The Fiscal Year 2025 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grant, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), provides federal funds to support School Food Authorities (SFAs) in acquiring or renovating equipment to enhance the delivery of healthier meals, improve food safety, and support the School Breakfast Program. A total of $319,619 is available for competitive subgrants, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under Public Law 118-42.

Eligible applicants are SFAs participating in the NSLP within Illinois. Each SFA may submit one application for funding to purchase or refurbish one piece of equipment valued at over $1,000. The application process requires prequalification through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal, including registration, fiscal risk assessment, and programmatic risk assessment. Additionally, applicants must maintain an active registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with all procurement laws and federal regulations.

Funding is specifically designated for capitalized equipment costs, including purchase, installation, and renovation expenses that meet the grant's objectives. Unallowable costs include remodeling, general facility renovation, non-capitalized equipment, and administrative or indirect costs. Awards are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, requiring submission of vendor invoices and claim forms for approved expenditures within the grant period.

The primary grant period runs from March 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025. Any unallocated funds may be redistributed during a secondary grant period from January 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026. Applicants are evaluated through a merit-based review process that considers need, capacity, and project quality. Priority points are awarded based on free and reduced-price meal eligibility, prior grant awards, and School Breakfast Program participation.

To apply, SFAs must submit a completed application package electronically by January 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Successful applicants will receive a tentative award notification approximately 90 days after the deadline, with final grant approval following compliance verification. Performance and financial reporting, including quarterly progress reports and a final expenditure claim, are required for grant monitoring and accountability.

The program is part of USDA's broader effort to enhance school nutrition infrastructure, with nearly $481 million allocated nationally since 2009. This grant aims to directly support SFAs in their mission to improve meal quality and expand access to nutritious food for students. For additional information, applicants may contact Emily Durbin at edurbin@isbe.net or refer to the ISBE Funding Opportunities webpage.