Notices of Funding Opportunities and Awards
Featured Funding Opportunity
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | Strengthening Institutions Program FY 2026 Competition (ED-GRANT-26-025) | The purpose of SIP is to provide assistance to eligible institutions of higher education to improve their academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability in order to increase their self-sufficiency.
[From the full NOFO] Through America’s Talent Strategy, and additional initiatives like the Department of Labor’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Framework, Registered Apprenticeship goal to surpass million new active apprentices, and the prioritization of Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, this Administration has elevated workforce development and the reindustrialization of the United States as a critical education aim. We must find ways to strengthen leadership in AI and other advanced technologies, expand economic opportunity through sustained investment in American workers and industry, and reimagine how students access postsecondary education and earn a credential with real labor-market value.
This notice includes one absolute priority and four competitive preference priorities. The Absolute Priority is from Section 311(c) of the HEA.Competitive Preference Priorities 1 and 2 are from the Final Priority and Definitions—Secretary’s Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness published April 13, 2026 (91 FR 18780). Competitive Preference Priority 3 is from the Final Priority and Definitions—Secretary’s Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education, published April 13, 2026 (91 FR 18774). Competitive preference priority 4 is from 34 CFR 75.227.
Estimated Awards: 600. Total Funding: $350,000,000. Award Ceiling: $3,000,000. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Note: Previous featured opportunity from USDA is found below (May 1 2026).
Funding Opportunities
Washington, D.C. | May 28 2026 | OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Crime Programs (3+ Programs) | The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis…OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Crime[support] the development, expansion, and strengthening of victim service programs for all victims of crime throughout the United States and its territories. OVC invites proposals for projects to provide direct services to all victims of crime, including child and youth victims; victims of elder abuse, fraud, and exploitation; and other types of crime victims. Estimated Awards: 60+. Total Funding: Approx. $40,000,000. Award Ceiling: $500,000 to $1,100,000. Closing Date: June 29 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 28 2026 | FY 26 Postsecondary Student Success Grant 84.116M (ED-GRANT-26-038) | The purpose of PSSG is to improve postsecondary student outcomes, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion, by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based strategies. PSSG provides funding for the implementation and rigorous evaluation of evidence-based strategies that result in improved student outcomes. The program has two absolute priorities that correspond to varying evidence standards. This multi-tiered competition invites applicants that are in the “early phase” or “mid phase” of their evidence-based work to support students through credential attainment. Grant funding supports the evaluation, dissemination, scaling, and sustainability efforts of the activities funded under this grant. An early phase applicant must propose a strategy that at least meets the Demonstrates a Rationale standard and have a plan to complete a project evaluation that meets What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards with or without reservations. A mid phase applicant must propose a strategy that at least meets the Moderate Evidence of effectiveness standard, include a plan to scale this strategy to multiple sites and/or to a large number of students, and complete an evaluation that meets WWC standards without reservations. Estimated Awards: 9. Total Funding: $45,000,000. Award Ceiling: Estimated Range of Awards: $2,000,000-$4,000,000 for early phase and $6,000,000-$8,000,000 for mid phase for the 48-month project period. Closing Date: June 29 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) Program (ED-GRANT-26-031) | The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success Program (CEVSS) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Secretary of Education (Secretary). The purpose of the CEVSS Program is to encourage institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop model programs to support veteran student success in postsecondary education by coordinating services to address the academic, financial, physical, and social needs of veteran students. Estimated Awards: 4. Total Funding: $9,000,000. Award Ceiling: $3,000,000. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs (ED-GRANT-26-026) | Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor), is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the TRIO Training Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The purpose of the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs (Training Program) provides grants to train the staff and leadership personnel employed in, participating in, or preparing for employment in, projects funded under the Federal TRIO Programs, to improve project operation. Estimated Awards: 6. Total Funding: $4,100,000. Award Ceiling: $1,100,000. Closing Date: July 6 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program (ED-GRANT-26-036) | The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region. Estimated Awards: 300. Total Funding: $45,000,000. Award Ceiling: $2,500,000. