DCEO grants can be found on their website.
Safe Routes to School Applications
Application Deadline: October 3, 2025
Grant Description: As students close out summer break and begin shopping for school supplies, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that applications are now being accepted for the Safe Routes to School program. The program provides funding for projects that make walking, biking and rolling to school a safer option for students, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.
Victims of Crime Act Human Trafficking Victim Services Program
Application Deadline: Aug. 24, 2025
Grant Description: The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants for the Human Trafficking Services Program. Grants will be made with the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds. A total of $800,000 in funding in VOCA is available through this solicitation for use over 36 months.
Boat Access Area Development Program
Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Grant Description: Provides financial assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition, construction, and expansion/rehabilitation, including necessary A/E services, of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois' lakes and rivers.
Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program
Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Grant Description: Provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tot lots to large community and county parks and nature areas.
Clean Energy Career Pathway Program
Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Grant Description: Provides funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on electric vehicles. This funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible public or private educational institutions at the secondary and post-secondary level that will work with the Local Workforce Innovation Areas and employers to recruit students into clean energy fields and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options.
Illinois Art Council Creative Projects Grant
Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Grant Description: Provides up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible nonprofit organizations, municipal entities or colleges and universities.
Clean Energy Career Pathway Program
Application Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Grant Description: Provides funding directly to eligible recipients to support the planning and implementation of a Clean Energy Career Pathway. Programs will include coursework, field experiences and work-based learning designed to prepare students for entrance into careers focusing on electric vehicles. This funding opportunity seeks qualified, eligible public or private educational institutions at the secondary and post-secondary level that will work with the Local Workforce Innovation Areas and employers to recruit students into clean energy fields and create pathways encompassing technical and employability skills with dual credit options.
Application Deadline: Oct. 31, 2025
Grant Description: Competitive grants to private marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs for up to 75% of the cost of construction of pumpouts and dump stations.
Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
Application Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025
Grant Description: The funding is intended to address barriers to project, community and business development in justice-impacted communities caused by a lack of available capital.
Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program
Application Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025
Grant Description: Supports pre-development and development of community solar projects that promote community ownership and energy sovereignty.
Application Deadline: Jan. 1, 2027 or until all funds are depleted
Grant Description: Provides funding to reduce nitrate pollution in Illinois surface waters by funding nonpoint source edge-of-field control projects as part of the Gulf Hypoxia Program.
Great Lakes TCGM Partnership Grant Program
Application Deadline: November 2026
Grant Description: In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental and climate-related grants ranging from $25,000 to $350,000 to organizations working in disadvantaged and underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.
Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Grant Description: Provides federal funding for community-based projects. Communities in non-metropolitan areas can apply for Economic Development funding to assist private business in retaining or creating full-time, permanent jobs. Grant funds may also be used for improvements to public infrastructure that directly supports companies in local communities.
CDBG Disaster Response Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Grant Description: 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.
CDBG Economic Development Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Grant Description: The program provides Economic Development component funds that are available on an as-needed basis throughout the year to eligible applicants meeting program component requirements until all funds allocated to this component have been distributed. Only projects that create and/or retain permanent jobs will be funded. Projects should attract sizable private investment, have solid commitments to create or retain permanent jobs and demonstrate financial feasibility and benefit to low-to-moderate income persons.
Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program (CEJA)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Grant Description: Delivers 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 will provide classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, connect program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy industry, and address participant needs
Application Deadline: General announcement open with no specific due dates for applications
Grant Description: DCEO will make $15 million 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, and increase the competitiveness of applications.
Illinois Reproductive Health Facilities Capital Grant Program
Grant Description: This opportunity will support reproductive health care providers in Illinois that are experiencing increased demand for their services. Projects could include improvements and repairs, new construction, security upgrades, and equipment to increase capacity and enhance safety. This includes the purchase of vehicles for mobile care units. Facilities must provide or plan to provide abortion care as defined in the Illinois Reproductive Health Act.
Deadline: Rolling through 2024, or until funds are depleted
