Northeast Region Weekly Update

July 19, 2024

Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) & Research in Illinois to 

Spur Economic (RISE) Recovery Implementation Grants – application deadline July 22

The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program (RDMS) will provide grants for construction, repair and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life and stimulate economic activity for communities that have experienced disinvestment. 

Projects eligible for RDMS grants must be located in a commercial center or downtown area and may include, but are not limited to roadways, parking and public way improvements, investments in parks and venues or plazas for public use, sustainability upgrades, structural repairs, and mixed-use or transit-oriented development.

Through the RISE Implementation Program, the State is allocating funding toward economic development projects or initiatives identified in plans produced with support from RISE Local and Regional Planning grants to accelerate economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible projects may include capital and non-capital projects such as water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure, investment in affordable housing, local workforce development programming, retrofitting or renovating facilities and buildings, investment in site readiness for business development, and tourism promotion programming.

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. For more information and to review the NOFO, click here. Applications must be submitted prior to July 22, 2024 5pm deadline. 

Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Urban Shelter 

Program – application deadline July 31

DCEO is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity to solicit applications for Business Resiliency program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development.

The objective of this program is to fund construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for Homeless (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing; with a goal of increasing capacity to pre-COVID levels.

Eligible Applicants must: 

• Be a unit of local government receiving, or in an area receiving direct “Entitlement” Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. See list below. 

• Have a current Shelter Funding Strategy identifying needs and plans to meet the needs. 

• Have a strong collaborative relationship with all relevant local entities (service providers, community organizations, etc.) and have letters of support from a minimum of 5 community homelessness support services; 

• Remain compliant with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.)

The following Units of Local Government receiving an annual allocation directly from HUD on an entitlement (formula) basis are “Entitlements”, and eligible for this grant. Communities located within a named Urban County are also eligible to apply. In 2023, Illinois had 33 metropolitan cities and eight urban counties named as Entitlements. They are: Urban Counties: Cook County, Madison County, DuPage County, McHenry County, Kane County, St. Clair County, Lake County, Will County Metropolitan Cities: Arlington Heights, DeKalb, Mount Prospect, Rantoul, Aurora, Des Plaines, Naperville, Rockford, Berwyn, Elgin, Normal, Rock Island, Bloomington, Evanston, Oak Lawn, Schaumburg, Champaign, Hoffman Estates, Oak Park, Skokie, Chicago, Joliet, Palatine, Springfield, Cicero, Kankakee, Pekin, Urbana, Danville, Moline, Peoria, Waukegan, Decatur

For more information visit Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3351-2722) (illinois.gov)  Application deadline July 31, 2024.

OMEE Events & Webinars

All events and webinars are open to everyone but intentionally target specific OMEE communities. Feel free to contact us at CEO.OMEE@illinois.gov if we don't answer your questions during our webinars or contact the First Stop Business Information Center Helpline at 1-800-252-2923. Spanish speaking assistance is available. 

Unlocking Funding Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to Grants for Small Businesses in Illinois

Monday | July 22, 2024 | 5:30 pm | In-person

SkyArt 3026 E 91st Street Chicago, IL 60617

Join us for an informative session on the essential grants available for small businesses in Illinois. Learn everything you need to know about accessing funding, navigating the application process, and maximizing opportunities for your business growth. Don't miss out on this valuable resource to secure the financial support you need! Click here for the event flyer.

Business Smart Week 2024: Breaking Down Barriers to Business Equity

July 30th and August 1st | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | in-person

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. 230 S LaSalle. Chicago, IL 60604

Business Smart Week features top business diversity leaders and experts that will provide diverse and small businesses with the tools to better manage and grow their business. This year's program will feature discussions with prominent minority business owners, corporate and non-profit CEOs on offering solutions to eliminating the barriers to diverse business growth. Click here to view the event flyer.

Online with OMEE – Overview of Financial Resources for Small Businesses

Wednesday | August 7, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Is access to financial capital important for your business?