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program (ED-GRANT-26-033) | The RDI grant program is designed to provide HBCUs and TCCUs with funds to implement transformational investments in research infrastructure, including research productivity, faculty expertise, graduate programs, physical infrastructure, human capital development, and partnerships leading to increases in external and sustained funding. Estimated Awards: 10. Total Funding: $15,000,000. Award Ceiling: $5,000,000. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | FY 2026 Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) Program (ED-GRANT-26-032) | The purpose of the Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education Program is to provide gang-involved youth with postsecondary education opportunities that will lead to certification or credentials. Estimated Awards: 4. Total Funding: $5,000,000. Award Ceiling: $1,700,000. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 21 2026 | Open Textbook Pilot Program (ED-GRANT-26-035) | The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) is soliciting applications in support of the administration of the Open Textbook Pilot Program (OTP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Secretary of Education (Secretary). The purpose of the OTP program is to support projects at eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) or State higher education agencies that create new open textbooks and expand the use of open textbooks and course materials in courses that are part of a degree-granting program, particularly those with high enrollments. This pilot program emphasizes the development of projects that demonstrate the greatest potential to achieve the highest level of savings for students through sustainable, expanded use of open textbooks in high-enrollment courses or in programs that prepare individuals for in-demand fields. Estimated Awards: 4. Total Funding: $7,000,000. Award Ceiling: $2,000,000. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Springfield, Ill. | May 19 2026 | Rural Health Transformation Program – Transforming Rural Healthcare Delivery, Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives (CSFA #478-00-3950) | The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program was designed to empower states to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Illinois’ Rural Health Transformation Program will support rural communities across the State of Illinois in improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes by transforming healthcare delivery. This program will provide funding to existing Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives to scale models that have demonstrated initial success in improving access, quality, health outcomes and/or cost effectiveness, especially in counties in central, southern and eastern Illinois. All RHT applicants must complete the Euna application. Once the completed application is received and approved, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services will collaborate with each subaward to complete the grant award process. Estimated Awards: 4. Total Funding: $8,000,000. Award Ceiling: #3,000,000. Closing Date: June 9 2026. (Editor’s note: State of Illinois is now allowing only three weeks for applications!).
Springfield, Ill. | May 19 2026 | Rural Health Transformation Program – Transforming Rural Healthcare Delivery, Hospital Transformation (478-00-3979) | This grant program utilizes federal CMS Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program funds. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to $28,191,393.00, subject to continued funding and program approval. Funding in future years is subject to CMS’s continuation, review, and award of future Rural Health Transformation funding. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Department to make an award. The total amount of funding $28,191,393.00 will be allocated equally among eligible hospitals. If all 97 eligible hospitals apply, this will result in an award amount of approximately $290,000 per hospital. HFS expects to distribute funds evenly among eligible applicants. However, if fewer eligible applicants apply than expected, HFS may increase award amounts for applicants that meet all requirements, up to the maximum allowable funding. All proposed budgets are subject to HFS review and approval and may be adjusted as needed. Estimated Awards: 97. Total Funding: $28,191,393. Award Ceiling: Not Specified (Floor = #290,000). Closing Date: June 17 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 18 2026 | Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program (DHS-25-GPD-044-00-98) | The AFG Program provides financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies (SFTAs) to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, outfit responders with compliant personal protective equipment, provide funding to retrofit or modify facilities to protect personnel from known health hazards, acquire emergency response vehicles, design and implement health, wellness and resiliency programs that prepare responders for incident response, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. Estimated Awards: 1,800. Total Funding: $291,600,000. Award Ceiling: $9,000,000. Closing Date: June 22 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 15 2026 | National Professional Development Program (DOL-OESE-34120) | The National Professional Development program (NPD) program provides grants to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education (IHEs) and public and private entities with relevant experience and capacity, in consortia with State educational agencies (SEAs) and/or local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement pre-service and in-service professional development activities intended to improve instruction for English learners (ELs) and assist education personnel working with ELs to meet high professional standards. Grants from this program may be used to support professional development opportunities designed to enhance classroom instruction for ELs and help educational staff working with these students meet high professional standards, including requirements for certification and licensure for teachers in language instruction programs or those serving ELs. Funding can also be directed toward effective pre-service or in-service training programs that improve the qualifications and skills of educational personnel involved in educating ELs, including uncertified staff and educational paraprofessionals, as well as other initiatives aimed at boosting the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders in addressing the needs of ELs. Estimated Awards: 13. Total Funding: $49,000,000. Award Ceiling: $1,000,000. Closing Date: July 14 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 15 2026 | EDU Core Research (21-588) | The EDU Core Research (ECR) program offers this ECR:Core solicitation and invites proposals for fundamental research (curiosity-driven basic research and use-inspired basic research) that contributes to the general, explanatory knowledge that underlies STEM education in one or more of the three broadly conceived Research Areas: Research on STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Research on Broadening Participation in STEM fields, and Research on STEM Workforce Development. Within this framework, the ECR program supports a wide range of fundamental STEM education research activities, aimed at learners of all groups and ages in formal and informal settings. Fundamental research generates knowledge and understanding with the potential for broad relevance. The potential implications of ECR fundamental research for improving STEM education practice may be indirect and long-term rather than direct and immediate. Moreover, whether they include basic or use-inspired basic research, all successful ECR:Core proposals focus on the advancement or refinement of foundational knowledge for STEM education. The amount of funding and duration requested in proposals submitted to the ECR:Core solicitation should align with the maturity of the proposed work and the size and scope of the empirical effort. The solicitation has three levels of funding with a range of budget sizes, and proposals may request a duration of 3 to 5 years for any level: (1)Level I proposals may request up to $500,000; (2)Level II proposals may request up to $1,500,000; (3)Level III proposals may request up to $2,500,000. All proposals should justify the level of funding and duration in the project description. Estimated Awards: Not Specified. Total Funding: $35,000,000. Award Ceiling: $2,500,000. Closing Date: October 1 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 14 2026 | NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence for Criminal Justice Purposes (O-NIJ-2025-172615) | This NOFO seeks to support research and evaluation that advances the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the criminal justice system. The goal of this NOFO is to enhance lawful decision-making and help improve its accuracy and effectiveness through AI applications supporting crime prevention, public safety, and criminal justice systems. Research should explore both the benefits and limitations of AI, addressing potential risks and downstream impacts. NIJ expects to fund studies that explore use cases in policing, corrections, courts, or other criminal justice adjacent areas to examine the suitability of using AI to solve operational problems, as well as evaluate the impacts and outcomes when integrated into criminal justice practice. Applying for this funding opportunity involves a two-stage process that begins with submission of a concept paper. Based on the merits of the concept paper, NIJ may request that the applicant submit a full proposal. Applicants should not submit a full proposal unless invited. For information on the concept paper format, please see the General Purpose of the Funding section of this NOFO. Estimated Awards: 3. Total Funding: $2,500,000. Award Ceiling: $2,500,000. Closing Date: June 15 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 11 2026 | AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (CSFA #444-80-2810) | The general purpose of the funding is to support eligible organizations that identify an unmet need in their community to be addressed by AmeriCorps members. Funded projects are expected to achieve outcomes in the areas of education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, or support for veterans for the public good. Estimated Awards: 15. Total Funding: $62,000,000. Award Ceiling: $1,000,000. Closing Date: June 12 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 13 2026 | Community Connect Grant Program (RDRUS-CC-2026) | The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the Broadband Grant Speed (100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up) to all premises in rural, economically-challenged communities where broadband service (10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up) does not exist. The deployment of broadband services on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis stimulates economic development and provides enhanced educational and health care opportunities in rural areas. RUS will give priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services, based on the criteria contained in the regulation and Application Guide. Estimated Awards: 5. Total Funding: $17,000,000. Award Ceiling: $5,000,000. Closing Date: June 29 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 11 2026 | Promise Neighborhoods (ED-GRANT-26-054) | The purpose of the Promise Neighborhoods program is