Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization Program

Application Period: General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications.

Technical Assistance: Offered : Yes; Mandatory : No; Date : 06/23/2026 : 1:00 PM; Registration link : https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m3047036c04552aa45aee26098e169c5e

Apply here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/4025-4300.html

---

Application Documents

FileView.aspx

State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Commerce And Econ Opp
Agency Contact Wendy Bell (wendy.bell@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number FY27-1
Funding Opportunity Title Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization
Program
CSFA Number 420-75-4025
CSFA Popular Name CDBG Community Revitalization
Anticipated Number of Awards 20
Estimated Total Program Funding $13,000,000
Award Range $250000 - $2000000
Source of Funding Federal
Cost Sharing or Matching No
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed No
Restrictions on Indirect Costs Yes : The CFDA Number for these awards is 14.228, which exempts
the grants from the indirect cost requirements of 2 C.F.R. Part 200,
pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.l0l(d){l). Alternatively, we allow our
grantees to charge Activity Delivery up to a set amount. Activity
Delivery Costs are eligible as part of the cost of carrying out CDBG
activities authorized under 24 CFR 570.201-570.204. HUD Notice
CPD-16- 04 also covers Indirect Costs and Activity Delivery, and notes
that “activity delivery costs are those included in the costs of carrying
out an activity. This term typically refers to costs that may include both
direct and indirect components and, thus, apply more broadly than
indirect costs. Deviation has been approved.
Posted Date 06/15/2026
Application Date Range General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due
dates for applications.
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/4025-4300.html
Technical Assistance Session Offered : Yes
Mandatory : No
Date : 06/23/2026 : 1:00 PM
Registration link :
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m3047036c04552aa45a
ee26098e169c5e

---

Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Community Development Block Grant Community Revitalization
NOFO ID: 4025-4300
For information about grants please visit:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/dceo-grants.html
A. Program Description
Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing
this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for the 2026 Public Community
Revitalization Grant opportunity funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Program Description
Rural communities have a variety of unmet needs with no funding to address the challenges. This
includes blighted structures that pose a health and safety hazard, crumbling sidewalks and streetscapes
that make pedestrian traffic difficult, commercial facades with deferred maintenance, preservation of
historic structures that tell their story, and closed buildings that could be used for good purposes. CDBG
has eligible activities that provide for all of these needs, but the State of Illinois has previously not
provided the opportunity on a regular basis. Beginning with the 2025-2026 CDBG funding allocation, the
State is making specific activities available. The Department has estimated $13,000,000 in CDBG funds
will be available for the Community Revitalization (CR) component. Grant ceilings range from $250,000
to $2 million dependent upon the type of project, including allowable Activity Delivery costs of up to
$40,000 for all projects, has been established.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis after release of the Notice of Funding
Opportunity, and awarded on a first-qualified basis until all funds are exhausted. Local governments may
apply for only one demolition activity and one other revitalization activity per year
All grant funded projects must meet the following requirements:
• Only units of general local government (i.e., cities, villages, townships and counties) may apply
for funding. County and township applicants must not include areas that are incorporated within a
city or village. Incorporated areas must apply on their own behalf.
With the exception of the demolition activity, projects must be located within the
o
jurisdiction of a local government that does not receive a direct allocation of CDBG
“entitlement” funds.
The project must be for the benefit of and completed by the local government. Grant
o
funds or project oversight cannot be passed to a subrecipient.
The local government must have control of the property through ownership, long-term
o
lease (minimum 15 year lease), or a firm option to buy if grant is awarded, in which case
purchase must be completed prior to grant execution. If necessary, local government
must have Private Property Easements 100% signed.
• Grantees must follow local code enforcement procedures. This often requires:
Written Consent: If leasing the property, obtaining a voluntary agreement from the private
o
property owner.
Legal Orders: Obtaining a court-ordered demolition if the property is a public nuisance
o
and the owner does not consent.
Substandard Proof: Documenting through an official inspection that the structure is
o
vacant and dilapidated according to local building codes.

