Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois organizations seeking to prepare industrial sites for development across the state. Local units of government, economic development organizations, and public-private partnerships may apply. Activities supported include site planning, environmental assessment, engineering studies, and infrastructure improvements (water, sewer, electric, gas). Projects must demonstrate readiness for future industrial development and follow guidelines in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state. Input from community leaders and economic development experts has raised the need for flexible funding to support construction and infrastructure improvements to prepare sites for future development. This is the second round of the Regional Site Readiness Program and includes some minor changes from last year’s program. Intent is to invest planning and capital resources to enable more rapid and certain industrial development. Investments to better understand needs to sites across the state including planning and due diligence (engineering, environmental, concept plans, etc) and investments to shorten development time frames include infrastructure (electric, natural gas, water & sewer, etc) and other site preparation activities See NOFO for uses and restrictions Beneficiaries: Lists the beneficiaries of a program. These are NOT the subrecipients but rather the individuals receiving a benefit, where applicable. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-35-3429).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (per GATA requirements)
- Project narrative describing site readiness activities
- Cost-sharing commitment letter
- Budget detail and justification
- Site plans and engineering assessments (as applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Emily Rhodes
- 📧 CEO.Sites@Illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2025 | $42,000,000 | |
| 2026 | $30,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Generally, Illinois units of government and economic development entities. Contact DCEO for specific entity type eligibility.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 1, 2026. Check the NOFO for any final deadline updates.
What kinds of projects are funded?
Site planning, environmental assessments, infrastructure improvements, and engineering studies preparing sites for industrial use.
Is matching funds required?
Yes, cost sharing is required. The NOFO specifies the required match percentage and acceptable sources.
How much funding is available?
Total program funding is $75,000. Individual award amounts are not specified in available materials.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the NOFO carefully before applying. Program details and restrictions are outlined there.
- Document how your site project accelerates future industrial development and economic growth.
- Show clear evidence of site readiness gaps and explain how grant funds will address them.
- Prepare detailed plans for infrastructure or planning work. Vague proposals are less competitive.
- Submit match funding documentation early. Unclear or weak matching commitments weaken applications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they lack clear site readiness benchmarks or timelines for industrial attraction. Weak cost-sharing plans or underestimated match funding commitments are frequent issues. Poor alignment with DCEO's economic development priorities reduces competitiveness.
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