Illinois Environment Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program is designed to foster the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses, directly aligning with the broader goals of the Energy Transition Act, also known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program's mission is rooted in strengthening Illinois's clean energy sector by empowering small and emerging businesses to participate more fully in the clean energy economy, which is a key strategic priority for the state in transitioning towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The target beneficiaries of the program are clean energy contractor businesses, particularly focusing on those who can benefit from enhanced capacity building. The program aims to help these businesses grow their operations and secure opportunities within the clean energy market. Key impact goals include increasing the number of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and other relevant certified vendors, improving their ability to bid on state and private business opportunities, and connecting them with vital financial and programmatic support. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted support to these contractors, the state can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and create a more inclusive and robust clean energy workforce. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include providing one-on-one business coaching tailored to participant needs, offering operational support grants for upfront project and pre-development costs (not exceeding $1,000,000 annually per grant), and delivering technical assistance and training. A significant focus is also placed on assisting businesses in developing comprehensive 5-year business strategies, facilitating connections to financial development assistance like zero-interest and low-interest loans from the Climate Bank, and integrating them into established programs such as the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program and Solar for All Programs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participant contractors successfully applying for State and private business opportunities, achieving various certifications, and preparing competitive bids for Requests for Proposals. The program anticipates participants becoming listed in relevant directories and databases, actively connecting with and participating in state-sponsored clean energy initiatives, and accessing financial development assistance. Performance will be measured through metrics reviewed monthly during business coaching sessions, aimed at achieving specific growth goals. Ultimately, the program seeks to build the overall capacity of clean energy contractor businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development within the clean energy sector across Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to partner institutions affiliated with the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to research and manage the invasive Black Carp species in the upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides $40,000 to small businesses in Springfield, Illinois, that have suffered revenue losses due to construction disruptions near the Capitol Complex.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government units in McLean County, Illinois, to enhance health and well-being initiatives that address health equity and social determinants of health for underserved populations.

This funding provides local governments in Illinois with financial support to safely collect and dispose of household medical sharps, ensuring public health and safety.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on ecological conservation and management along transportation corridors in Illinois, enabling activities such as wildlife surveys, invasive species control, and prairie restoration.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

This funding opportunity supports high schools and post-secondary institutions in Illinois to develop clean energy career pathways, particularly for students facing employment barriers, by providing education and training for jobs in the electric vehicle sector.

This program provides financial assistance to disadvantaged communities in Illinois for planting trees in public spaces, promoting biodiversity and sustainable urban forestry.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This grant provides funding to arts organizations in Chicago and Cook County to help them adapt and innovate their operations and practices, with a focus on supporting BIPOC-led initiatives and fostering long-term sustainability.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This program provides funding to Illinois public housing authorities, municipalities, counties, townships, and nonprofits to conduct energy assessments for residential properties that assist low-income residents, helping identify improvements to reduce energy consumption.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions in Illinois to enhance specialty crop production, improve local food systems, and promote sustainability, particularly benefiting beginning farmers and first-time producers.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public schools in selected states to implement sustainability initiatives, workforce development, and community resilience programs that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in their communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, universities, and government entities in Illinois and Iowa that focus on educating the public about climate change and natural resource depletion or conducting research for sustainable solutions.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Will County, Illinois, that provide innovative programs addressing youth opportunities, community health, and financial security to promote equity and sustainable outcomes.

This grant provides funding for programs and projects that address environmental and nature-related issues in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan Counties in Illinois.

This grant provides financial support to arts organizations in Chicago and Cook County to help them adapt their operations and artistic practices in response to changing circumstances, with a focus on those led by and serving BIPOC communities.