The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is requesting applications for its Solar Pipeline Training Program.
Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 07/01/2025
Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
Through this NOFO, DCEO is making $3 million available for eligible organizations to provide skill development, supportive services, and solar training services for qualified, traditionally underserved participants seeking employment in the clean energy industry, specifically in solar occupations.
The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) were created to stimulate job growth in the clean energy economy with investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy workforce development. The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) establishes a Solar Training Pipeline Program (Program) to develop a solar installer training pipeline for projects authorized under Section 1-56 of the Illinois Power Agency Act (20-ILCS 3855/1-56) and to establish a pool of training installers who will be able to install solar projects authorized under subsection (c) of Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act.
- The program shall be designed to ensure that entities that offer training are located in, and trainees are recruited from, the same communities that the program aims to serve and that the program provides trainees with the opportunity to obtain real-world experience.
- The program shall also be designed to assist trainees so that they can obtain applicable certifications or participate in an apprenticeship program. The program shall provide training to individuals who are or were foster children and target persons with a record who are transitioning with job training and job placement programs.
- The program shall include an incentive to facilitate an increase of hiring of qualified persons who are or were foster children and persons with a record. It is a goal of the program that at least 50% of the trainees in this program come from within environmental justice communities.
Funding Information
The total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $3,000.000.00. The anticipated funding range for grants awarded under this NOFO is from $350,000 to $1,000,000.
Grant Period
The anticipated grant commitment date for awards is September 1, 2025, and the anticipated grant award date will be approximately August 1, 2025. The period of performance is expected to be September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027, with the potential for up to a 12-month no costextension.
Eligibility Criteria
The Department will award funds to eligible organizations that demonstrate capacity to provide participants with individual development, economic, and/or career-related opportunities focused on solar energy jobs. Applicants must have a record of successfully delivering job training. In accordance with subsection (a)(1) of Section 16-108.12 of the Public Utilities Act (220 ILCS 5/16-108.12(a)(1)), the Solar Pipeline Training Program:
- Shall be designed to ensure that entities that offer training are located in, and trainees are recruited from, the same communities that the program aims to serve and that the program provides trainees with the opportunity to obtain real-world experience, and
- Shall also be designed to assist trainees so that they can obtain applicable certifications or participate in an apprenticeship program.
For more information, visit DCEO.