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• Project conditions must not include any of the following:
Except for demolition, located in a FEMA-floodway.
o
Has IEPA or USEPA listed site contamination other than asbestos and lead.
o
• Applications must provide written evidence that necessary, additional funding for the project is
firmly committed.
• Projects must meet an appropriate National Objective as outlined below:
Benefiting low-to-moderate income persons; or
o
Aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or
o
Meeting other community development needs that pose a serious and immediate threat
o
to the health and welfare of the community (also known as Urgent Need) .
All grant funds must relate to one of the following HUD-defined activity codes:
• 03L Sidewalk Improvements for sidewalk improvements or “Streetscapes”, including the
installation of trash receptacles, trees, benches and lighting. Regulation Citation 570.201(c)
• 04 Demolition activities that involve the clearance or demolition of buildings and
improvements. Regulation Citation 570.201(d) and not in furtherance of redevelopment.
Demolition must meet the environmental definition of Exempt-ER, box 10. The Demolition
activity will be funded with Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV)
funds until those funds are exhausted, followed by funding through the annual allocation.
Demolition is the only activity available to Entitlement Communities, and only until funding set
aside for Entitlement Communities is expended.
• 14E Rehabilitation of Commercial/Industrial rehabilitation limited to improvements to the
exterior of a commercial building, generally referred to as “Façade Improvements” Regulation
Citation 570.202
• 16B Non-residential Historic Preservation rehabilitation or renovation of a non-residential
historic building Regulation Citation 570.202(d)
• 17C Renovation/Conversion of a Closed Building rehabilitation of a commercial/industrial
building for conversion from one use to another. Regulation Citation 570.203(a)
• Activity Delivery: Includes such costs as (but are not limited to) salaries, travel costs,
services performed under third party contracts, including legal and audit services,
environmental record review preparation, additional fidelity bonding costs or other services
required for the delivery of grant activities.
The grant ceiling for this program is dependent on the activity. The matrix below indicates the activity,
grant ceiling, and applicable National Objectives,.
Activity Grant Ceiling Eligible National
Objective
Sidewalk Improvements $1,000,000 LMA, LMC, SB, URG
Rehabilitation of Publicly Owned Commercial/Industrial $1,000,000 LMA, LMH, SB, SBA,
Building URG
Non-residential Historic Preservation $1,000,000 LMA, SB, SBA, URG
Renovation/Conversion of a Closed Building $1,000,000 LMA, LMH, SB, SBA,
URG
Demolition A single commercial building: $250,000 LMA, SB, SBA, URG
Four or more adjacent commercial
buildings: $1,000,000
Large structures: $2,000,000
2

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
The following activities are specifically identified as ineligible.
• Demolition in furtherance of redevelopment. Vacant land resulting from demolition cannot be
redeveloped or sold for at least five full years following Grant closeout.
• Demolition of property that could reasonably be a candidate for rehabilitation.
• Demolition of residential or industrial structures or facilities, or parking lots.
• Construction of buildings, or portions thereof, used predominantly for the general conduct of
government (e.g., city halls, courthouses, jails, police stations).
• General government expenses. Costs of operating and maintaining public infrastructure and
services (e.g., mowing parks, replacing street light bulbs).
• Costs of operating and maintaining public infrastructure and services (e.g., mowing parks,
replacing street light bulbs).
• Servicing or refinancing of existing debt.
The following applications will be deemed “Do Not Fund” (DNF), not reviewed further nor considered for
funding:
• Applications for local governments that are not Grant Accountability and Transparency Act
(GATA) registered and pre-qualified on the GATA Portal at https://gata.illinois.gov on the
application due date.
• Applications that do not meet the Citizen Participation requirements as outlined in Section II of the
Guidebook.
• Applications that do not clearly demonstrate and document a National Objective.
• Applications that do not designate a Grant Administrator and/or include the required contract and
(if applicable) environmental form.
• Applications in which the Chief Elected Official did not sign all appropriate documents as the
Authorized Representative.
• Applications that contain forged or altered signatures or dates or in which non-CDBG forms are
used (Section I of the Guidebook)
• Applications that have the following errors in relation to the Engineer’s cost estimate:
Engineer’s cost estimate not contained in application;
o
Engineer’s cost estimate not on company letterhead without engineer’s name or not
o
dated;
Engineer’s cost estimate does not include a detailed breakdown of costs;
o
Engineer’s cost estimate more than one year old from the application due date
o
Community Development Block Grants are federally funded and must comply with extensive federal
regulations including procurement, environmental, Davis-Bacon labor standards and others. Failure to
comply could result in grant funds being repaid by the Grantee/Community. It is important that Grantees
seek out an experienced Grant Administrator to manage all the details of the grant, provide oversight and
coordination of the project. This management process is called “Activity Delivery”.
All grant administrators (is assumed the administrator is writing the grant) should attend the 2026
Community Revitalization Technical Assistance Workshop to be held virtually Tuesday, June 23rd at
10:00 am. Information concerning the workshop can be found at
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment.html
All Grantees must use an experienced Environmental specialist, who has completed at least one Illinois
CDBG Environmental Record Review since January 1, 2024 OR has successfully completed DCEO
Environmental Training conducted on July 18, 2018.
The Administrating Entity must be named in the application. Contracts for the purpose of securing
services for activity delivery and/or rehabilitation administration (Inspector) must be competitively
procured under 2 CFR 200 prior to application unless the contract is with an Intergovernmental
3

