Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Program (CEJA)
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for community-based organizations seeking to serve as Navigator Teams supporting Illinois clean energy workforce development. Eligible applicants must partner with organizations managing Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region. Activities include outreach and recruitment to economically disadvantaged and equity-focused populations, providing information on workforce training and clean energy careers, and directing participants to business development and small business support services. The program operates statewide across Illinois and serves beneficiaries through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) framework.
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Program description
The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs. Navigator Teams will partner with organizations that manage the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program in their region to coordinate outreach and recruitment activities. Outreach and recruitment efforts will include providing information and consultation to eligible individuals on various training opportunities and supportive services available through CEJA and other statewide and local workforce development programs. Navigator Teams will support those applying for these programs and help them access Energy Transition Barrier Reduction services. They will provide guidance to these individuals on training and career opportunities in the emerging clean energy economy. The Navigator Teams will also direct individuals interested in starting or growing their business to the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator and the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Programs in their region. These programs provide services including, but not limited to, business consulting, business planning, regulatory compliance, marketing, training, accessing capital, government bid and certification assistance. Navigator Teams will also help to connect people with local Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. In coordination with the organizations that administer the Clean Jobs Workforce Network and the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region, Navigator Teams will refer individuals to local workforce innovation boards and other relevant organizations, if those individuals are not interested in the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Together with the teams that manage the Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region, Navigator Teams will engage with local employers, industry leaders, and unions to identify the skill and hiring needs of the local clean energy industry. The grant funds will support the allowable activities that are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Beneficiaries: This NOFO will support the administration of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act programs that will benefit economically disadvantaged communities, equity investment eligible communities, equity investment eligible persons, and eligible (equity focused) populations as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-30-3174).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community Health Center
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
- Application forms per GATA process
- Letters of commitment from regional Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program partners
- Organization capacity and experience documentation
- Detailed outreach and recruitment plan
- Budget and budget narrative
Program contact
- 👤 Diana Fuller
- 📧 Diana.Fuller@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2022 | $1 | |
| 2023 | $6,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $1 | |
| 2025 | $750,000 | |
| 2026 | $1 | |
| 2027 | $6,500,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Community-based organizations that can serve as Navigator Teams and partner with existing Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program administrators in their region.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is October 30, 2026, though the exact application window and any rolling acceptance dates should be confirmed with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
What activities does this grant fund?
Outreach and recruitment to eligible populations, workforce training information, career guidance in clean energy, referrals to business development programs, and coordination with local employers and unions.
What populations should we target?
The program prioritizes economically disadvantaged communities, equity investment eligible communities, equity investment eligible persons, and equity-focused populations as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
How competitive is this funding?
With $6.5 million available statewide for Navigator Teams, competitiveness will depend on your region and the number of qualified applicants. Strong local partnerships and demonstrated capacity in workforce development will be critical.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify and secure letters of commitment from Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program administrators in your target region before applying.
- Document your organization's experience with workforce development, outreach to disadvantaged populations, and community relationships.
- Clearly describe how you will coordinate with local employers, unions, and workforce boards to identify clean energy job opportunities.
- Outline specific outreach strategies for reaching economically disadvantaged and equity-focused populations in your service area.
- Detail your connections to small business development resources and procurement assistance centers you will refer participants to.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirmed partnerships with required Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Pre-apprenticeship Program administrators in your region. Failing to demonstrate meaningful access to and trust within economically disadvantaged or equity-focused communities. Underestimating the coordination and relationship-building work required across multiple workforce development partners and local employers.
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