Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program

The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Office of Energy to support projects that reduce energy consumption for residential electric customers across the State of Illinois. Established under state statute, the program is specifically designed to promote energy efficiency improvements in housing that serves low-income residents, particularly those participating in public housing or subsidized housing programs. The Illinois EPA is responsible for determining eligible project types, administering the application process, and distributing funds to qualified applicants. The primary purpose of the program is to fund energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades in residential properties that house individuals receiving assistance through federal, state, or local housing programs. Eligible properties may include single-family or multifamily housing with up to forty dwelling units per location. The program emphasizes improvements that directly reduce energy demand, lower utility costs, and improve building performance and resident comfort. Projects must be based on recommendations from a third-party energy efficiency assessment conducted within the past five years, ensuring that funded upgrades are data-driven and cost-effective. Funding may be used for a range of energy efficiency improvements, including insulation upgrades, window replacement, heating and cooling system retrofits, domestic hot water system improvements, lighting upgrades, installation of programmable thermostats, and replacement of appliances with high-efficiency ENERGY STAR certified models. All equipment and materials must meet ENERGY STAR standards where applicable. While the program allows for some upgrades to common areas or health and safety improvements, these costs cannot exceed twenty percent of the total funding request. Administrative and indirect costs are not eligible for reimbursement under this program. The program requires a cost share from applicants, which varies based on the total funding requested. Applicants requesting between one hundred thousand and two hundred forty-nine thousand dollars must provide a two percent match, those requesting between two hundred fifty thousand and four hundred ninety-nine thousand dollars must provide a five percent match, and those requesting between five hundred thousand and one million dollars must provide a ten percent match. Matching contributions may include cash expenditures or in-kind services directly related to the project. This structure ensures that applicants have a financial stake in the success of the project while maintaining accessibility for smaller organizations. Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local government such as municipalities, counties, and townships, and nonprofit organizations that manage properties participating in housing assistance programs. Applicants must demonstrate that the property is located in Illinois, serves residents receiving housing assistance, and has undergone a recent energy efficiency assessment with documented recommendations. Additionally, applicants must complete pre-award requirements through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act portal before submitting an application through the Amplifund system. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funding is exhausted or the program closes on June 30, 2026. The program opened on September 22, 2025. Awards range from fifty thousand dollars to one million dollars, with a maximum of twenty thousand dollars per dwelling unit. The Illinois EPA may issue partial awards depending on available funding and application volume. Awardees are expected to complete their projects within a twelve-month performance period following execution of the grant agreement. The application process requires submission through the Illinois Amplifund portal and includes documentation such as the energy assessment report, project scope, budget, and proof of eligibility. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to provide detailed invoices and comply with reporting requirements. Quarterly financial and performance reports are required, along with final closeout reporting. Questions about the program may be directed to Rebecca Luke, Energy Projects Coordinator at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy, via email or phone, and applicants may attend technical assistance sessions for additional support.

Ensure all proposed upgrades directly align with recommendations from the required energy assessment and meet ENERGY STAR standards; prioritize projects with clear energy savings impact and complete documentation