Community College MTA for Expansion and Renovation

The Community College MTA for Expansion and Renovation grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a state agency responsible for advancing economic growth, infrastructure investment, and workforce development across Illinois. This funding opportunity reflects the agency’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure through capital investment in community colleges. By supporting expansion and renovation efforts, the program aims to enhance the capacity of institutions to serve students, improve workforce readiness, and contribute to regional economic development. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide significant capital funding for community college infrastructure projects, specifically focused on expansion and renovation. These projects are intended to improve facilities that support educational programming, workforce training, and community engagement. While the detailed allowable uses are not fully outlined in the summary notice, the nature of the program indicates that funds are to be used for construction-related activities, including upgrades, modernization, and expansion of existing facilities. The absence of indirect cost allowances further emphasizes that funds are intended strictly for direct project expenditures rather than administrative overhead. The total estimated program funding for this opportunity is 20,000,000 dollars, with a single anticipated award. This suggests a large-scale project scope, likely intended for a major institutional initiative rather than multiple smaller projects. The award range is listed as not applicable, reinforcing that the funding will be distributed as a single allocation. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible applicants and allows institutions to pursue projects without needing to secure additional funding sources. Additionally, indirect costs are not permitted under this program. Eligibility details are not fully specified in the summary notice, but based on the program title and structure, it is intended for community colleges within the state of Illinois. Applicants are expected to follow standard state grant compliance requirements, which typically include registration in relevant state systems, adherence to financial and reporting standards, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The program likely targets public or state-controlled institutions of higher education that operate community colleges and are capable of executing large-scale capital projects. The application process is conducted through an online submission system, with applicants directed to access the full application materials via the provided grant link. Required components are not explicitly detailed in the summary but typically include a formal application, project narrative, budget documentation, and supporting materials demonstrating project feasibility and impact. There is no technical assistance session offered for this opportunity, indicating that applicants are expected to rely on the provided documentation and agency contact for guidance. The application window opens on May 27, 2026 and closes on June 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM. This relatively short submission period requires applicants to prepare materials efficiently and ensure compliance with all requirements prior to the deadline. The agency contact for this opportunity is Joy Wolfe, who can be reached via email for inquiries. While specific evaluation criteria and award timelines are not detailed in the summary, it is standard for state grants to undergo a competitive review process based on project need, feasibility, and alignment with program goals, followed by formal award notification and agreement execution.