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Agreement Agency or an Inter-Entity Agreement Agency. The grantee’s procurement process must be
documented and kept with the grant files. All contracts for provision of Activity Delivery and/or
Rehabilitation Administration (Inspector) must be provided to DCEO with the application, regardless of
whether Activity Delivery is paid from grant funds or local government funds. In addition, if Activity
Delivery is procured and paid by grant funds, a completed Exempt-CENST-ER-Format form must be
included with the application.
The maximum amount of CDBG funds that may be allowed for reasonable activity delivery costs is
$40,000. Activity delivery costs above that amount must be contracted separately and not included in the
application. If paid with CDBG funds, activity delivery costs must be included in the total grant award.
Activity Delivery: Includes such costs as (but are not limited to) salaries, travel costs, services performed
under third party contracts, including legal and audit services, environmental record review preparation,
additional fidelity bonding costs or other services required for the delivery of grant activities. For Housing
Rehabilitation, Activity Delivery is to be used for administrative services necessary to the
delivery/completion of the CDBG housing rehabilitation project.
Activity delivery costs may include the estimated cost of an audit to be conducted in accordance with the
Comptroller General's Governmental Auditing Standards, and 2 CFR 200.501, if applicable. However, be
advised that CDBG funds can only be used to pay for its portion of the costs of an audit when a "single
audit" is required. If a grantee expends less than $750,000 of federal funds in one fiscal year, a single
audit is not required. The grantee may still have to conduct an annual audit as required by State statute,
but CDBG funds may not be used to pay for any portion of the audit costs. For more information on audit
standards, please see: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000A00900R.html.
All Activity Delivery costs must be substantiated with complete invoices utilizing the template provided by
the Department. Invoices without sufficient detail will not be paid.
A public hearing must be held prior to submission of an application and prior to passage of a local council
resolution of support by the local governing body.
Public Participation
• All applicants must provide for public participation. All citizens must be given reasonable access
to the community’s application and reasonable time to review the application prior to the public
hearing.
Public Notice
• A Notice of Public Hearing must be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation
at least seven calendar days (excluding the date of publication and excluding the date of the
hearing) prior to the public hearing.
• The Notice of Public Hearing must include the address of where project information is available
for viewing.
• All project information must be available for viewing on the first business day (not Saturday,
Sunday, or a holiday) after date of publication at an easily accessible location within the
community applying for the grant.
• The Public Comment Period must coincide with the time period between Notice and Hearing;
concluding after the Hearing has been completed. The address for submission of written
comments must be included in the Public Notice.
Conducting the Public Hearing
• Public Hearings must be facilitated by the applicant’s governing body chief elected official or
authorized official and certified by the chief elected official, authorized official or clerk.
4

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• Efforts must be made to assure reasonable access to the public hearing by persons with
disabilities; as well as be conducted in a manner to meet the needs of non-English speaking
residents where a significant number of non-English speaking residents can reasonably be
expected to participate.
• Those attending the public hearing must be informed of where and how to access the applicant's
CDBG records.
• The Hearing must allow for public comments on the application and project.
• A sign-in sheet must be provided to document attendance. It is suggested that each person
attending the public hearing provide his address and identify his role of participation (e.g., citizen,
elected or appointed official, municipal employee, contractor, grant writer or administrator,
business owner, etc.).
• The public hearing must cover:
The amount of funds available;
o
The project activities that will be undertaken with CDBG funding, including amount;
o
The project activities that will be undertaken with additional project funding, including
o
amount;
The estimated amount proposed for activities that will benefit LMI individuals;
o
Plans for minimizing displacement as a result of the CDBG grant-assisted activities and
o
to assist persons actually displaced, if applicable;
A detailed, prioritized list of community development and housing needs; and
o
A narrative discussion of the scope of the project including the proposed improvements,
o
costs, benefit area, impact on community finances, etc.
• The minutes of the public hearing must be certified by the chief elected official or other authorized
local officials, such as county clerk, city clerk, etc.
• Following the Public Hearing, a Resolution of Support from the local governing body must be
passed that authorizes the local government to apply for funds. The date of the Resolution must
be on or after the date of the Public Hearing.
If the publication guideline or public hearing requirements are not met, the application will not be reviewed
further nor considered for funding.
Program History
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program was established by the federal Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (Act). Administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), the Act combined eight existing categorical programs into a single block
grant program. In 1981, Congress amended the Act to allow states to directly administer the block grant
for small cities. At the designation of the Governor, the Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity (Department) assumed operation of the State of Illinois CDBG – Small Cities Program in the
same year. Through this program, funds are available to assist Illinois communities to meet their greatest
economic and community development needs, with an emphasis on helping persons of low-to-moderate
income.
Performance Goals and Measures
To ensure that the State-administered program meets the intent of the federal Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974, as amended, Congress has required that state-administered programs meet at
least one of the following three national objectives:
• Benefiting low-to-moderate income (LMI) persons; or
• Aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or
• Meeting other community development needs that pose a serious and immediate threat to the
health and welfare of the community.
To complement these federally-mandated objectives, the State has established the following specific
objectives for the CDBG Program:
5

