Expansion of ESL services for Adult Education providers working with Asylees, Refugees and Migrants
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for adult education providers in Illinois serving asylees, refugees, and migrants. Community colleges and public adult education programs can apply. The funding supports expansion of English language services, including ESL instruction, curriculum development, and wrap-around support services. Programs must be expanding existing offerings, not creating new services from scratch.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The intent of the grant is to expand capacity for English language services for providers working with asylees, refugees, and migrants. With this funding, adult education providers can better assist new arrivals with their transition to living in the United States. This grant aims to support all demographics with a primary focus on immigrants, asylees, and refugees. It addresses the urgent needs arising from the current immigrant crisis by providing essential assistance to help these individuals transition to a better quality of life. These funds will help programs to equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to integrate successfully into their new communities. This funding provides opportunities for English language learners to increase their basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This funding is intended to expand existing offerings and serve additional learners. It is not intended to supplant existing English Language Services.
By hiring qualified ESL instructors with a background in working with asylees, refugees, and migrants, programs will ensure that the new arrivals population has access to instruction and curriculum tailored to their needs. Providers will also offer technology for students to access remote learning. Recruitment will occur throughout the grant cycle, and providers will implement wrap-around services to retain and support new learners. The funding for this grant is provided by the State of Illinois through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). A total of $750,000 has been allocated for the FY25 Expansion of ESL services for Adult Education Providers. This funding is intended to support programs working with asylees, refugees, and migrants, enabling them to improve their English language skills and transition into self- sufficiency. The funding period spans from January 1st,2025 to December 31st, 2025. It aims to expand current ESL offerings and is not meant to replace existing services. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching, and indirect costs are allowable with certain restrictions as per Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 684-00-3320).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- ICCB grant application form
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget narrative
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status or government entity documentation
- Letters of support from partner organizations
- Organizational capacity statement
- Indirect cost rate documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Nyssa Westermeyer
- 📧 nyssa.westermeyer@illinois.gov
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Adult education providers in Illinois, including community colleges and public education agencies. You must serve asylees, refugees, or migrants.
What can the funding be used for?
Hiring qualified ESL instructors, developing curriculum, purchasing technology for remote learning, and providing wrap-around services like retention support and recruitment.
Is this for new programs or existing programs?
This is to expand existing English language services, not replace them or start new programs from scratch.
Are indirect costs allowed?
Yes, indirect costs are allowable under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act with certain restrictions. Check ICCB guidelines for specifics.
What is the funding deadline and timeline?
Deadline is November 13, 2026. Projects typically run for a one-year period (January 1 to December 31).
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your proposal on how you will expand current ESL capacity and serve more learners. Show existing program infrastructure you will build upon.
- Emphasize instructor qualifications and experience working with refugees and asylees specifically. Cultural competency matters.
- Detail technology solutions for remote learning access. Include both equipment and connectivity support.
- Plan concrete wrap-around services like childcare, transportation assistance, or case management to improve retention.
- Use data from your current program (enrollment, demographics, outcomes) to justify expansion targets and show readiness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing completely new ESL programs instead of expanding existing services. Failing to demonstrate current program capacity and infrastructure. Underestimating the cost of qualified ESL instructors with refugee/asylee experience.
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