State Planning Funds
🏛 Illinois Department of Transportation
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for planning agencies in Illinois that conduct transportation planning. Eligible recipients include Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and other planning agencies. Activities include transportation planning, programming, and the 3-C planning process. Funds can be used independently or as non-federal match for federal transportation planning grants.
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Program description
State funds available to planning agencies to carry out planning or match available federal transportation planning funds. State funds available to planning agencies to carry out planning or match available federal transportation planning funds. To conduct transportation planning and programming or activities that support transportation planning and programming. Non-federal match to federal funds used to conduct and support transportation planning and programming or carry out the 3-C (Continuous, Coordinated & Comprehensive) planning process through Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Beneficiaries: N/A Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 494-00-1437).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA application form
- Project/work plan
- Agency organizational information
- Budget and budget narrative
Program contact
- 👤 Mike Vanderhoof
- 📧 Mike.Vanderhoof@Illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2019 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2020 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2021 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2023 | $10,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $12,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $12,000,000 | |
| 2026 | $12,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Metropolitan Planning Organizations and other state-recognized planning agencies in Illinois. Private entities are typically not eligible.
What activities are eligible?
Transportation planning, programming, and the 3-C (Continuous, Coordinated & Comprehensive) planning process. Funds can also match federal transportation planning grants.
Is cost sharing required?
No. This grant does not require applicants to provide matching funds from other sources.
How do I apply?
Apply through the Illinois GATA system. Check the Illinois Department of Transportation website for current application details and deadlines.
What is the funding range?
Total funding pool is $12 million, but individual award amounts vary. Contact IDOT for specific funding limits per application.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the Illinois Department of Transportation early to clarify your agency's eligibility and specific funding available.
- Demonstrate how your planning activities align with statewide transportation goals and the 3-C planning process.
- If using funds as federal match, document the federal grant requirements clearly in your application.
- Build a detailed work plan showing specific planning tasks, timelines, and staffing needs.
- Track planning expenses carefully; maintain documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when agencies don't show clear connection to statewide transportation planning goals. Weak proposals lack detailed work plans with specific tasks and timelines. Inadequate documentation of how funds will support the 3-C planning process reduces competitiveness.
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