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• Strengthen community economic development through the creation of jobs, stimulation of private
investment and strengthening the tax base;
• Improve public infrastructure and eliminate conditions which are detrimental to health, safety and
public welfare; and
• Conserve and expand the State's housing stock in order to provide a decent home and a suitable
living environment for persons of low-to-moderate income and the developmentally disabled.
Other Information
All application information and forms for Community Development Block Grant funded programs can be
found in the 2026 CDBG Guidebook, available on the website at:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment.html
The sections relevant to the Community Revitalization Program can also be found as Appendix A to this
NOFO.
B. Funding Information
This grant program is utilizing federal pass-through funds appropriated by by the General Assembly.
Community Development Block Grant funds are authorized by Congress on an annual basis and
allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to States and Entitlement
programs. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $13,000,000 from the
2025 and 2026 CDBG allocation, along with the remaining CDBG-CV funds provided through the CARES
Act. Awards will range from $250,000 to $2,000,000 . The Department expects to make 20 awards
through this NOFO.
The period of performance is expected to be begin approximately 90 days after issuance of a Notice of
State Award Finalist (NOSAF). A NOSAF outlines the special grant conditions, including the federal
environmental process, which must be completed prior to grant agreement. The period of performance is
expected to be two years from the grant execution.
Allowed costs relate to construction and contractual line items. This is a reimbursement grant. All
expenses must be substantiated with invoices, cancelled checks and bank statements. See Program
Description for details on specific allowable and unallowable costs.
Agreement(s) and budget(s) with subrecipients and subcontractors must be on file with DCEO.
Agreements can be submitted to DCEO when available. Subcontractors and subrecipients are subject to
all applicable provisions of the Agreement(s) executed between DCEO and the grantee. The successful
applicant shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of its subrecipient(s) and/or subcontractor(s).
Pre-award costs are not reimbursable.
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Department to make an award.
C. Eligibility Information
An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal,
https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity:
• Has a valid FEIN number (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-
employed/get-an-employer-identification-number)
• Has a current SAM.gov registration (https://sam.gov). SAM.gov registrations must be marked as
“public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information;
6

