Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization Program
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for local governments in non-metropolitan Illinois areas seeking funds for community revitalization projects. Eligible activities include sidewalk/streetscape improvements, building demolition, façade improvements to publicly-owned commercial or industrial properties, non-residential historic preservation, and renovation or conversion of closed buildings. Projects must eliminate conditions harmful to safety, health, or welfare while stimulating economic growth and improving community quality of life. Grant funds range from $250,000 to $2,000,000, and no cost-sharing is required.
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Program description
The program provides federal funding for a variety of community-based
projects. Local governments in non-metropolitan areas can apply for grant
funding to revitalize their community through sidewalk improvements, demolition, rehabilitation of publicly-owned commercial or industrial property, non-residential historic preservation and renovation or conversion of a closed building. Community improvements that eliminate conditions that are detrimental to safety, health and welfare while stimulating economic growth and improving quality of life. All grant funds must relate to one of the following HUD-defined activity codes:
03L Sidewalk Improvements for sidewalk improvements or “Streetscapes”, including the installation of trash receptacles, trees, benches and lighting. Regulation Citation 570.201(c)
04 Demolition activities that involve the clearance or demolition of buildings and improvements. Regulation Citation 570.201(d) and not in furtherance of redevelopment. Demolition must meet the environmental definition of Exempt-ER, box 10. The Demolition activity will be funded with Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds until those funds are exhausted, followed by funding through the annual allocation. Demolition is the only activity available to Entitlement Communities, and only until funding set aside for Entitlement Communities is expended.
14E Rehabilitation of Publicly Owned Commercial/Industrial rehabilitation limited to improvements to the exterior of a commercial building, generally referred to as “Façade Improvements” Regulation Citation 570.202
16B Non-residential Historic Preservation rehabilitation or renovation of a non-residential historic building Regulation Citation 570.202(d)
17C Renovation/Conversion of a Closed Building rehabilitation of a commercial/industrial building for conversion from one use to another Regulation Citation 570.203(a)
Activity Delivery: Includes such costs as (but are not limited to) salaries, travel costs, services performed under third party contracts, including legal and audit services, environmental record review preparation, additional fidelity bonding costs or other services required for the delivery of grant activities. Beneficiaries: Persons residing within the project area. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-75-4025).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Detailed project narrative tied to eligible HUD activity code
- Budget and cost breakdown
- Environmental documentation/Exempt-ER certification
- Community demographic information
- Project timeline and milestones
- Letters of support from community stakeholders
Program contact
- 👤 Wendy Bell
- 📧 wendy.bell@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2023 | $17,500,000 | |
| 2024 | $19,500,000 | |
| 2025 | $5,404,353 | |
| 2026 | $7,595,647 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Local governments in non-metropolitan areas of Illinois can apply. Entitlement communities have limited eligibility (demolition only).
What types of projects are eligible?
Sidewalk/streetscape improvements, demolition, façade improvements, non-residential historic preservation, and renovation/conversion of closed buildings.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant program.
What is the typical award range?
Awards typically range from $250,000 to $2,000,000 depending on project scope and funding availability.
When is the deadline?
This is a rolling application program with no specified deadline, allowing year-round submission subject to fund availability.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application on how the project eliminates health and safety hazards while catalyzing economic growth in your community.
- Choose one of the five HUD-defined activity codes (03L, 04, 14E, 16B, or 17C) and clearly align your project to its specific requirements.
- Include detailed environmental documentation and compliance records, as environmental review is a key requirement for funding.
- Demonstrate how your project improves quality of life for residents in the target area through measurable outcomes.
- Consult Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity early to understand current funding priorities and availability for your activity type.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when project scope doesn't clearly align with one of five HUD activity codes. Weak applications lack evidence of environmental compliance or Exempt-ER status. Proposals fail when they don't connect project benefits to community safety, health, welfare, or economic revitalization outcomes.
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