Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering funding through the Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program to support industrial planning activities in Marion, Illinois. This initiative is part of the State’s broader economic development strategy to strengthen its competitiveness in attracting manufacturing and industrial investment. By focusing on site readiness, the program aims to ensure that Illinois has viable, development-ready properties that can meet the needs of prospective employers and investors. The program builds upon previous state efforts to improve the inventory of marketable industrial sites and reduce barriers to development. The specific purpose of this funding opportunity is to support due diligence and planning activities for approximately 27 acres of land in Marion that has been identified for future industrial use. The grant will fund activities that enhance site readiness, such as feasibility assessments, infrastructure planning, and documentation necessary to prepare the site for private investment. The ultimate goal is to stimulate job creation and economic growth in industrial and manufacturing sectors by making the site more attractive and competitive in site selection processes. Funding for this opportunity is provided by the State of Illinois, with a total program allocation of 75,000 dollars and an anticipated single award. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning that awarded funds will be distributed after eligible expenses are incurred. The period of performance is expected to run from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. While pre-award costs may be incurred prior to the start date, they are undertaken at the applicant’s risk and must comply with all applicable regulations to be eligible for reimbursement. Indirect costs are allowable but require a negotiated indirect cost rate or use of a de minimis rate. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement applies to this program, requiring applicants to provide a 20 percent match of total project costs. Matching funds may come from local, federal, or private sources and must be documented at the time of application. This requirement ensures that applicants demonstrate financial commitment and leverage additional investment to support project outcomes. Eligibility for this grant is narrowly defined. Applicants must be a governmental regional planning and development organization serving Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson Counties. The applicant must also be working in partnership with a private landowner and ensure that the proposed site meets several criteria, including a minimum of 27 acres, industrial zoning, and clear land ownership or access rights. Additionally, the site must be included in a Regional Top 20 Site Program, reinforcing its strategic importance within regional planning efforts. The application process requires submission through an online form and includes several mandatory components such as a Uniform Grant Application, budget template, conflict of interest disclosure, and program-specific materials. Applicants must provide detailed project descriptions, site characteristics, readiness documentation, and evidence of matching funds and stakeholder support. Applications are evaluated competitively based on need, organizational capacity, and project quality, with scoring criteria emphasizing readiness, alignment with regional priorities, and the ability to attract industrial development. Applications are accepted from May 1, 2026 through June 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal prior to submission, ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. Following submission, applications undergo a merit-based review process conducted by an evaluation committee, with final awards granted to the highest-scoring applicant. Successful applicants will enter a grant agreement phase following issuance of a Notice of State Award, after which project implementation and reporting requirements will begin.

Emphasize site readiness documentation and alignment with regional priorities; clearly demonstrate matching funds availability; provide strong evidence of industrial development potential and stakeholder support