Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Stretch Code Adoption Grant Application – Fourth Round
🏛 IFA
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois municipalities seeking to adopt energy efficiency codes that exceed state baseline requirements. Eligible applicants are typically cities, villages, townships, and other local government entities within Illinois. The program supports adoption of the 2023 Illinois Stretch Energy Code or the 2026 version once released. Funding helps cover costs associated with code adoption, implementation planning, and local compliance measures.
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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). Stretch Code Adoption Grants are one of these programs.
The 2023 Illinois Stretch Energy Code, established under 20 ILCS 3125/55, took effect on January 1, 2025. Illinois developed this stretch code as part of its broader efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and align with the state’s ambitious climate goals. By adopting a stretch energy code, municipalities have the opportunity to exceed the baseline statewide energy efficiency requirements. ICB anticipates the release of a 2026 Illinois Stretch Energy Code by the Capital Development Board (CDB) later this year. The 2026 Stretch Code will include changes to the target dates for the site energy index standards. Projects under this grant program may target adoption of either the 2023 Stretch Code or the 2026 Stretch Code, once released. 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). Stretch Code Adoption 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 560-03-3635).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form via Illinois GATA system
- Project narrative describing stretch code adoption plan
- Timeline for code adoption and implementation
- Community engagement or outreach strategy
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of municipal commitment or support
Program contact
- 👤 Phelan Simkus
- 📧 climatebank@il-fa.com
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
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$499,997,415
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$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 2 awards $433.3M
- NC 3 awards $429.2M
- PA 2 awards $399.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois municipalities and local government entities can apply. The grant supports communities adopting stretch energy codes beyond state baseline requirements.
What is the deadline for this round?
The deadline is December 31, 2026. This is the fourth round of Stretch Code Adoption Grants under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.
What activities does this grant fund?
Grants support adoption of the 2023 or 2026 Illinois Stretch Energy Code. Eligible activities include planning, implementation, and compliance measures to exceed statewide energy efficiency requirements.
How competitive is this grant?
Competitiveness depends on the strength of local energy plans and demonstrated commitment to climate goals. Communities with clear implementation strategies are more likely to succeed.
What is the typical award size?
Awards vary up to $1,000,000, with a total funding pool of $6,500,352 available for this round.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your application with Illinois' broader climate goals and the state's five-year Climate Pollution Reduction Grant strategy.
- Develop a clear timeline for adopting and implementing the stretch code in your municipality.
- Document existing energy efficiency efforts and explain how this grant advances your community's climate commitments.
- Include letters of support from local officials, community stakeholders, and relevant departments.
- Show how adoption will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve building performance across your jurisdiction.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague implementation plans without specific timelines or responsible parties. Applications that fail to connect local stretch code adoption to measurable greenhouse gas reductions. Underestimating the resources needed for community engagement and code enforcement.
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