Student Housing and Basic Needs Stability Project
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois public community colleges addressing student basic needs insecurity. Eligible institutions must be part of the Illinois Community College System. The grant funds development and expansion of programs serving students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or related basic needs challenges.
Programs may include emergency housing assistance, food security initiatives, or wraparound support services. Activities should directly address barriers to student persistence and success caused by housing or basic needs instability.
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Program description
This GATA-exempt grant funds a set of Illinois public community colleges to develop and expand programs that respond to the needs of students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or other basic needs insecurity associated with housing insecurity. Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form via Illinois GATA system
- Project narrative describing program and target population
- Budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of institutional commitment
- Letters of support from community partners
Program contact
- 👤 Mackenzie Montgomery
- 📧 Mackenzie.Montgomery@Illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-0123
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois public community colleges within the Illinois Community College System are eligible. Check with your institution's fiscal office or grants department about application procedures.
What types of programs does this fund?
Programs addressing student homelessness, housing insecurity, food insecurity, or other basic needs challenges tied to housing stability. Emergency assistance, case management, and support services are typical activities.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is November 6, 2026. Submit through the Illinois GATA catalog system according to the specified timeline.
How much funding is available?
Individual awards start at approximately $25,000. Total program funding is $250,000, so funding per institution depends on number of applicants and project scope.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. All eligible costs should be covered within the award amount.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Connect your program to specific student retention and completion data. Show how basic needs support reduces barriers to graduation.
- Detail partnerships with campus services (counseling, financial aid, food pantries) and community agencies providing wraparound support.
- Demonstrate how you will identify and serve students experiencing housing insecurity. Describe outreach strategies and intake processes.
- Include clear metrics on participant outcomes: retention rates, semester completion, housing stability, and academic progress.
- Budget strategically for direct student assistance and staffing. Prioritize funding for high-impact services with proven student benefit.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague program descriptions without concrete student enrollment or outcome targets. Weak evidence connecting housing stability interventions to academic success metrics. Insufficient partnerships or coordination with campus and community resources already serving students.
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