Adult Education and Literacy Basic Competitive Grant (Non- Match State Funding) APC 507
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Aug 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations delivering adult education and literacy services to adults 17 and older. Eligible applicants include public schools, community colleges, nonprofits, CBOs, libraries, and consortia that meet WIOA Title II requirements. Services support basic skills, GED preparation, English language learning, and family literacy. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal and programmatic capacity, past effectiveness, and ability to coordinate within regional Area Planning Councils. Individual participants must be 17+, not enrolled in secondary school, and either lack a high school diploma or be English language learners.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Standard federal forms (SF-424 or equivalent GATA application)
- Project narrative with program design and learning outcomes
- Budget and budget narrative justifying costs
- Evidence of past adult education effectiveness and participant data
- Organizational capacity documentation (fiscal, administrative, programmatic)
- Area Planning Council coordination plan or MOU with partners
- Workforce alignment documentation
- Compliance and regulatory certifications
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
-
$110,916,830
-
$78,217,666
-
$76,552,636
-
$74,934,815
-
$69,703,055
-
$61,525,547
-
$51,873,800
-
$51,418,967
Top States by Funding
- CA 5 awards $461.4M
- TX 5 awards $302.2M
- NY 6 awards $258.3M
- FL 4 awards $152.3M
- NJ 5 awards $93.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Public schools, community colleges, nonprofits, CBOs, libraries, and consortia are eligible. Applicants must be WIOA Title II eligible providers with demonstrated capacity to deliver adult education services.
What types of programs does this fund?
Programs supporting basic literacy, GED/diploma completion, English language learning, and family literacy. Services align with workforce pathways and regional economic needs.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, cost-sharing is required for this grant. The amount is not specified in the NOFO.
Can multiple organizations apply together?
Yes, consortia are strongly encouraged. One lead agency must take fiscal and programmatic responsibility for all partners.
What should my application emphasize?
Demonstrate past effectiveness, fiscal strength, regional coordination capacity, and alignment with workforce demand. Show how you'll serve eligible participants in your Area Planning Council.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Show clear evidence of your organization's past adult education outcomes and participant achievement data. Reviewers prioritize demonstrated track record over promises alone.
- Partner with other organizations through the Area Planning Council structure to strengthen your application. Consortia applications address regional coordination expectations.
- Align your proposed programs with local workforce needs and career pathways identified in your region. Include labor market data and employer input.
- Detail your fiscal and administrative systems, including financial management, data systems, and compliance experience with federal requirements.
- Be specific about how you'll serve English language learners and participants with basic skills deficiencies. Include staffing qualifications and instructional approaches.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations cannot document past effectiveness or fiscal stability. Applicants often underestimate the importance of regional coordination and Area Planning Council alignment. Weak workforce connections or unclear program-to-career-pathway links reduce competitiveness.
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