Clean Energy Funding Is Here: $74M in Grants to Power Illinois Communities

Your TL;DR

Illinois is now offering $74 million in direct clean energy funding to support equity, solar sovereignty, and transitioning communities. Three new grant programs are open to help organizations and local governments develop clean energy solutions. Register for the NOFO info sessions to learn more.

A Clean Energy Revolution Is Sweeping Illinois

Illinois is investing in more than just solar panels. It’s investing in people, equity, and long-term sustainability. The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Energy & Business Utility has unveiled three high-impact funding opportunities designed to jump-start clean energy projects throughout the state. These grants are focused on delivering resources to the communities that need them most.

If you’re a business, non-profit, cooperative, local government, or community-based organization in Illinois, this is your moment.

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

These grant opportunities represent not just funding, but transformation. Without this kind of support, communities may miss out on clean energy jobs, local solar governance, and critical resources to replace economic loss from coal plant closures. The gap is real, and growing. But you don’t have to fall behind.

Three Solutions to Meet Your Community’s Needs

#1: Equitable Energy Future Grant Program

  • Total Funding: $25.5 million
  • Award Range: $250,000 – $1,000,000
  • Anticipated Awards: 40
  • Eligible Applicants: Equity Eligible Contractors, Businesses, Non-profits, Cooperatives
  • Purpose: Supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. Funds can be used for pre-development activities that create jobs, boost local economies, and advance energy equity.
  • 🗓️ Info Session: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 2:00–3:30 PM
  • 👉 Register Here

#2: Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program

  • Total Funding: $8.5 million
  • Award Range: $50,000 – $1,000,000
  • Anticipated Awards: 40
  • Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations, public entities, technical service providers (in partnership)
  • Purpose: Strengthens the local governance and sustainability of community solar projects. Funding supports the creation and long-term management of solar cooperatives and other community-led models.
  • 🗓️ Info Session: Monday, June 16, 2025 | 2:00–3:00 PM
  • 👉 Register Here

#3: Energy Transition Community Grant Program

  • Total Funding: $40 million
  • Anticipated Awards: 50
  • Eligible Applicants: Local governments within 30 miles of closing fossil fuel/nuclear plants or coal mines
  • Purpose: Provides funding for communities facing economic disruption due to plant or mine closures. Helps rebuild through economic development strategies aligned with CEJA’s environmental goals.
  • 🗓️ Info Session: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
  • 👉 Register Here

Ready to Act?

Each program will offer one-on-one technical assistance following its NOFO information session. If you’re eligible, now is the time to engage, prepare your plans, and take the first step toward clean energy transformation.

📩 For questions, reach out to: CEO.CEJA@illinois.gov

Let’s Help You Win That Grant

Our team can help you build a competitive grant application that aligns with CEJA’s goals and your community’s vision. We know how to position your project for success.


Ready To Take the Next Step?

We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.