Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grant Program – Fourth Round
🏛 IFA
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Sep 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois utilities and public agencies seeking funding for clean energy planning activities. Small utilities serving areas across Illinois are eligible, including municipal utilities, cooperatives, and publicly-owned systems. The program supports feasibility studies, strategic plans, and planning documents that advance clean energy transition goals. Projects must align with Illinois climate objectives and EPA requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
In July 2024, Illinois was announced as one of the recipients of an award under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) awarded $430,251,378 to the State of Illinois to implement a variety of programs over the five-year grant period (2024-2029). The Small Utility Clean Energy Planning grants are one of these programs. In July 2024, Illinois was announced as one of the recipients of an award under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) awarded $430,251,378 to the State of Illinois to implement a variety of programs over the five-year grant period (2024-2029). The Small Utility Clean Energy Planning grants are one of these programs. Federal Assistance Listing: 66.046. Administered by the IFA via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 560-03-3643).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA required documents (check Illinois GATA Catalog)
- Project narrative and clean energy planning objectives
- Budget and cost-share documentation
- Evidence of utility board approval
- Utility profile and current energy portfolio information
Program contact
- 👤 Phelan Simkus
- 📧 climatebank@il-fa.com
- 📞 312-651-1322
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 66.046 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$499,997,415
-
$450,000,000
-
$430,251,378
-
$421,238,074
-
$396,108,225
-
$307,000,000
-
$248,937,720
-
$199,999,999
-
$199,705,797
-
$197,181,796
Top States by Funding
- CA 15 awards $562.4M
- CT 4 awards $464.0M
- IL 3 awards $434.3M
- NC 3 awards $429.2M
- PA 3 awards $400.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Small utilities in Illinois, including municipal, cooperative, and public power entities. Contact IFA for specific utility size definitions and eligibility thresholds.
What is the deadline and funding amount?
Deadline is November 13, 2026. Individual awards reach up to $200,000 from a $1.8 million total pool. Cost sharing is required.
What activities can this fund?
Clean energy planning, feasibility studies, strategic planning documents, and assessments that support utility transition to cleaner energy sources.
Is there a letter of intent required?
Check the full RFP on the IFA website or Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA 560-03-3643) for application procedures and LOI requirements.
How competitive is this funding?
Limited funding ($1.8M) supports multiple rounds. Strong applications align with state climate goals and demonstrate utility commitment to implementation.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the Illinois GATA Catalog listing (CSFA 560-03-3643) for complete eligibility and application instructions before starting.
- Clearly document how your utility's plan supports Illinois' climate pollution reduction targets and EPA priorities.
- Include evidence of utility board support and commitment to implementing recommended clean energy strategies.
- Cost sharing requirements may require matching funds; budget carefully and secure commitments early.
- Connect your planning project to concrete, measurable outcomes that show progress on clean energy goals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications that lack clear connection to state climate goals or EPA priorities under the Inflation Reduction Act. Underestimating cost-share requirements or failing to secure matching funds before submission. Weak feasibility studies that lack detail, credible data sources, or realistic implementation timelines.
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