The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) Business Development Managers invite you to an online conversation that's open to all minorities ((racial/ethnic), women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+) and any other marginalized groups-owned businesses. Team OMEE will provide you with the latest updates on financial resources like federal and state programs, information about other opportunities, and answer any questions you may have about your business. We'll take questions in English and Spanish.

Illinois Works Bid Credit Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that contractors can now apply for the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. The program is part of the state’s multipronged effort to increase equity and opportunity in capital construction jobs through the Illinois Works (ILW) Jobs Program.  The Illinois Works Bid Credit Program is designed for contractors working on or interested in working on State of Illinois-funded capital projects. The program offers eligible contractors the opportunity to earn bid credits by hiring and retaining Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program graduates.

Bid credits are virtual dollars contractors can earn when they hire and retain an ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduate who is enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program (DOL RAP) and works on both state-funded capital projects or any construction project. Once these bid credits are earned, contractors can submit the credits to bid on future state-funded public works projects. Eligible contactors can request ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduates from DCEO’s Illinois Works Career Services Team using the Illinois Works Employer Form. The Illinois Works Career Services Team will identify program graduates who meet contractor needs and requirements.

Enrolling in this program gives contractors access to the various skilled and certified graduates of the ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program. Besides being eligible to generate bid credits through the Bid Credit Program for contractors that hire them, graduates will also help contractors maintain compliance with state apprenticeship requirements, which includes the 10% apprenticeship goal of the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative.  

To view application information and apply for the Bid Credit Program, please visit the DCEO website.

Office of Accountability

Curious about the grant lifecycle or wanting to learn more about the different facets of grants? Do you have a grant-related question that you would like answered in real time? DCEO is pleased to offer three training options for current and potential grantees. Interested in participating in a training session? Sign up here

Virtual Office Hour Q & A - Tuesdays at 2pm:

Join for a virtual question and answer session via Webex in which potential and current Grantees may attend to ask questions and seek assistance. Technical Support Managers will be online to field questions, demonstrate steps, or provide instructions as needed to assist entities and individuals with the grant process. 

Pre-Qualification Training – 1st Wednesday of the month 9AM:

This slide presentation will cover Pre-Qualification requirements. Pre-qualification is required of all grantees with the State of Illinois and must be maintained throughout a grant program. To be in pre-qualified status means that all required registrations have been met and an entity is in good standing and able to conduct business with the State of Illinois. Join DCEO’s Technical Support Team as we explain each step in the pre-qualification process and how to get started. 

Various topics Training – 3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM:

This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Future topics offerings include:

•    8/21/24  Registering in SAM.gov: This training will explain the steps required to apply for a Unique Entity Identifier, how to complete your SAM.gov registration and steps for registration renewal. 

•    9/18/24 Completing a Budget Application: This training will introduce the budget application and instructions on how to best complete the budget for application submission. 

•    10/16/24 Reporting and Supporting Documentation: This training will explain the Periodic Performance Report and Periodic Financial Report, as well as appropriate supporting documents required for submission.

•    11/20/24 Writing A Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.

•    12/18/24 Audit Submissions: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the importance of record retention.

For a complete list of current DCEO grant opportunities, upcoming grant trainings, video resource library and Grant Help Desk assistance, visit DCEO Grants (illinois.gov)

Grant opportunities include:

Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets and RISE Implementation Click here Deadline July 22, 2024

JTED Teacher Apprenticeship Program Click here Deadline July 31, 2024

CDBG Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program Click here Deadline July 31, 2024

Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program Click here Deadline August 1, 2024

Quality Jobs Program Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

JTED Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

SBIR/STTR Match Program Click here Deadline June 30, 2025

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Click here Deadline rolling 

Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs (CEJA) Click here Deadline rolling

Federal Grant Support Program Click here  No specific due date

CDBG Economic Development Program Click here Deadline rolling

Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Click here Deadline rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

Illinois EPA Fall Waste Collection Events 

Illinois EPA Interim Director James Jennings is announcing ten upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection locations for the Fall of 2024. These collection events are co-sponsored by units of local government and provide residents the free opportunity to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes.