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• Has a valid UEI number (https://sam.gov)
• Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List (verified at https://sam.gov)
• Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable
(https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/corp.html)
• Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list (verified once entity is registered in GATA Grantee Portal);
and
• Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list
(https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/oig/Pages/SanctionsList.aspx)
Entities on the Illinois Stop Payment List and/or the Federal Excluded Parties List at time of application
submission will not be considered for an award.
An automated email notification to the entity alerts them of “qualified” status or informs how to remediate
a negative verification (e.g., not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and
Suspended status cannot be remediated.
At this time, federal memo M-21-20 allows entities to apply for grant awards without a valid UEI number.
The UEI number must be obtained prior to grant execution. The State of Illinois has adopted this
guidance for the issuance of state awards also.
Pursuant to the policy of the Illinois Office of the Comptroller, to receive grant funds from the State of
Illinois, a grantee must be considered a regarded entity by the IRS for federal income tax purposes.
Disregarded entities will not be eligible to receive grant funds.
1. Eligible Applicants include:
With the exception of the demolition activity, only units of general local government (i.e., cities,
villages, townships and counties) may apply for Community Revitalization funding. County and
township applicants must not include areas that are incorporated within a city or village.
Incorporated areas must apply on their own behalf, regardless of whether a water district or
sanitary district is involved. Only units of local government recognized by the Illinois Constitution
and able to support economic development activities on a sufficient scale are eligible to apply for
Economic Development grant funding. This includes cities, villages, and counties.
Local governments are limited in the number of applications which may be submitted and
awarded in a program year. Units of local government may submit one demolition application
and one other Revitalization activity application per calendar year. Applications that further a
project in progress, whether funded with or without CDBG funds, will not be accepted. Local
governments that have forfeited an award or had their grant de-obligated for any reason will not
be eligible to apply for three program years.
All applicants must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act system
(GATA) and be prequalified on the GATA Portal at https://gata.illinois.gov on the application due
date. Applications submitted by communities who are not prequalified will not be considered for
review. For more information on GATA Prequalification and other Grantee resources, visit
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/learning-library.html.
Municipalities must not be a HUD direct Entitlement community or be located in an urban county
that receives "entitlement" funds. Communities receiving an annual allocation directly from HUD
on an entitlement (formula) basis are not eligible to apply for the State’s CDBG funding. In 2023,
Illinois has 33 metropolitan cities and eight urban coutnies names as Entitlements. This includes
the Counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, St. Clair and Will; and the Cities
or Villages of Arlington Heights, Aurora, Berwyn, Bloomington, Champaign, Chicago, Cicero,
Danville, Decatur, DeKalb, DesPlaines, Elgin, Evanston, Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Kankakee,
7

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Moline, Mount Prospect, Naperville, Normal, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Palatine, Pekin, Peoria,
Rantoul, Rockford, Rock Island, Schaumburg, Skokie, Springfield, Urbana, Waukegan.
The Department complies with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations
pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including,
but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works
Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of
1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age
Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
2. Cost Sharing or Matching.
Cost sharing is not required, however up to 10 points may be added to the score when
communities contribute other funding toward the completion of the proposed project.
Applications must provide written evidence that necessary, additional funding for the project is
firmly committed. If proper documentation is not provided, points will not be assessed. Unless
otherwise directed by DCEO staff, if other funds are committed and the grant awarded, additional
funding must be spent on a 1:1 ratio with grant funds until either the grant funding, or match is
exhausted.
Applicants are strongly cautioned to investigate all funding sources and make a firm decision as
to the source prior to submitting a CDBG application. Documentation necessary to provide
evidence of additional funding includes:
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds can be utilized by local governments for
improvements in water and sewer infrastructure. The applicant’s council or board
resolution committing a specific dollar amount of ARPA funds to the project must be
included.
• A current firm commitment letter from a FINANCIAL INSTITUTION must include:
language which indicates that the loan will be approved and that the institution will lend
subject to certain conditions; the specific dollar amount of the loan; the specific term of
the loan (not to exceed 10 years, and no balloon or adjustable rate language); and the
projected interest rate of the loan. The date of the commitment letter cannot be more
than 12 months prior to application date.
• For projects which intend to secure bonds through the ILLINOIS FINANCE AUTHORITY
(IFA), a copy of the Preliminary Resolution issued by IFA to indicate approval of the
community’s application for bond funds must be submitted.
• A firm commitment of funding from the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RD) must include all pages of an approved
Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds.” Loan and grant funds are available
with loans up to 38 years with interest rates generally 5 percent or lower.
• Units of Local Government proposing to use local sources (cash-on-hand, bonds, in-kind
labor, or on behalf of utilities), must submit the following documentation, per source:
LOCAL CASH ON HAND – The applicant’s council or board resolution that
o
committed a specific dollar amount to the project, which identifies where the
monies will be paid or received from, must be included.
ISSUE REVENUE OR GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS – The applicant’s
o
council or board resolution approving the intent to issue bonds and specify a
dollar amount.
IN-KIND LABOR - the application must include 1) a “schedule” which details the
o
activities to be completed by its employees, their titles, qualifications, hourly
wages, and the projected number of hours needed to complete the activity to
8

