Illinois Workforce Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Illinois-based organizations to develop solar energy workforce training programs aimed at underserved communities and individuals facing employment barriers, ensuring equitable access to clean energy job opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit associations in Illinois to enhance workforce training programs for manufacturers, helping them improve employee skills and productivity.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

Grant program designed to train underrepresented population to successfully enter the construction industry and the trades. The program focuses removing barriers for entry and transitioning graduates to DOL-registered apprenticeship programs. The goal of the Illinois Works Act is to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to State capital projects and careers in the construction industry and building trades, as well as provide contracting and employment opportunities to historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry and the trades. The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship NOFO and program is a critical component in the success of the Act, by increasing the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color, veterans or from otherwise underrepresented populations (as defined by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act) and preparing them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in construction and the building trades.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to establish and operate peer-led crisis respite programs that offer safe, non-clinical environments for adults experiencing mental health crises, helping to prevent hospitalizations and law enforcement interventions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments affected by the closure or reduced operation of the Zion Nuclear Plant, aimed at fostering economic development and addressing community impacts through various initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local workforce areas in Illinois to train staff on a new workforce development system, enhancing services for job seekers and aligning with federal workforce initiatives.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in Illinois for unexpected expenses or new opportunities that were not included in their budgets.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and organizations to develop programs that prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector, focusing on skills development and workforce readiness.

This program provides financial support to adult education providers in Illinois to deliver integrated English language and civics education, helping English Language Learners gain skills for workforce participation and civic engagement.

This program provides funding to organizations that help underserved communities in Illinois improve digital skills, access the internet, and obtain necessary devices to enhance their participation in society and the economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Illinois working to improve broadband access, digital literacy, and inclusion for underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide and promote economic development.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This funding opportunity provides $2.6 million to support innovative workforce training projects that enhance employment outcomes and strengthen the training infrastructure in Illinois.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Dallas, Detroit, and Chicago that assist working students with job training, career development, and other resources to help them succeed while balancing education and employment.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local governments in Illinois to help low-income individuals overcome transportation barriers and secure stable employment with large employers.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has introduced the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot as part of the Job Training Economic Development Program, with a $5 million budget to address homelessness and workforce development. This grant targets Continuum of Care (COC) areas, aiming to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with employment opportunities, thereby enhancing financial stability and access to permanent housing. The program prioritizes employment navigation, partnerships, support services, work readiness, and training and education. It seeks to create a system where homeless individuals can secure and retain quality jobs, contributing to their long-term economic and housing stability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational organizations in Illinois to improve training and resources for preschool programs serving children with disabilities.

This funding opportunity supports academic enrichment and youth development programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools during non-school hours, while also providing family literacy and educational support.

The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs.