Future Energy Jobs Act Multi-Cultural Jobs Program
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for diversity-focused community-based organizations working in clean energy workforce development in Illinois. Applicants must serve environmental justice communities or underrepresented populations in eligible Economic Development Regions. Organizations must have a demonstrated record of successfully delivering job training. The program funds multi-cultural jobs programs that may focus on solar installation or other clean energy career pathways, for projects lasting up to four years.
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Program description
The Multi-Cultural Jobs Programs supports community-based, diversity focused organizations that strive to provide participants with development, economic or career-related opportunities within the clean energy sector. Grants will support services the Economic Development Regions that are environmental justice communities and/or underrepresented populations living in communities that are eligible to receive workforce services. This program provides funding for multi-cultural jobs programs which may, but need not, be related to solar installation, over a period “not to exceed four years, by diversity-focused community organizations that have a record of successfully delivering job training.” 220 ILCS 5/16-108.12(a)(3). Grant funds may be used for the activities outlined in the NOFO and in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Guidelines. Beneficiaries: Eligible participants include anyone 18 years of age or older and eligible to work in the state of Illinois. However, to align with the priority to ensure equitable statewide access to quality training, jobs, and economic opportunities across the clean energy sector, applicants should heavily prioritize serving: • Individuals who face barriers to employment such as low educational attainment, low levels of literacy, language barriers, etc. • Persons with prior involvement with the criminal legal system • Graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system • Individuals from Environmental Justice Communities • Displaced Energy Workers Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-30-2875).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA-required state forms (per Illinois Uniform Administrative Guidelines)
- Organization capacity statement with job training track record
- Detailed program narrative including target communities and outcomes
- Four-year project budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from partners or employers in clean energy sector
Program contact
- 👤 John Barr
- 📧 john.w.barr@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $4,000,000 | |
| 2023 | $1,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $1 | |
| 2025 | $1 | |
| 2026 | $1 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Community-based, diversity-focused organizations with a proven track record of successful job training delivery. Your organization should primarily serve environmental justice communities or underrepresented populations.
What geographic areas are eligible?
Organizations serving designated Economic Development Regions in Illinois that focus on environmental justice communities or underrepresented populations are eligible.
What activities does this grant fund?
Multi-cultural jobs programs in the clean energy sector. Activities can include (but aren't limited to) solar installation training and other career-related workforce development.
How long can a funded project run?
Projects may last up to four years. The grant structure supports both shorter-term and longer-term workforce initiatives.
What is the typical award amount?
The program is designed around $500,000 awards, with a total funding pool of $1.5 million available. Award amounts support significant workforce program expansion.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document your organization's track record of successful job training delivery. Use specific metrics on participant outcomes, completion rates, and job placement.
- Clearly identify the environmental justice or underrepresented communities your organization serves. Explain how your program directly addresses their barriers to clean energy careers.
- Design a realistic four-year budget and timeline. Show how you'll sustain programming if funding changes.
- Connect your program to both workforce development outcomes and diversity/inclusion goals. Funders want to see explicit equity metrics.
- Review the Illinois GATA Catalog entry (CSFA 420-30-2875) and Uniform Administrative Guidelines early. State-administered grants have specific compliance requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of demonstrated job training track record or weak outcome data. Unclear identification of target environmental justice communities or underrepresented populations served. Vague budget narrative without clear connection between clean energy training activities and participant placement outcomes.
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