One-day collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Pre-registration is required for all Fall 2024 collection events. Residents participating are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides, and pesticides, and similar hazardous household products. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections. ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED include latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals, and business wastes. A complete list of wastes that are and are not accepted is available online at https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/acceptable-wastes.html.

For safe transport of HHW, residents are asked to:

• Pack HHW items in a disposable box to avoid spilling during transport.

• Keep like chemicals together and separate unlike chemicals.

• Secure lids and make sure containers are not leaking.

• Place box(es) of HHW in the empty trunk or storage compartment of your vehicle, away from passengers during transport.

• Remain in vehicle at collection site. On-site personnel will remove the HHW from your vehicle.

The Fall 2024 one-day collections are scheduled on Saturdays and require Pre-Registration:

DATE    LOCATION    ADDRESS    Co-Sponsor/Public Contacts

August 17    Champaign

Champaign County

Registration Link

State Farm Arena – Southwest Quad Parking Lot

1800 South First Street

Champaign, IL  61820    Champaign County

recycling4034780@gmail.com

217-403-4780

August 31    Taylorville

Christian County Registration Link

Christian County Fairgrounds

1716 West Spresser Street

Taylorville, IL 62568    Christian County Solid Waste

Shawn Hammers

August 31    East Moline

Rock Island County

Website

Rock Island Fairgrounds

4200 Archer Drive

East Moline, IL 61244    Rock Island County Waste Management

ricwma@gmail.com

309-788-8925

September 21    Decatur

Macon County

Registration Link

Progress City USA

East Sixth Progress Street

Decatur, IL 62521    Macon County Environmental Management

environmentalmgmt@maconcounty.illinois.gov

September 28    Bloomington

McLean County

Website

McLean County Fairgrounds

1106 Interstate Drive

Bloomington, IL 61705    Ecology Action Center

mbrown@ecologyactioncenter.org 

309-454-3169

October 12    Oregon

Ogle County

Website

Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department

909 Pines Road

Oregon, IL 61061    Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department

solidwaste@oglecountyil.gov

815-732-4020

October 19    Springfield

Sangamon County

Website

Location TBA    City of Springfield Department of Public Works

public.works@springfield.il.us

217-789-2255

October 26    Dixon

Lee County

     Sauk Valley Community College

173 IL-2 N

Dixon, IL  61021    State Representative Brad Fritts

repfrittsstaff@ilhousegop.org

November 2    Orland Park

Cook County

Registration Link

Village of Orland Park 

14700 South Ravinia Avenue

Orland Park, IL 60462    Highway Department of Orland Township

highway@orlandroaddistrict.org

November 2    Carbondale

Jackson County

Website

Banterra Center

1400 Arena Drive

Carbondale, IL 62901    Jackson County Health Department

618-684-3143

In addition to the one-day collections, the following long-term collection facilities are available for disposal of HHW throughout the year:

• Naperville, 156 Fort Hill Drive (immediately North of Naperville Public Works), DuPage County, www.naperville.il.us/hhw.aspx

Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sundays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Phone: 630-420-6095

• Rockford, Four Rivers Sanitation Authority, 3333 Kishwaukee, Winnebago County

https://www.rockfordil.gov/492/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Disposal

Hours: Saturdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays Noon – 4:00 PM, Phone: 779-348-7425

• Chicago, Goose Island, 1150 North Branch, Cook County www.cityofchicago.org/hccrf

Hours: Tuesdays 7:00 AM – Noon, Thursdays 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and

First Saturday of every month 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Phone: 312-744-3060

• Lake County, The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) currently operates a long-term household chemical waste collection program. Information and a collection schedule can be found on their website (www.swalco.org) or by calling 847-336-9340.

• Madison County, Madison County Building & Zoning, 249 N. Old St. Louis Road, Wood River, Madison County, https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/planning_and_development/recycle_events.php 

Hours: First Saturday and Third Friday of every Month 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Appointments are required. See website to schedule your appointment. Questions: 618-296-5237 or recycling@co.madison.il.us 

For questions concerning the Illinois EPA’s one-day or long-term collections, please contact the Illinois EPA Materials Management Unit at 217-524-3300. The HHW collection schedule is also available on the Illinois EPA website at https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/collections.html. Illinois EPA HHW collections continue to be contactless for the safety of participants and workers. Collection events are funded through the Illinois EPA’s Solid Waste Fund.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition 

and Development (OSLAD) Grant

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants between July 1 through September 13, closing at 5 p.m.

OSLAD is a matching program that provides an advance payment (for development projects only) of 50% of the grant award amount shortly after the grant agreement is executed. The local agency must demonstrate and possess the ability to finance the remaining cost of an approved project prior to receipt of remaining grant funds. The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas.

A total of $54 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again will provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 32 underserved locations received grants for local park projects. Go online for a list of communities that are considered economically distressed.

The application period opens July 1, and applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. September 13, 2024. Prior to applying for a grant, entities must be registered and current in the state's Grant Accountability and Transparency Act grantee portal. All applications will be accepted online in the Amplifund portal.

• IAPD members will need to register through the IAPD website.

• Non-members can participate by going online and using the following passcode: 986269.

• Alternatively, participants can call in to the webinar at 309-205-3325 or 312-626-6799 with passcode 986269. The webinar ID is 880-7945-4324.

For more information about OSLAD grants, go online or call 217-782-7481.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Pheasant Fund 

and Habitat Fund Special Funds Grant

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting grant applications for the State Pheasant Fund Special Funds Grant Program and for the Illinois Habitat Fund Special Funds Grant Program through August. 1.

The Pheasant Fund program enhances pheasant habitat through projects developed by nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. The Habitat Fund program enhances game and non-game wildlife habitat through projects developed by nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. Funding for both programs comes from the sale of Habitat Stamps to sportsmen and sportswomen.

Prior to applying for either grant, entities must be registered and current in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act grantee portal. 

All applications will be accepted online in the Amplifund online portal:

•    Pheasant Fund grant applications

•    Habitat Fund grant applications

Go online for more information about Pheasant Fund and Habitat Fund grants. Email susan.duke@illinois.gov at IDNR with any additional questions. Go online to search for all current state funding opportunities.

Illinois Department of Employment Security 

Returning Citizens Virtual Job Fair

Illinois Department of Employment Security, New York University, and Illinois Department of Corrections would like to invite you to participate in a Virtual Job Fair highlighting your company and job opportunities to returning citizens to the Southern Illinois Area.

Re-Entry Virtual Job Fair 

Date and time: Thursday, August 22nd 1:00 - 3:00 PM 

Register: Registration is required. Please contact Freddie.L.Buckingham@illinois.gov to register. 

Illinois businesses are hiring and they are looking for workers on Illinoisjoblink.com. The state’s hiring board features more than 100,000 help-wanted ads. Job seekers can build multiple resumes to emphasize different skills and experiences. Business owners can use keyword matching technology to search resumes and find the best candidate. Illinoisjoblink.com is free for workers and employers. It compares favorably to private efforts that cost hundreds of dollars. No-cost HR recruitment services are available at the website and at (877) 342-7533. 

Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program

The Aspen Institute's Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) is seeking local partners to implement Workforce Leadership Academies (WLA) in various cities or regions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, city or state entities, community colleges, and intermediaries. Partners will develop and facilitate Academies, with the goal of reducing career disparities and enhancing productivity in your regions.

Applicants can receive up to $50,000 to implement the WLA within the local workforce ecosystem.  WLA functions include facilitating workforce leadership sessions and contributing to the institute’s learning agenda on strategies to implement a skills-first approach among local workers and employers.

