Rural Support
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations serving older adults in rural Illinois. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations are typically eligible. The program supports projects addressing transportation, technology access, volunteer development, and workforce training in rural areas. Geographic scope is limited to rural communities within Illinois.
This grant is for organizations serving older adults in rural Illinois. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations are typically eligible. The program supports projects addressing transportation, technology access, volunteer development, and workforce training in rural areas. Geographic scope is limited to rural communities within Illinois.
Program description
The Connecting Rural Older Illinoisans Grant opportunity directs funds to organizations to address rural area specific service issues, including transportation, technology, volunteer force development, and workforce development, that create barriers to older adults meeting their full potential. The funding opportunity utilizes state dollars. Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 402-03-3188).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations serving older adults in rural Illinois. Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations are typically eligible. The program supports projects addressing transportation, technology access, volunteer development, and workforce training in rural areas. Geographic scope is limited to rural communities within Illinois.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA application form
- Project narrative
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational documentation (IRS determination letter, audit records)
- Evidence of rural service area
Program contact
- 👤 Chuck Miller
- 📧 chuck.miller@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-558-2101
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations serving rural older adults in Illinois can apply. Check with the Illinois Department on Aging for specific organizational requirements.
What activities does this grant fund?
Funding supports transportation services, technology access programs, volunteer force development, and workforce training that remove barriers for rural older adults.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is June 25, 2026. Contact the Illinois Department on Aging for details about future cycles or rolling application periods.
How much funding is available?
Total program funding is $800,000. Individual award amounts are not specified; contact the agency for typical grant sizes.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on rural-specific barriers. Explain how your project addresses transportation, technology, or workforce gaps unique to rural areas.
- Connect to older adult outcomes. Show how your work improves quality of life and independence for seniors.
- Build partnerships with local organizations. Leverage existing relationships with other rural service providers.
- Document community needs clearly. Use local data to demonstrate why your project matters in your rural area.
- Follow state reporting requirements. The Illinois Department on Aging has specific grant administration rules through the GATA process.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail to address rural-specific barriers or lack local data demonstrating need. Unclear project timelines or weak connections between activities and older adult outcomes reduce competitiveness. Insufficient detail on how funds directly serve rural older adults.
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