Energy Transition Community Grant Program

The Energy Transition Community Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, provides up to 40 million dollars in funding to support economic development in communities impacted by the closure or reduced operation of coal mines, nuclear facilities, or fossil fuel power plants. Governed by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the program aims to replace lost revenue, support workforce and business development, and mitigate the social and economic impacts of plant retirement. The program expects to make approximately 100 awards, with funding determined by a formula consisting of a 50,000 dollar base plus factors for job and revenue loss. The period of performance is expected to run from May 1, 2027, through April 30, 2029. Eligible lead applicants must be local governments registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal and must be regarded entities by the IRS. The application is a two-phase process: Phase 1 focuses on eligibility and basic project narratives, while Phase 2 requires detailed budgets, stakeholder engagement forms, and impact metrics. Awardees must adhere to the Illinois Apprenticeship Initiative, ensuring apprentices perform at least 10 percent of labor hours in prevailing wage classifications. Grantees are required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports, with a final closeout report due within 45 days of the performance period's end.