to significantly improve the academic and developmental outcomes of children and youth living in the most distressed communities of the United States, including ensuring school readiness, high school graduation, and access to a community-based continuum of high-quality services. The program serves neighborhoods with high concentrations of individuals with low incomes; multiple signs of distress, which may include high rates of poverty, childhood obesity, academic challenges, and juvenile delinquency, adjudication, or incarceration; and adverse childhood experiences; and also serves schools implementing comprehensive support and improvement activities or targeted support and improvement activities under section 1111(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended (ESEA). All strategies in the continuum of solutions must be accessible to children with disabilities and English learners. Estimated Awards: 12. Total Funding: $65,000,000. Award Ceiling: Not Specified. Closing Date: August 6 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 8 2026 | BJA FY25 Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Strengthening State and Local Operations to Reduce Crime and Recidivism (O-BJA-2026-172609) | This program will support state, local, and tribal government efforts to reduce wasteful spending and inefficiencies across justice system operations and redirect that funding to target crime and other public safety and/or justice system challenges. Applicants should propose projects that address one or more urgent local justice system challenge. Applicants should use existing data and information to identify the specific challenges they will focus on and how they will refocus resources on the strategies and populations most likely to reduce crime. Jurisdictions may consider addressing challenges across the judicial system, including those related to law enforcement, prosecution, sentencing, jails and prisons, probation, and parole. Estimated Awards: 5 to 12. Total Funding: $19,000,000. Award Ceiling: $4,000,000 . Closing Date: June 3 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 7 2026 | FY 26 Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Program Competition (DOL-OESE-34066) | The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is soliciting application in support of the administration of the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The purpose of the TQP program is to improve student achievement; improve the quality of prospective and new teachers by improving teacher preparation and enhancing professional development to hold teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs) accountable for preparing teachers who meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements; and recruit highly qualified individuals into the teaching force. The TQP program also supports the use of Registered Apprenticeships as a high-quality, work-based learning pathway for preparing and credentialing new teachers based on demonstrated skill and merit, particularly in high-need schools and subject areas experiencing teacher shortages. Estimated Awards: 10. Total Funding: $70,000,000. Award Ceiling: Not Specified. Closing Date: June 23 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 7 2026 | Career Pathways Exploration Grant Program (DOL-OESE-34043) | The Career Pathways Exploration (CPE) program supports efforts to provide elementary and secondary school students with increased career exploration opportunities that allow them to develop, expand, and prioritize the skills and knowledge needed to excel in high-demand fields. To support this goal, the CPE program provides competitive grants to States to build their capacity to integrate career exploration into statewide career pathways and workforce readiness programs. The CPE program will help ensure access to opportunities that expose students to real-life workforce realities through a variety of career pathways programs that are aligned with State workforce priorities.In support of returning education to the States, ED believes this program is uniquely suited for State applicants. State applicants, as designated or endorsed by the Governors, are best positioned to coordinate K-12 career exploration initiatives that integrate education, workforce, and economic development systems. The CPE program is designed to allow Governors, in coordination with State agencies and their local educational agencies (LEAs), to align career exploration opportunities for schools with real-time labor market needs to create statewide opportunities for students to explore careers early, scale access to learning and employment records (LERs) and talent marketplaces, and align with local workforce boards and system partners so students can act on the knowledge gained in a meaningful way.State applicants are encouraged to align proposed activities with the State”s Unified or Combined Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan to ensure coherence with broader workforce development strategies and labor market priorities. Estimated Awards: 10. Total Funding: $44,000,000. Award Ceiling: $9,000,000 . Closing Date: June 9 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 4 2026 | Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative (SB-GC7J-26-001) | The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to invite proposals for funding from established organizations interested in providing innovative hands-on, in-person manufacturing training and technical assistance to eligible small manufacturing business concerns, under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Empower to Grow Program (formerly known as 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program). Estimated Awards: 10. Total Funding: $50,000,000. Award Ceiling: $5,000,000 . Closing Date: June 15 2026.
