The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced the availability of a one-time grant opportunity under the State Fiscal Year 2025 (SFY25) Grants Management Program. The funding is aimed at supporting permanent capital improvements through the acquisition and/or remodeling of a building for use as a new program facility. The facility must be located within the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago and must meet the bondable requirements set forth in the Build Illinois Bond Act (30 ILCS 425).

The total funding available for this opportunity is $1,000,000. The funding originates from state bond funds and may only cover specific direct costs associated with capital improvements, such as real property acquisition, closing costs, and debt reduction for property purchases. Indirect costs, general operational overhead, or administrative expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in Cook County, Illinois, that support at-risk youth using evidence-based models grounded in Sports-Based Youth Development. Eligibility also requires organizations to be in good standing with various state and federal regulatory bodies, including having an active SAM registration and being pre-qualified through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.

Applications must be submitted between March 31, 2025, and May 16, 2025, by 5:00 PM CST. All application materials must be submitted electronically to CEO.OGMgrants@illinois.gov. The application package must include a project narrative, a uniform grant application and budget, conflict of interest and mandatory disclosure forms, W-9, IRS letter, and any subcontractor or subrecipient agreements.

Applications will be evaluated based on four primary criteria: Capacity (40 points), Economic Impact (30 points), Need (15 points), and Quality (15 points). The evaluation will be conducted by a designated DCEO review committee. The department anticipates making award announcements approximately three months after the application deadline.

Grantees are required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports, including an expense ledger. Additional compliance may be required under the Prevailing Wage Act, Illinois Works Jobs Program Act, and the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act. Environmental review requirements may also apply, depending on project scope.

For further information, contact David E. Parr at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Office of Grants Management, via phone at 217-685-1197 or email at CEO.OGMgrants@illinois.gov.