Notices of Funding Opportunities Grant Deadline: October 30, 2026
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is pleased to announce the release of three Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Training Programs:
The Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program funds 14 regional Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs (Workforce Hubs) throughout Illinois to provide clean energy and related workforce and training opportunities to participants. The program serves people living in equity eligible communities, with robust barrier reduction funding available for participants who experience barriers to employment.
Community-based organizations that provide employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community are invited to apply. Eligible applicants include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments that have an operating office in the community or region they serve and demonstrate relationships with residents and other organizations serving the community.
Applications are due October 30, 2026.
The Energy Transition Navigators Program provides outreach, recruitment, and entry services for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, and other CEJA workforce and contractor programs. DCEO will provide grants to not-for-profit community-based providers (“Navigator Teams”) to conduct outreach and recruitment among eligible populations and help ensure they are aware of and engaged in statewide and local workforce and contractor development opportunities.
Applications are due October 30, 2026.
The Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program provides grants to organizations to operate three regional Pre-apprenticeship Centers throughout Illinois. The Pre-apprenticeship Centers will recruit and prescreen participants and provide free pre-apprenticeship skills training for careers in construction, the building trades, and clean energy. Upon completion, participants will be connected to and prepared to succeed in an apprenticeship program. The program aims to create a qualified and diverse pipeline of workers for clean energy careers.
Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that provide employment, skill development, or related services in the proposed regions; have established relationships with local residents and community organizations; have experience serving low-wage or low-skilled workers from economically disadvantaged communities; and have relationships with registered construction and building trade apprenticeship programs, industry contractors, or contractor associations.
Applications are due October 30, 2026.
Resources and Technical Assistance
Applicants can access technical assistance and other resources to learn more about the programs and application requirements.
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Review the August 26, 2026 NOFO Outreach Session for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and Energy Transition Navigators Program.
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Review the Cycle 1 Q&A for Applicants for answers to questions that have come up previously. An updated Cycle 2 Q&A is forthcoming after the Bidders' Conferences.
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Submit questions about the programs or application process via email to CEO.CEJA@Illinois.gov.
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If you haven’t already, sign up for the CEJA mailing list to receive updates by email.
Additional announcements and program information will be posted on the DCEO CEJA Updates & Program Status page.
DCEO looks forward to receiving your applications.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF AVAILABLE GRANTS
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF AVAILABLE GRANTS
