Illinois Transportation Grants

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), provides funding for small-scale transportation projects that support active transportation users, including walkers and bicyclists. The program also funds historic preservation, vegetation management, and environmental mitigation transportation projects. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by a member entity of the Tri-County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and other governmental entities within the MPO planning area must have co-sponsorship. The total program funding is $1,170,320. Applications are accepted from April 17, 2024, to June 28, 2024, with a mandatory technical assistance session offered on May 2, 2024. The federal funds cover 80% of preliminary engineering, utility relocation, construction engineering, and construction costs, with a 20% non-federal match required. Right-of-way and easement acquisitions are funded at 50% federal, 50% non-federal match. Indirect costs are not eligible.

This program provides low-interest loans to communities, railroads, and shippers in Illinois to improve rail freight services and support economic development through strategic infrastructure investments.

This funding opportunity provides $11.5 million to Rivian for roadway improvements or new construction near State Highway 150 in Illinois, aimed at enhancing public safety and promoting economic development.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Greater St. Louis region for projects that improve transportation, safety, and access to services for seniors aged 55 and older.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to the City of Belvidere, Illinois, for essential improvements to its rail infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency in freight and passenger rail services.

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), is a state-financed grant initiative designed to assist local government agencies in acquiring and/or developing land for public parks and open spaces. This program aligns with a mission to enhance community access to outdoor recreational opportunities and preserve natural resources throughout Illinois. The primary beneficiaries of the OSLAD grants are units of local government authorized to expend public funds for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes. This excludes school districts. The program aims to increase the availability of public parkland, improve existing recreational facilities, and protect natural areas. Expected outcomes include expanded park sites, renovated recreational facilities, and preserved natural resources, leading to improved quality of life and access to nature for Illinois residents. The program prioritizes both land acquisition and development/renovation projects. Acquisition projects focus on securing land for new park sites, park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Development/renovation projects encompass a wide range of improvements, including picnic and playground facilities, outdoor nature interpretive facilities, sports courts and play fields, swimming pools, campgrounds, winter sports facilities, park roads, parking, utilities, and restrooms. Measurable results include the number of acres acquired for public use, the types and numbers of facilities developed or renovated, and the increase in public access points to natural areas. Funding is substantial, with up to $1,725,000.00 available for acquisition projects and a maximum of $600,000 for development/renovation projects, reflecting a strategic commitment to significant, impactful projects. While not explicitly detailed as a "theory of change," the program operates on the premise that investing in public outdoor spaces directly contributes to community well-being, environmental stewardship, and opportunities for recreation and education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to private companies, site hosts, and local public agencies in Illinois for repairing or replacing non-operational electric vehicle chargers to enhance the state's EV charging network.

This program provides funding to public K-12 and charter schools in Illinois to enhance arts education by engaging local artists and purchasing necessary materials and equipment.

The 2024 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), announced by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), seeks applications for grants to target federal resources toward communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. With a focus on economically distressed counties and parishes, SEDAP aims to invest in community-based and regional projects across four congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The program is designed to encourage job creation, regional collaboration, and funding partnerships, leveraging a total of $16,930,642, allocated across the eight-state DRA region with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type and application score.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community organizations to educate and assist underserved communities in Illinois with accessing clean energy programs and initiatives.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This program provides funding to certified convention and visitors bureaus in Illinois to enhance tourism and promote activities related to the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist electric vehicle component manufacturers in McLean County, Illinois, with capital improvements and equipment purchases to expand their operations and create jobs.

This program provides funding to local public agencies in Illinois for transportation projects that improve safety, support complete streets, and enhance local infrastructure, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that offer transportation, safety, and health navigation services for seniors aged 55 and older in the Greater St. Louis area and nearby counties in Illinois and Missouri.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Illinois for upgrading roadways to support the movement of heavy trucks, enhancing freight mobility and infrastructure.

This program provides federal funding to local governments and transit agencies in northeastern Illinois for significant transportation projects that improve roads, bridges, public transit, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.