Adult Education and Literacy Basic Competitive Grant (Non- Match State Funding)
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations providing adult education and literacy services to adults ages 17+ who lack a high school diploma or need English language instruction.
Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community colleges, nonprofits, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of these organizations. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity under WIOA Title II requirements.
Services must align with career pathways and workforce demand. The program operates statewide in Illinois through Area Planning Councils, with emphasis on coordination and measurable outcomes.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for organizations providing adult education and literacy services to adults ages 17+ who lack a high school diploma or need English language instruction.
Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community colleges, nonprofits, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of these organizations. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity under WIOA Title II requirements.
Services must align with career pathways and workforce demand. The program operates statewide in Illinois through Area Planning Councils, with emphasis on coordination and measurable outcomes.
Program description
This Notice of Funding Opportunity is offered to solicit applications for federal and state adult education funds. The purpose of adult education services is to assist:
1. adults in becoming literate and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.
2. adults who are parents or family members in obtaining education and skills that are necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children, and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family.
3. adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in transitioning to post-secondary education and training, including through career pathways; and
4. immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in a. improving their:
a. reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills in English. mathematics skills; and
b. acquiring an understanding of the American system of Government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Through this competitive process, ICCB seeks to strengthen Area Planning Councils through accountability, improve regional coordination, and ensure adult education services are aligned with career pathways, workforce demand, and measurable outcomes. (Illinois Policy).
Eligible applicants for funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are organizations that meet the definition of an “eligible provider” under Section 203(5) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eligible providers include, but are not limited to:
• Local educational agencies
• Community-based organizations
• Volunteer literacy organizations
• Institutions of higher education
• Public or private nonprofit agencies
• Libraries
• Public housing authorities
• Nonprofit institutions that are not described above and have the ability to provide adult education and literacy activities
• Consortia of eligible providers
Eligible applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver adult education and literacy activities in accordance with WIOA Title II requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Adult Education and Literacy Provider Manual.
As this is a competitive funding opportunity, eligible applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity; past effectiveness as required by WIOA; and the ability to coordinate services within the Area Planning Council (APC) structure.
Consortia and partnerships with Area Planning Councils are strongly encouraged and applicants proposing consortia arrangements must identify a lead agency responsible for fiscal, programmatic, and data accountability on behalf of all consortium partners. They must also identify the role and responsibilities of each partnering agency.
An eligible individual to receive Adult Education and Literacy services is an individual:
• who has attained 17 years of age.
• who is not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under state law; and
• who:
o is basic skills deficient.
o does not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and has not achieved an equivalent level of education; or
o is an English language learner. State Funds only. Federal Assistance Listing: 84.002. Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 684-01-1625).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations providing adult education and literacy services to adults ages 17+ who lack a high school diploma or need English language instruction.
Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community colleges, nonprofits, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of these organizations. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity under WIOA Title II requirements.
Services must align with career pathways and workforce demand. The program operates statewide in Illinois through Area Planning Councils, with emphasis on coordination and measurable outcomes.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Completed application form (via Illinois GATA system)
- Project narrative describing program design and alignment with WIOA Title II
- Budget and budget justification
- Evidence of organizational fiscal and administrative capacity
- Documentation of past performance and effectiveness
- Letters of coordination or partnership with Area Planning Council
Program contact
- 👤 Rupa Sameer
- 📧 rupa.sameer@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-0213
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.002 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$116,770,172
-
$116,708,120
-
$78,217,666
-
$76,552,636
-
$74,934,815
-
$69,703,055
-
$61,525,547
-
$51,873,800
-
$51,418,967
-
$49,896,645
Top States by Funding
- CA 4 awards $350.5M
- TX 5 awards $302.2M
- NY 5 awards $209.4M
- FL 4 awards $152.3M
- PA 4 awards $77.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Organizations defined as WIOA eligible providers, including school districts, nonprofits, community colleges, libraries, and consortia. Your organization must demonstrate fiscal and programmatic capacity.
What does this funding support?
Adult literacy, ESL instruction, high school diploma programs, and workforce-aligned career pathway training. Services must coordinate through regional Area Planning Councils.
Is matching funds required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. The amount and type vary by application—verify current matching requirements with ICCB.
When is the deadline?
This is a rolling opportunity with no single deadline specified. Contact ICCB directly to confirm current submission windows.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. ICCB awards based on organizational capacity, past performance, regional coordination, and alignment with workforce demand.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by mapping your current adult education services to WIOA Title II requirements and Illinois workforce priorities. Misalignment is a common rejection reason.
- Document your organization's fiscal and administrative capacity with audits, financial statements, and past grant management records.
- Build strong relationships with your Area Planning Council early—regional coordination is heavily weighted in review.
- Include detailed measurable outcomes and performance metrics tied to employment, credential attainment, and earnings gains.
- Consult the ICCB Adult Education and Literacy Provider Manual before drafting your narrative to ensure compliance with state-specific requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate alignment with regional workforce demand and career pathways. Not adequately documenting organizational capacity in fiscal management and data systems. Submitting applications without formal coordination with your Area Planning Council structure.
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