The Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program (CSES) provides grants to community-based organizations, municipalities, or technical service providers to support the pre-development activities of community solar projects that promote community ownership and energy sovereignty.
Total Funding: $8.5 million annually (subject to appropriation)
Award Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
Eligibility: Community-based Organizations (CBO) as defined by the National Community-based Organization Network; Municipalities in regions that do not have a CBO with the capacity to implement a community-solar project, Technical Service Providers with a CBO partner.
Scope: Pre-development funds for community-solar projects taking place in the state of Illinois. Priority projects will take place in and/or benefit equity investment eligible communities.
Allowable Costs: Costs taking place prior to construction. This may include interconnection costs, community solar model development, permits and zoning costs, professional services, land purchase or lease, site control, among others.
Grant Funding Type: Milestone Funding
This grant is open annually.
The 2025 grant round is currently open and accepting applications until December 31, 2025. Application materials are available on the CSES Notice of Funding Opportunity page on the DCEO site.
