​The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has extended the deadline for the Illinois Talent Pipeline Request for Application to February 27, 2015.  The goal of this program is to help businesses avoid layoffs where possible and help unemployed workers re-enter the workforce.  Funding decisions are anticipated in the spring.

The RFA and Application have been updated to reflect the revised due date of  and to clarify information regarding the grant/program term.  If you have already started or completed the original application, you do not have to copy it to the updated application.   The application dated December 2014 is still an acceptable application to use.   Use of the December 2014 application will not affect rating of applications. 

The project period should not exceed 12 months.   A modification to extend a grant may occur, but only at the discretion of the Department.  Under Section 5 of the application it does state that activities must be completed within the established grant period of 12 months. 

The application, program guidelines, frequently asked questions, and a link to the December webinar, can be downloaded at http://www.illinoisworknet.com/iltalent.  If you have any questions, please contact one of the DCEO staff below.

Northern Illinois
Patrick Campbell
312-793-0538
Patrick.Campbell@illinois.gov

Central/Southern Illinois
Deb Waldrop
618-993-7237
Deb.Waldrop@illinois.gov