Eligible organizations must inform the Aspen Institute of their intent to apply by July 30, and complete the full application by August 26.  Click here to learn more about WLA’s request for applications.

Federal Grant Application Bootcamp Registration is now Open

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided cities with unprecedented opportunities to apply directly for federal funding, but some cities and towns have fewer resources and staff, impeding their ability to bid effectively. Through the Local Infrastructure Hub, small and mid-sized municipalities can receive an expert suite of supports to develop strong, competitive grant applications through pro-bono technical training and grant-writing Bootcamps. 

Over the past five Bootcamp series, the Local Infrastructure Hub has supported over 700 cities with 150,000 residents or fewer navigate the federal grant writing process, and is working with more than 1,200 localities overall across all of its program offerings, including virtual webinars and learning opportunities available for cities of any size. 

Current bootcamps include: Bridge Investment Program; Brownfields Program; Railroad Crossing Elimination / Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements; Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods; The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Program; and Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program Application Bootcamp - Local Infrastructure Hub. Registration is required and bootcamps are offered on a first-come basis.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Energy Efficiency Projects Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim announced the Residential Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program – previously known as the Low-Income Residential Energy Efficiency Program or LIREE - with up to $5,000,000 in funding available for energy efficiency upgrades at single family or duplex residential properties. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program will benefit residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal housing assistance program and located in areas of environmental justice concern. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Agency’s website. 

Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local government (municipalities, counties, or townships), or nonprofit organizations. Examples of eligible projects include window replacement, heating and cooling equipment retrofits, and lighting upgrades. Total project costs may range from $25,000 - $500,000 with a match requirement subject to total funding request.

Applications for the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program NOFO will be accepted on a rolling basis and eligible properties will receive funding on a first come, first serve basis. For eligibility and application information, visit:  https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-trust-fund-grant.html. 

Before applying to the grant program, applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, https://gata.illinois.gov/. 

Helpful Resources

Grant Help Desk Resources

DCEO Office of Accountability

•    Office Hours for Grantees – Office of Accountability is hosting a weekly office hour every Tuesday 

from 2-3pm for any questions grantees or potential grantees may have. 

o    Sign up for any of these sessions with this link

•    Email Us:

o    ceo.granthelp@illinois.gov

o    Or use our Inquiry Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/df9d38efa4e241218ced486c54f3c109 

•    Visit Our Website:

o    https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities.html

o    Browse our Learning Libraries, Quick Reference Guides, and Instructional Videos

Grant Accountability and Transparency (GATA) 

•    GATA Grantee Portal: https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/ 

•    GATA Grantee Portal New User Guide: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/GATA%20New%20User%20Guide.pdf 

•    GATU Resource Site: https://gata.illinois.gov/ 

•    Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA): https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html 

•    DCEO Current Grant Opportunities: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/grants.html 

Audit Report Review Process Manual: https://gata.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gata/documents/audit/audit-manual-august-2018-revision.pdf

DCEO Website – https://dceo.illinois.gov

The Illinois DCEO website includes a page dedicated to current state and federal grant opportunities as well as Grantee resources. Click here to find valuable information!

Join DCEO’s Team

DCEO’s Team is expanding around the state.  To apply for these jobs, please go to the Work4Illinois website at  https://illinois.jobs2web.com/ and use the search function to find the positions for our department. 

Posting closing 7/25/24

AGENCY TECHNOLOGY SERVICE REQUESTOR (ATSR) EXECUTIVE I – Office of Management Operations – Cook County

Posting closing 7/29/24

PROGRAM ACCOUNTING MANAGER & GAAP REPORTING SUPERVISOR (PSA, OPT 8C) – Office of Financial Management – Sangamon County

Following DCEO & Connecting with Team RED

If you have upcoming meetings or events and would like DCEO to participate, please reach out to us. Follow us on our social media channels for real time updates.

Facebook: @illinoisdceo

LinkedIn: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity