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New Funding Opportunities
Back to Business: Local Chambers Program
What: The Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program provides recovery grants for local chambers of commerce. Eligible local chambers of commerce are eligible to apply for $5 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery from the negative economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. All applicants will receive a grant if they meet eligibility requirements, and submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program. The program design for Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program is based on legislation which established the Local Chambers of Commerce Recovery Grants Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1105).
Potential Applicants: Under the enacting statute, an “eligible chamber of commerce" means an organization of business and professional persons dedicated to improving the economic climate and business development of the community, area, or region in which the organization is located and that:
- Operates as an approved not-for-profit corporation;
- is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
- has an annual revenue of $1,000,000 or less;
- files a 990 federal tax form with the Internal Revenue Service;
- has or will have each of the following at the time of award determination:
- governance bylaws;
- financial policies and procedures; and
- a mission and vision statement; and
- has experienced an identifiable negative economic impact resulting from or exacerbated by the public health emergency or served a community disproportionately impacted by a public health emergency.
Deadline: February 15, 2024 at 5:00p.m.
Apply here
Tourism Incentive Grant Program
NEW! What: The Tourism Incentive Grant Program will provide grant funding for establishment of an incentive grant program used by eligible entities to attract new out-of-state events to Illinois when competing with other states’ destinations. It may also be used to retain existing business when documentation is provided that the entity is competing against other states’ destinations to retain the business in Illinois. Grant funds for the incentive program cannot be offered to an event if multiple Illinois destinations are in competition for this same event.
Potential Applicant: Units of local government, local promotion groups, not-for-profit organizations and convention center authorities
How Much: $15 million total, grants will range between $50,000 and $5,000,000
Deadline: 5:00p.m. on May 1, 2024
Apply here
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
What: The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program will assist eligible families with natural gas, propane, and electricity bills. Program Year 2024 includes a variety of improvements based on feedback from advocates such as an expanded program year, as well as re-instating the pre-pandemic practice of tiered applications to allow families most in need to apply first. Community Action Agencies are accepting applications NOW!
How Much: $237 million
Deadline: August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted
Apply: Eligible households can apply through their local Community Action Agencies (CAA). Find your CAA HERE.
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