The Energy Transition Community Grant Program was created by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) in 2021. Prairie Rivers Network worked closely with coal communities to inform and advocate for the program. The annual grants are available to support communities in planning for or addressing the economic and social impact of a power plant or coal mine closure. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is in charge of administering the grant program.
Eligible applicants include local units of government, including municipalities, counties, school districts, and other taxing districts within 30 miles of a closed or closing power plant or coal mine. The fossil fuel power plant or nuclear power plant or coal mine must have closed or significantly reduced operation within 6 years before the application or will be closed or have operation significantly reduced within 6 years following the application. A list of eligible plants and mines is published with the Notice of Funding Opportunity each year.
2026 Grant Program Details (Coming soon. Will be updated when the NOFO drops)
- 2026 Grant Website (Phase 1 due ?/2026) Scroll to the bottom of this page to find all forms needed to submit your application.
- 2026 Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Application materials must be submitted to the Department via electronic form at this link: (coming soon)
- Grant questions can be submitted here: CEO.CEJACommTransition@illinois.gov
We have prepared the following resources to help communities prepare for and apply for the grant:
- 2025 Grant Fact Sheet (2026 Fact Sheet coming soon)
- 2026 Eligible Plant and Mines List with insights on future eligibility as well
- Phase 1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Phase 2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (coming soon)
- Energy Transition Community Grant Workshop Recordings
- Workshop 1: Phase 1 Overview Recording
- Workshop 2: Grant Planning Recording
- Workshop 3: Phase 2 Overview, (coming soon)
- Grant Application Templates can be found in this folder:
- Host Community Letter of Support Template
- Sub-Grantee Letter (only needed if there are multiple eligible entities on your application)
The following considerations are important if you are considering applying for this grant:
- An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal at the time of grant application.
- If the eligible applicant is not the host city or village for an eligible plant or coal mine, the applicant must acquire a letter of support from the host city or village. If the mine or plant is in an unincorporated area, the county becomes the “host” and issues the letters of support.
- During the Phase 1 application, DCEO allows for an “early application review window” that is 16 days before the closing of Phase 1. If you submit your materials early, DCEO will review them and provide feedback.
