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DCEO Funding Opportunities
SBIR/STTR Match Program
Program Details: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are competitive federal grant programs that provide funding opportunities for small businesses to perform research and development on technology of interest to federal agencies. Both projects provide funding to explore the potential of high-tech products and encourage commercialization of those products. This program would provide a state match to companies that have received awards through the SBIR and STTR grant programs.
Eligible Applicants: For-profit businesses based in Illinois that have received an SBIR/STTR Phase I award from a participating federal agency.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Apply
Business Attraction Prime Sites
Program Details: The intent of this program is to assist companies with large-scale capital investment projects that commit to significant job creation for Illinois residents as they relocate or expand operations within Illinois. Business Attraction Prime Sites grants can encompass a wide range of economic development projects and may include infrastructure and capital equipment purchases that will result in job creation in the state of Illinois.
Eligible Applicants: Businesses that are relocating to or expanding operations in Illinois, received confirmation of eligibility for an EDGE, HIB, REV, MICRO credit or has a pending application for one of these programs that is ultimately approved, are committed to hiring at least 40 – 100 new employees who are Illinois residents AND making a $20-40 million investment in Illinois, and are operating in an approved industry focus from the 2024 Illinois Economic Plan (Life Sciences, Quantum Computing, AI & Microelectronics, Clean Energy Production & Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Next Generation Agriculture, Ag Tech & Food Processing, and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TDL).
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
Apply
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Economic Development Program
Program Details: This program provides federal funding for community-based projects. Communities in non-metropolitan areas can apply for funding to assist private business in retaining or creating full-time, permanent jobs. Funds may also be used for improvements to public infrastructure directly supporting companies in local communities.
Eligible Applicants: Communities in non-metropolitan areas.
Application Deadline: Rolling
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Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program
Program Details: This program will deliver clean jobs training in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to individuals within 36 months of their release to prepare them to work in clean energy and related sector jobs upon release. The program provides classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, connecting program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy industry, and addressing participant needs.
Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations providing employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community; include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments; and, have a history of serving committed persons or justice involved persons.
Application Deadline: Rolling
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Illinois Reproductive Grant Expansion Program
Program Details: This program will provide grants for pregnancy centers which include organizations or facilities that has health care employees, volunteers, or agents who are licensed health care professionals. Pregnancy-related services include any medical service, or health counseling service, related to the prevention, preservation, or termination of pregnancy. Organizations are not to engage in unfair methods or deceptive acts or practices, including the use or employment of any deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, or misrepresentation to interfere with or prevent an individual from seeking to gain entry or access.
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit and for-profit clinics providing or planning to provide pregnancy-related services in a clinical setting.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Apply
CDBG Disaster Response Program
Program Details: This program is designed for communities experiencing an imminent and urgent threat to public health and safety as indicated by a disaster declaration by the Governor of the State of Illinois.
Eligible Applicants: Only units of general local government (i.e., cities, villages, townships and counties) may apply for funding. Eligible municipalities shall not receive funding from HUD as an entitlement city. Counties and townships that are not participating in the HUD Urban County Entitlement Program are also eligible to apply for block grant funds.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Apply
Federal Grant Match Support Program
Program Details: This program will make funding available to Illinois-based businesses and organizations seeking competitive federal grants. This match program will encourage more applicants to apply for federal grant opportunities, provide critical assistance to meet the minimum match eligibility requirements, increase the competitiveness of applications, and provide the State of Illinois with an opportunity to make a firm commitment and demonstration of support for projects that are well aligned with the State’s economic development goals and priorities.
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits, educational institutions, local governments, and businesses.
Application Deadline: Open; No specific due dates
REMINDER: Help you and your staff serve your constituents!
To help nonprofits and local governments with DCEO grant applications, GATA prequalification, and audit issues, our team has opened a help desk. Grantees may contact the Grant Help Desk by e-mail at CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or submit a question and one of our staff members will get back to you. If possible, grantees should provide their GATA ID with their inquiry.
View Additional Opportunities at the DCEO Funding Opportunities Website.
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