$25.5 Million Committed by Illinois for Progressive Energy Future Grants
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has recently announced a significant boost in support for the state’s green future with an additional $25.5 million allocated to the Equitable Energy Future Grants Program. This initiative is a strategic move towards Illinois’s ambitious goal of a carbon-free future, focusing on providing essential funding to communities that have traditionally been sidelined in accessing capital for sustainable energy projects.
Underlining the urgency of addressing climate change, Governor Pritzker has declared the transition to a clean energy future as a top priority for the state. The Equitable Energy Future program stands as a cornerstone in Illinois’s comprehensive strategy to achieve this objective, ensuring that the move towards sustainable energy is inclusive and beneficial for all communities.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is at the helm of this initiative, tasked with distributing grants ranging from $250,000 to $1 million to deserving applicants. The DCEO is committed to ensuring the funds reach their intended recipients and will continue to accept applications until the entire fund is allocated. To guide potential applicants through the process, the department has scheduled technical assistance webinars on November 30 and December 14. For further assistance, applicants can contact [email protected].
DCEO Director Kristin Richards has highlighted the critical role of equity in the execution of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which the grants are designed to support. The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program opens doors for contractors who meet the equity eligibility criteria, offering them a chance to positively impact communities in need and contribute to diversifying Illinois’s clean energy landscape.
Eligibility for these grants is specifically tailored to support “equity eligible people.” This includes individuals who have experienced incarceration, those who have been in the foster care system, and residents of environmental justice communities in Illinois. Additionally, non-profits or cooperatives owned by equity-eligible individuals, as well as businesses or non-profits proposing projects that align with equity-building criteria, are encouraged to apply.
The grants are aimed at fostering renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically marginalized communities. They seek to dismantle barriers and enhance access to capital for Black and Brown contractors, ensuring their participation in the economic opportunities of the clean energy sector. This initiative is pivotal in fulfilling the promise of equitable job creation across Illinois.
For detailed information about the CEJA and the available grants, interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to visit the DCEO’s website, where they can find comprehensive resources and application guidelines.
