Illinois Business and Commerce Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is the SSBCI implementing entity for the State of Illinois. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), DCEO is seeking grantees to provide technical assistance to eligible VSB and SEDI-owned businesses that are applying for, preparing to apply for, or have previously applied for a SSBCI capital program or other federal or other jurisdiction small business program.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for Business Resiliency program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), Madison County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Saint Clair County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The objective of this program is to fund construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for Homeless (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing; with a goal of increasing capacity to pre-COVID levels. Performance Goals and Measures  The Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and requires that all projects awarded must tie back to the to the prevention, preparation, and response to coronavirus. All grants must meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting business The number of grants will be determined based on the amounts requested. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is has yet to be determined but will be at least $15 million. Awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants include Be a unit of local government receiving, or in an area receiving direct “Entitlement” Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Have a current Shelter Funding Strategy identifying needs, and plans to meet the needs. Have a strong collaborative relationship with all relevant local entities (service providers, community organizations, etc.) and have letters of support from a minimum of 5 community homelessness support services; Remain compliant with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), For more information, visit DCEO.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program offers progressive courses with one-on-one coaching to help clean energy contractors to develop a business plan. It provides operational support grants, tailored business coaching, mentorship, access to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program services, assistance with certifications and vendor status, support in preparing bids, networking opportunities, and access to financial development assistance programs, including zero-interest and low-interest loans.

The Lumpkin Family Foundation is currently accepting letters of inquiry for its Land, Health, Community (LHC) Grant Program. Donor Name: The Lumpkin Family Foundation State: Illinois County: Coles County (IL), Effingham County (IL) Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Land, Health, Community (LHC) is the Foundation’s primary and largest grantmaking program and reflects the Lumpkin family’s historic connection and commitment to the community. A minimum of 50 percent of its annual grantmaking budget is spent on projects in East Central Illinois. Through Land, Health, Community we work toward a long-term vision of holistically healthy communities. The Lumpkin Family Foundation makes grants in East Central Illinois that reflect the vision: The community has a strong local food system and agricultural economy, resilient businesses, and amenities that attract new businesses and retain local talent. They are prosperous. The community is physically active, values healthy eating, and prioritizes overall wellbeing. They are mentally well and physically fit. The community has strong leadership and the capacity for collaboration. They are socially engaged. The community works to conserve, protect and preserve the natural environment. They value the natural beauty of the area. Mental Health The Lumpkin Family Foundation has now expanded the program’s focus to include efforts that contribute to mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment. Researchers have posited that “contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, subjective well-being, positive affect, positive social interactions and a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress.” Specifically, the foundation aims to fund programs that: Demonstrate and promote a connection between engagement with nature and positive mental health outcomes; Create opportunities for youth and young adults to disengage from technology and engage in outdoor programs and activities designed to improve their mental wellness; Support mental health practitioners by increasing opportunities for self-care or personal renewal; Provide opportunities for those impacted by trauma (i.e., foster youth) to engage in nature-based healing activities. Focus Areas  Successful proposals will represent a synergy of as many of the following aims as possible: Promote personal health through widespread availability and consumption of healthy, affordable food; Support mental wellness through individual and community engagement with the natural environment; Grow the local agricultural economy, sustaining and creating new viable farm and farm-related businesses; Develop, promote and scale innovative green practices that add productive value to farms while protecting the land for future generations; and, Encourage community engagement and collaboration, policy development and research around agriculture and rural development. Geographic Areas of Interest  The Foundation encourages applicants from organizations across East Central Illinois. The foundation gives preference to rural organizations and those operating in Coles and the surrounding counties. For more information, visit TLFF.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with the acquisition of land and/or buildings. This includes acquisition costs of all improved or unimproved real property including appraisal fees; title opinions; surveying fees; real estate fees; title transfer taxes; condemnation; and related legal expenses. This may include construction on, and/or renovation to, the property after purchase.

This grant provides financial support and educational resources to diverse-led businesses in Illinois, helping them grow and create new jobs.

The Aurora’s Finish Line Grant Program offers gap financing solutions to commercial businesses and property owners seeking to complete permanent property rehabilitation and improvement projects. Donor Name: Invest Aurora State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Purpose of the Finish Line Grant Program is to increase the economic viability of the City of Aurora by assisting business and property owners in their completion of commercial rehabilitation projects. The Finish Line Grant Committee will consider each case on its individual merits. Funding Information A project up to a maximum grant amount of $50,000. Geographic Areas Eligible rehabilitation projects must be performed on commercial properties located within the limits of the City of Aurora. Qualified Expenses Qualified Expenses that are eligible for reimbursement under the Finish Line Grant are:  Build out costs for new or expanded retail space resulting in fixed capital improvements that will remain permanent to the property.  Building materials  Internal and external lighting  HVAC, electrical, and plumbing new system installation and upgrades only    Exterior signage  Repair/rehabilitation of building exterior, including tuckpointing Qualifications Eligibility Criteria The property proposed for rehabilitation must be zoned for commercial use and be located within the limits of the City of Aurora. To be eligible for reimbursement of project costs under this grant program, the following requirements and conditions must be met:  Control of the property must be proven.  Good Standing with the City of Aurora must be established.  No existing code violations on the subject property must be proven.  All required permits and certificates must be issued by the COA before funds will be distributed  Project cost must exceed $5,000  Only Qualified Expenses will be reimbursed.  Projects started prior to April 15, 2024 are not eligible  Business must generate retail sales tax (51% of annual revenue must generate sales tax – annual sales tax reporting required)  All work must be permanent to the building.  For more information, visit Invest Aurora Illinois.

To ensure that employment & training programs are providing exceptional services to SNAP and TANF customers and their families in Illinois, E&T Training, Technical Assistance(E&T-TTA) is provided to community-based organizations, direct service workers, units of local government, system stakeholders, etc. in regard to Department program models, data collection systems, best practices in collaborative career planning, employability assessments, employment placement, education & training, trauma-informed motivational interviewing, principles and practices of racial equity and various other provider identified trainings and support activities. Additional E&T-TTA functions include an online resource center, networking activities, a training advisory group and the capacity to provide the staff support for various ad-hoc committees to ensure provider input related to program development and improvement activities.

"TANF Job Placement with Retention Providers primarily target current TANF clients. While clients are searching for unsubsidized employment, the Provider is responsible for assuring that they are engaged in work and training activities and hours that are consistent with Federal guidelines. Additionally, the Provider is responsible for developing, constructing and administering programs in a manner that will result in a client compliance level of at least 75%. When determining whether or not a Provider has met the 75% compliance standards, consideration will be given to two factors: 1) clients who meet compliance according to Attendance and Activity Reports submitted by the Provider; and 2) by documentation of immediate and appropriate action initiated by the Provider for clients who fail to comply with assigned activities and hours. Providers earn administrative payments for unsubsidized placements. In order for a placement to qualify the Provider for administrative payment, the client must earn at least minimum wage, work at least 30 hours per week, or less than 30 hours per week with wages of $10.00 per hour or more, resulting in the cancellation of the TANF case due to income, and meet the retention period of 30, 60, 90, 120 days. (See Attachment Cover Sheet Addendum for specific qualifications). TANF Job Placement with Retention programs are operated by the Department for persons receiving TANF. Customers participate in a variety of activities that are countable in the federal participation rate while searching for unsubsidized employment. Activities are highly structured, monitored and documented for meeting accountability requirements. Those activities include: • Work Experience • Community Service • Unsubsidized Employment • Subsidized Employment • Vocational Education Training • Job Search and Job Readiness Activities • Job Skills Training and • Education Directly Related to Employment. The client will continue to participate in these activities until unsubsidized employment is obtained, or until it is determined that participation is no longer an appropriate activity for the client. The Provider is expected to serve and engage customers in countable TANF activities each month during the contract period.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public radio and television stations in Illinois to help them sustain and improve their operations and programming for local audiences.

The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program offers forgivable loans to for-profit businesses for advancement of business operations. Donor Name: City of Rockford State: Illinois City: Rockford Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program (Program) offers up to $25,000 in gap funding to business growth projects. The Program is to encourage business development and advancement with job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. Business must be located in an eligible census tract to apply. Eligible Projects  Eligible Projects Include: Purchase of equipment. Operating expenses associated with business expansion (inventory, employee salaries, rent, operating expenses and advertising/marketing expenses). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants Include: For-profit businesses legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries. Business is located in a property zoned Commercial or Industrial Business was established by May 1, 2024 documented through registration by the State or County. Business is registered with the Official U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and will have an Active status at the time of assistance. Ineligible Applicants Include: Home-based businesses. Businesses established after May 1, 2024. Businesses that primarily engage in speculative activities that develop profits from fluctuations in price rather than through normal course of trade. Non-profits. For more information, visit City of Rockford.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development accepts applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. Donor Name: Department of Planning and Development State: Illinois City: Chicago Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Chicago is committed to strengthening local business corridors and enhancing neighborhood vitality. The Chicago Recovery Plan provides opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic developments that expand upon DPD’s existing investments and support. City staff prioritizes projects in areas of Chicago with a history of disinvestment or limited private investment. Eligible capital projects will be considered for all applicable funding sources, including: Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development (Large Grants). Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (Large Grants). Tax Increment Financing. Funding Information $250,000 is available. Eligibility Criteria  Grant funding can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Open to community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required. Residential-only development is not eligible, but mixed-use projects are eligible. Priority is given to catalytic projects with a strong local impact that are able to leverage local talents, capacities and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community. Applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible to apply. Priority projects are located in historically disinvested areas and/or build upon existing efforts and community safety initiatives. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate momentum and are expected to break ground within six months of grant acceptance. For more information, visit City of Chicago DPD.

This grant provides matching funds to commercial property owners and businesses in specific zoning districts of Libertyville, Illinois, to improve the appearance and condition of their buildings and sites.

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are offered to established not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Donor Name: Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The aims of the initiative are to: Analyze the demographic distribution of IAC’s general operating support awards. Engage IAC constituents in providing feedback about their needs, experiences, and perceptions. Identify equity strengths and weaknesses in the IAC’s approach to general operating support funding. Recommend applied actions the IAC can take to work toward greater grant making equity. Serve as an evidence base in IAC’s case for the resources needed to reach more Illinois communities with state support. Focus Areas Under-resourced communities of rural, high poverty, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and disability will contribute. Funding Information Applicants do not request a specific amount. The IAC anticipates that the minimum award will be $1,000. Grant Period FY25 General Operating Support Grant supports activities occurring no sooner than November 1, 2024, and extending until August 31, 2025. Allowable Expenses  Fees for artists and contractual personnel Position support / salaries Facilities costs, such as rent and utilities Supply costs, office supplies, printing, art supplies, etc. Generally, equipment costs. For durable equipment with a useful life of more than one-year equipment may not exceed $5,000 per unit. Information Technology (e.g., computer software/hardware, captioning, streaming – including increased bandwidth, hardware, specialized audio-visual equipment, etc.) Marketing and promotion costs General overhead/administrative costs Building maintenance, cleaning services, security, personal protective equipment Indirect costs (general overhead/administrative costs may not be claimed as direct AND indirect costs) Eligibility Criteria Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.) Charitable Trusts Institutions of higher education and Religious Organizations PTOs, PTAs and other School Affiliate Organizations. Applicants must: Have been providing public arts programming and are able to provide operational financial information for at least one full fiscal year prior to the date of application. Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the organizational applicant. Have a valid FEIN and UEI number entered in the IAC grant portal Submit all required application materials by the deadline. Be pre-qualified in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. For more information, visit IACA.

This program provides financial support to social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County to help cover startup and operational costs, prioritizing those in historically marginalized communities.

This program provides $15 million to Illinois-based businesses and organizations to help them secure competitive federal grants by assisting with matching fund requirements.

RISE Implementation Grants will be used to invest in capital, business attraction, and community amenities that require more investment for the purpose of boosting post-COVID-19 economic recovery. RISE implementation grants will fund activities such as establishing new initiatives, launching pilot projects or making capital investments intended to accelerate economic recovery in Illinois communities and regions.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program to support capital projects aimed at revitalizing commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois. This initiative is part of the effort to accelerate economic recovery following the pandemic, targeting areas that have experienced significant disinvestment. The program will fund projects such as the improvement and repair of infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, lighting), development of public spaces, and mixed-use developments. Grants range from $250,000 to $2,000,000, with an anticipated total funding of $20,000,000. Eligible applicants include economic development organizations, local units of government, and private businesses. The application period is from April 22, 2024, to July 22, 2024.

The State Planning and Research Program funds are federal funds for States' statewide planning and research activities. The funds are used to establish a cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive framework for making transportation investment decisions and to carryout transportation research activities throughout the State. Please note: when other CSFA program funds are used as a match (typically 1437), they will be awarded/recorded under the specific CSFA program such as this one. Matching funding totals should be reduced from the matching program and added to the specific program.