FEJA Multi-Cultural Jobs Program 2023

​This funding opportunity has closed. Visit the Funding Opportunities page to learn about current opportunities.


​​Background

Governor Pritzker has placed a high priority on stimulating job growth in the clean energy economy by making investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.  The Multi-Cultural Jobs Program authorized by the Future Energy Jobs Act under 220 ILCS 5/16-108.12(a)(3) supports this priority by providing access to career-related energy sector occupations for individuals living in disadvantaged communities or in those identified as environmental justice communities.

An initial $4 million investment for the Multi-Cultural Jobs Program was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in 2017.  As part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) signed into law on September 15, 2021, this program was transferred to the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO) in 2022 [see Public Act 102-662].

With a continued $4 million investment, a funding opportunity was released by DCEO in May 2022 to continue the creation and enhancement of economic, or career-related opportunities within the clean-energy sector through training and work readiness programs. A total of four grants were awarded through that funding opportunity.

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the Department will fund two proposals offered by community-based, diversity-focused organizations that strive to provide participants with related opportunities within the clean energy sector.  Specifically, this NOFO will fund: (1) a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing the educational and leadership capacity of minority youth through the operation of schools, youth leadership clubs and youth development centers, and (2) a not-for-profit organization that has a proven record of successfully implementing utility industry training programs, with expertise in creating programs that strengthen the economics of communities, including technical training workshops and economic development through community and financial partners. The Department will prioritize geographic diversity across Economic Development Regions (EDRs) and proximity to a Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program Hub Site (see 20 ILCS 730/5-20).  In particular, applications received from organizations located in or near the following areas that have been designated as locations for Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program Hub Sites will be prioritized as long as they meet all other eligibility and scoring criteria – Alton/E. St. Louis, Carbondale, Champaign/Danville, Decatur, Peoria, and Rockford. 


Program Design

Commerce will fund innovative programs from diversity-focused community organizations that have a record of successfully delivering job training.  Organizations applying for funding should prioritize women, people of color, persons with a record, former foster care recipients, and other job seekers with specific barriers to employment.  Selected grantees will recruit, train, and place participants in clean energy-related occupations throughout the State of Illinois.

Projects funded under this NOFO will provide equitable access to quality training, jobs, and economic opportunities in the career pathway energy sector, with services to be provided across the spectrum from outreach to retention in employment and offered fluidly to allow program participants the latitude and flexibility to participate and succeed in establishing a family-sustaining career.

The Multi-Cultural Jobs Program provides an opportunity to provide innovative, employer-driven training approaches that pair education and occupational training with work-based learning to individuals in need of self-sustaining employment.  It is the goal and objective of the Multi-Cultural Jobs Training program to implement job training programs that:

  • Assist in the development of a workforce with the requisite knowledge, skills, training, experience, and competence to work in the clean energy sector.
  • Identify partnership opportunities within training programs to maximize the societal benefits of the funds provided pursuant to Section 16-108.12(a)(3) of the Public Utilities Act.

Training services are critical to the employment success of many individuals.  The Multi-Cultural Jobs Program recommends any of the following types of training be incorporated into the service delivery approach (described more fully in the Notice of Funding Opportunity):

  • Training services leading to industry-led credentials
  • Occupational skills training, training for nontraditional employment
  • Skill upgrading and retraining
  • Entrepreneurial training
  • Job readiness training
  • Adult education and literacy activities
  • Work-Based Learning / Work-Based Training
    • Pre-apprenticeship
    • Apprenticeship
    • Work experiences or internships
      • Transitional jobs
      • On-the-Job Training (OJT)
      • Customized Training
  • Incumbent Worker Training 

To support success in training programs, the Multi-Cultural Jobs Program service delivery design includes the following components:

  • Outreach and Recruitment
  • Employer Engagement
  • Comprehensive Assessments
  • Individual Employment Plans
  • Supportive Services
  • Placement
  • Follow-Up (if appropriate)

The Multi-Cultural Jobs Program will fund one grant for each of the following diversity-focused community organizations that successfully deliver job training.  Applicants must choose between one of the two categories listed below, even if the applicant's organization may fall into more than one category.  (CATEGORIES A, B, D, AND F were previously awarded).

  1. CATEGORY C: Not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing the educational and leadership capacity of minority youth through the operation of schools, youth leadership clubs, and youth development centers.
  2. CATEGORY E: Not-for-profit organization that has a proven record of successfully implementing utility industry training programs, with expertise in creating programs that strengthen the economics of communities including technical training workshops and economic development through community and financial partners.

Only entities that meet the requirements of CATEGORY C or CATEGORY E above and properly operate in accordance with Federal, State, and local law, in the state of Illinois, may submit a proposal for consideration.  Organizations are limited to applying for only one category.


Program Funding

It is anticipated that the Department will make two awards under this NOFO for up to $1 million.  This grant program is utilizing State funds authorized under the Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act as outlined at 220 ILCS 5/16-108.12 and 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(c)(1)(O).

Applicants may only submit one application and are required to select only one category.

CATEGORY C: $500,000

CATEGORY E: $500,000


Submission Details
The application due date is 5:00 PM (Central Time) on May 1, 2023.  Failure to meet the application deadline may result in the Department returning the application without review or may preclude the Department from making the award.

Application materials must be submitted to the Department via the electronic form at:  https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0f1a104092fa41e496d9c092fc4f3c10. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements. 

For detailed information about the funding opportunity and instructions on how to apply, see the NOFO, as well as required documents, linked under NOFO Materials.


NOFO Materials

Additional Resources

FAQs

Information Session
FEJA Multi-Cultural Project Information Session: March 15, 2023 – 10:00 AM

  • Presentation Slides (PDF)
  • Recording (Link)