Springfield, Ill. | May 4 2026 | Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation Program (CSFA #420-75-1633) | The purpose of grants relative to the Housing Rehabilitation (HR) Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide units of general local government with funds to address housing needs of eligible low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. The program targets projects which preserve single-family, owner-occupied housing needing rehabilitation and encourage neighborhood revitalization. As this is a direct benefit activity, 100 percent of CDBG housing rehabilitation funds must benefit low-to-moderate income persons. CDBG funds can be used to rehabilitate only those homes occupied by families verified to be of low-to-moderate income. Project must rehabilitate a minimum of eight (8) homes. Estimated Awards: 18. Total Funding: $15,000,000. Award Ceiling: $800,000 . Closing Date: August 27 2026.
Springfield, Ill. | May 4 2026 | Community Development Block Grant Public Infrastructure Program (CSFA #420-75-1632) | The purpose of grants relative to the Public Infrastructure (PI) Notice of Funding Opportunity is to fund water and sanitary systems and storm sewer construction projects that alleviate public health, safety, and public welfare and help communities with substantial low to moderate-income populations. Project areas must be primarily residential1 in character. Estimated Awards: 17. Total Funding: $25,000,000. Award Ceiling: $1,500,000 . Closing Date: August 27 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 1 2026 | Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants (RUS-26-01-DLT) | [T]he DLT Program provides financial assistance to enable and improve distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas. DLT grant funds support the use of telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. These grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope.
The regulation for the DLT Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1734. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the FY 2026 DLT Grant Program Application Guide (Application Guide) and program resources. This Application Guide will be made available here and on the program website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants.
Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant’s own risk. Estimated Awards: 100. Total Funding: $27,000,000. Award Ceiling: $750,000. Closing Date: June 30 2026.
Washington, D.C. | May 1 2026 | Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Matching Grant (VITA-2027) | The IRS initiative known as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant supports IRS VITA partner organizations operating a VITA program offering free tax preparation service for the underserved taxpayer. Partner organizations, operating a VITA program, help low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, limited English speakers, Native Americans and miliary file their taxes each year. The IRS awards a matching funds grant to support these partner organizations that offer free tax preparation services during the tax filing season at locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia through their VITA program. Estimated Awards: 325. Total Funding: $46,000,000. Award Ceiling: $2,000,000 . Closing Date: May 31 2026.
Grant Awards
Springfield, Ill. | May 23 2026 | Illinois puts $2.6M into truck driver training to cut waitlists | Illinois is investing $2.6 million to expand Lincoln Land Community College’s truck driver training program, creating a new training site in Litchfield aimed at easing a backlog of students and addressing a growing shortage of commercial drivers, according to a community announcement. Gov. JB Pritzker joined officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lincoln Land Community College on May 20 to announce the state-funded expansion, which will support infrastructure design and construction for the new site. State officials said the investment is intended to boost workforce development, support local economic growth and expand access to stable, in‑demand careers across central Illinois.
Washington, D.C. | May 20 2026 | EPA Announces $295.5 Million to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water in Illinois | Today, EPA is announcing $295,551,000 in funding to protect Illinois from exposure to lead in drinking water. This investment will go directly to states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and is part of EPA’s unwavering commitment to Making America Healthy Again. This funding will go toward finding and replacing lead pipes (also known as lead service lines) that deliver water to homes. Communities can use these funds for identifying lead pipes, planning removal projects, and funding replacement of these lead service lines. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children. Each lead pipe removed and replaced delivers real, tangible human health benefits in communities across our great nation.
