NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant

The National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant, issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, provides competitive subgrants to Local Education Agencies, school food authorities, and schools to modernize school kitchens and improve food safety. Eligible applicants may request up to 25,000 dollars for the purchase and installation of a single piece of equipment valued at more than 1,000 dollars. The total program funding is 643,262 dollars, with an expected 26 awards. The period of performance is split into an initial award phase from February 1 to August 31, 2027, and a reallocation phase from January 1 to August 31, 2028. Awards are determined through a merit-based review process where a total score is derived from an evaluation of project need and specific priority factors. In the event of a tie, priority is given to the project serving the highest number of enrolled students. To be eligible, applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management with a Unique Entity ID, obtain a Region County District Type code, and pre-qualify through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal. Applications must be submitted via email to [email hidden] by 4 p.m. on December 24, 2026. Recipients are required to submit quarterly performance progress reports, expenditure reports, and a procurement worksheet to ensure compliance with federal and state standards, including 2 CFR 200 Subpart D and Buy America preferences.