Funding Opportunities


Grant Topics
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Current Notice of Funding Opportunities

FEJA Craft ​Apprenticeship Program Notice of Funding Opportunity​

This program will provide funding for a workforce training initiative that equips participants with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and career readiness skills in clean energy-related projects in the electric industry. The funded program should focus on expanding access to quality training, career pathways, and job placement opportunities, particularly for populations underrepresented in the energy sector. Learn more about this opportunity​.

​Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program​

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will support high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries that help businesses create, launch, and expand apprenticeship opportunities. The Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Program aims to increase Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities, particularly in non-traditional and in-demand fields, for career seekers while supporting employers. Learn more about this opportunity​.

​​​Clean Energy Career Pathway Program

DCEO announced $5 million in funding to launch the second round of the Clean Energy Career Pathway Program, which provides career pathways for students pursuing in-demand jobs in the clean energy sector.​ Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021 to incentivize renewable energy development, accelerate electric vehicle infrastructure, create statewide clean energy workforce training programs, and equitably support energy transitions. Learn ​more about​ this opportunity.​​​
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About
At various times throughout the year, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training (DCEO OET) will solicit project applications to help advance our mission. Initiative funding will generally utilize federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), but other funding sources may be available.

The OET will issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), typically for a specific activity linked to priorities of the State of Illinois Unified Workforce Plan, seeking organizations to respond. Each NOFO will include detailed application instructions. Funding opportunities are limited to public and private organizations in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. DCEO selects organizations whose responses best meet the evaluation criteria outlined in the solicitation.

Applicants must pre-qualify through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. During pre-qualification, Dun and Bradstreet verifications are performed, including a check of Debarred and Suspended status and good standing with the Secretary of State. The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire.​

Subscribe to the Bidders List to receive information on funding opportunities.​

Search for Grant Opportunities throughout Illinois with the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Search.
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