is no cost-share requirement, and indirect costs are allowed under approved rates. Awards support planning efforts that help communities and agencies create a more coordinated, forward-looking transportation network for Illinois.