Chicago, Ill. | May 18 2026 | $1.7 million grant from Lollapalooza to expand CPS arts education access | A new grant tied to Lollapalooza will give arts programming in Chicago Public Schools a boost, the district and festival announced. The $1.7 million grant, revealed Sunday, is set to expand “arts education opportunities for the city’s young artists,” and marks one of the largest gifts the district has received, according to a news release. Lollapalooza’s support of CPS arts programming totals $3.9 million since 2021. The financial investments are expected to impact over 40,000 students in more than 150 CPS schools and over 40 city wards in the next half decade, the release states, and increase access to arts education overall across the district.
Chicago, Ill. | South Side visual arts organizations awarded part of $1.8 million grant from Getty Foundation | Two South Side-based visual arts organizations will receive part of a $1.8 million grant from the Los Angeles-based Getty Foundation to support Black visual arts archives, the foundation announced Wednesday. The South Side Community Art Center will receive $250,000, and the University of Chicago’s South Side Home Movie Project will receive $170,000. The two organizations, out of eight total recipients, have been recognized for their work preserving the history of Black art in the U.S.
Springfield, Ill. | Pritzker urges feds to release $1B in broadband funds to Illinois | Gov. JB Pritzker sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday, urging him to approve Illinois’ proposal for federal broadband infrastructure funds. The $1 billion proposal would connect roughly 383,000 people, mostly in rural areas, to high-speed internet. However, Illinois and California lag months behind other states in the approval process — leading to speculation that the funds have been withheld from the two blue states for political punishment or leverage. Those funds were previously allocated to states in 2023 under the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program established by the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress in 2021.
Springfield, Ill. | May 11 2026 | Illinois Awarding $2.5 Million in New Grants for Underserved Entrepreneurs | Illinois has approved more than $2 million in new grant funding to help underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses across Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that $2.5 million in new funding is now available through the second round of the Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Grant Program. The EEC is a statewide effort aimed at helping underserved entrepreneurs and communities overcome long-standing economic barriers. The grant funding will be distributed through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process, with eligible applicants able to seek awards ranging from $250,000 to $500,000.
Springfield, Ill. | May 11 2026 | Gov. Pritzker announces Safe Routes to School awards | Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi announced on Friday, May 8, that $12 million in grants had been awarded for projects that will help boost the health and safety of children by making walking, biking, and rolling to school safer and more accessible, boosting quality of life throughout the state. The popular Safe Routes to School program is funding 68 proposals by local governments and schools that range from improving neighborhood infrastructure to supporting community educational and safety programs.
Springfield, Ill. | May 6 2026 | Governor Pritzker Announces $56 Million in Available Grant Funding for Community Development Block Grant Programs | Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $56 million in funding is available for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure ($25 million), Housing Rehabilitation ($15 million), Community Revitalization ($13 million), and Emergency Assistance ($3 million). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. Eligible applicants can apply for Public Infrastructure grants from $300,000 to $1.5 million, Housing Rehabilitation grants from $300,000 to $800,000, and Community Revitalization grants from $250,000 to $2 million. Applications for both Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation grants will be accepted until August 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Applications for Community Revitalization funding will be accepted on a rolling basis once the Notice of Funding Opportunity is posted. [Note: two of four opportunities featured above.]
Springfield, Ill. | May 6 2026 | Illinois awards nearly $5M to prep McHenry County sites for growth | The City of Marengo received a $4.6 million grant to extend water and sewer infrastructure, while the City of McHenry received $120,000 for environmental assessments. The funding comes from the Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program, which aims to make industrial sites “shovel ready” for business development, according to a community announcement. The program, issued by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, awarded a total of $25.9 million to eight sites across the state. Marengo’s grant will be used to extend water and sewer infrastructure to the interchange at Interstate 90 and Illinois 23. This is the final phase of the Route 23 Utility Extension Project.
Post will be updated until the end of the month | Final update: May 31 2026.
Information is provided as a courtesy | See the original notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for application eligibility and requirements.