Adult Education and Literacy Basic Competitive Grant – WIOA Title II AEFLA
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations providing adult education and literacy services to adults age 17+ who are not enrolled in secondary school. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community colleges, community-based organizations, nonprofits, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of these entities. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity to deliver WIOA Title II services and coordinate within Area Planning Council structures. Activities support basic skills development, secondary diploma attainment, English language learning, and workforce preparation aligned with career pathways.
This grant is for organizations providing adult education and literacy services to adults age 17+ who are not enrolled in secondary school. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community colleges, community-based organizations, nonprofits, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of these entities. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity to deliver WIOA Title II services and coordinate within Area Planning Council structures. Activities support basic skills development, secondary diploma attainment, English language learning, and workforce preparation aligned with career pathways.
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. WIOA allocation includes Federal and State. 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
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Adult Learning Center
- Community College
- Library
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations providing adult education and literacy services to adults age 17+ who are not enrolled in secondary school. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies, community colleges, community-based organizations, nonprofits, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of these entities. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity to deliver WIOA Title II services and coordinate within Area Planning Council structures. Activities support basic skills development, secondary diploma attainment, English language learning, and workforce preparation aligned with career pathways.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Budget and budget narrative
- Program narrative/proposal
- Organizational fiscal and administrative capacity documentation
- Past effectiveness evidence (outcomes data, evaluation reports)
- Workforce alignment and career pathway plan
- Area Planning Council coordination memoranda (if applicable)
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?
Local educational agencies, community colleges, nonprofits, libraries, community-based organizations, and consortia can apply if they meet WIOA "eligible provider" requirements. Applicants must show fiscal and programmatic capacity to deliver adult education services.
What types of programs are funded?
Programs serving low-literacy adults, English language learners, and individuals seeking secondary diplomas or workforce credentials. Services must align with career pathways and workforce demand.
Are partnerships required?
No, but consortia and Area Planning Council partnerships are strongly encouraged. If proposing a consortium, identify a lead agency responsible for fiscal and programmatic oversight.
What is the funding pool?
Total available is $11.8 million in federal and state funds. Specific award amounts vary; contact ICCB for recent award ranges.
Is there a deadline?
This is a rolling funding opportunity with no fixed deadline specified. Check the ICCB website for application windows and updated timelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document your organization's past effectiveness in adult education. WIOA requires demonstrated results and outcomes data.
- Show how your program aligns with regional workforce demand and career pathways, not just general adult literacy.
- If applying as a consortium, establish clear roles and fiscal responsibility. Designate a fiscal agent early in the application process.
- Address how you will serve the specific target populations: low-literacy adults, English learners, and individuals pursuing secondary credentials.
- Include letters of support from Area Planning Council partners to strengthen regional coordination and demonstrate buy-in.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations can't demonstrate past program effectiveness or measurable outcomes. Weak alignment with regional workforce demand and career pathways significantly weakens competitiveness. Consortia applications often stumble on unclear fiscal responsibility and undefined partner roles.
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