Partnering for Federal Funds

INNOVATE ILLINOIS COALITION

Governor Pritzker is leading a coalition, co-chaired by CEO Jenny Scanlon of UL Solutions and Chancellor Robert Jones of UIUC to aggressively pursue funding for Illinois initiatives and companies in the EV and semiconductor spaces and beyond. Find out more about Innovate Illinois.

STATE MATCH FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched a $15 million Federal Grant Support Program to assist Illinois-based businesses and organizations seeking federal grants that align with the State's economic development objectives – including growing the electric vehicle, semiconductor and renewables industries. The state-funded grant match program will encourage more Illinois-based businesses, organizations, and local governments to apply for federal grants while increasing their competitiveness by committing state dollars. Find more details about the matching grant opportunity.

"For far too long, extraordinary Illinois businesses and organizations have struggled to secure federal grants simply because they didn't have a matching funder. Today, that all changes," said Governor JB Pritzker. "In partnership with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, my administration's Federal Grant Support Program won't just help Illinois businessowners obtain federal funding, but will also advance the economic development of our entire state."

Competitive federal grants typically require a match, which is the non-federal share of the project costs that a grantee must contribute. Additionally, in cases where matching funds aren't required, applicants with matching funding often receive additional points during the competitive review processes for federal grants. The State's Federal Grant Support Program commits matching funds of up to $2 million for entities applying for federal grants that align with Illinois' economic development goals and priorities. This enables Illinois entities to meet minimum eligibility requirements for federal grants and makes them more competitive during the review process.