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
calculate the value of the in-kind labor; and 2) the applicant’s Resolution
Committing In-Kind Labor identifying the activities and value of the labor.
• For Applicants identifying IL CAPITAL PROJECTS as the fund source, an internal review
will be conducted by the Department to verify that the project is fully-approved; including
an executed Grant Agreement; all conditions have been met; final Business Enterprise
Program clearance has been obtained (if applicable); and that the initial sanctioned-
percentage of funds has been disbursed.
3. Indirect Cost Rate.
This grant will not compensate for indirect costs.
4. Freedom of Information Act/Confidential Information.
Applications and accompanying materials are subject to disclosure in response to requests
received under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). Information
that could be proprietary, privileged, or confidential commercial or financial information should be
clearly identified as such in the application materials. The Department will maintain the
confidentiality of that information only to the extent permitted by law.
5. Other, if applicable.
The following requirements and disclaimers apply to all applications submitted for consideration
under the CDBG Program.
• Costs previously incurred (such as design) as well as costs incurred in preparation of
applications and local income surveys are not reimbursable under this grant program.
• The Department reserves the right to reject any or all applications received and/or
negotiate or cancel in part or in entirety grants resulting from application awards if it is in
the Department’s best interest to do so.
• The Department reserves the right to withdraw a commitment for CDBG funds
when special grant conditions have not been satisfied within 90 days after the
o
date of the Notice of State Award Finalist,
when the Federal wage rate request has not been received within 6 months of
o
Grant Execution for projects requiring Federal labor standards
when the Notice of Contract Award and initial Davis-Bacon Federal labor
o
standards documentation ha have not been received within 9 months of Grant
Execution,
or at the discretion of the Department if it is determined the project will not
o
progress.
• The Department reserves the right to establish the amount of grant funds awarded, raise
the individual grant ceilings, and to shift funds from one CDBG component funding area
to another. The Department further reserves the right to award funds to the next highest
rated applicant(s) for any component should funds become available due to de-
obligations, etc.
• The Department reserves the right to deny funding when submitted applications involve
eligible units of government with serious unresolved monitoring or audit findings related
to performance. Additionally,
An application will be considered “Do Not Fund” if at the time of application, the
o
applicant has an overdue audit.
Funding will be withdrawn for any awardee that has not completed required
o
audits and has been FEIN locked subsequent to the award but prior to grant
agreement execution.
9

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Funding will be withdrawn for any awardee that has not completed required
o
audits and has been FEIN locked for 6 months or more after grant agreement
execution.
• On an annual basis, the Department will re-evaluate the timely distribution of funds under
all program components, as well as the availability of unspent and recaptured funds.
Unspent and recaptured funds will be awarded to fund additional CDBG-eligible projects.
Depending upon available funds, a Back-up Funding round may be implemented later in
the program year.
• The Department reserves the right to not fund applications that address problems which
obviously are a result of deferred maintenance.
• The Department reserves the right to consider an outside technical review by an
appropriate agency or agencies. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the
Illinois Department of Public Health, and/or USDA Rural Development may be asked to
review public infrastructure projects involving water or sewer activities.
• Any additional non-CDBG resources must be firmly committed and included in the
application. Changes to the source of additional funds after the application will not be
accepted. It must also be evident in the application that both CDBG and non-CDBG
funds will address the same need.
• Proposed projects (including the fund source, cost estimates, benefit, urgency, project
area, and/or construction activities) supplied in the grant application submitted for funding
must not be changed or modified prior to grant award or at the time the project is bid. If
extenuating circumstances exist, the Grantee may submit a modification request after the
receipt of its executed Grant Agreement.
• A grant agreement will be issued for a contract period of twenty-four months for Public
Infrastructure, Housing Rehabilitation and Community Revitalization grants. All projects
must be operational at the end of the twenty-four-month grant term. No more than one
twelve-month extension may be considered.
• Requests for Modifications must be presented to the Department prior to any changes
being made to the project area, beneficiaries, cost estimates, or funded activities. All
modifications must include only original and environmentally-cleared project location(s).
Requests for activities outside the original project location(s) will not be considered.
Modifications that will decrease the benefit to low-to-moderate income persons will not be
considered. Modifications to decrease or increase the scope of work due to greater than
or less than estimated costs will not be considered.
• The use of in-kind services as additional funding is limited. Applicants must identify the
specific tasks/services that will be performed or provided. Each task/service must be
quantified by outlining the number of personnel assigned to the task and current payroll
status; number of hours; and the hourly rate. Additionally, the qualifications of each
individual to perform the assigned task/service (e.g., construction inspection) must be
provided. If in-kind services are being utilized, a local council resolution must be included
in the application.
• Local governments may not assess any fees against property "occupied" by eligible low-
to-moderate income persons. The most common type of assessment is a connection
fee, which is a one-time charge made as a condition of access to an improvement --
normally a sanitary sewage collection or water distribution system.
• With the exception of the Exempt-CENST-ER-Format form, and only if CDBG funded
Activity Delivery and/or Rehabilitation Administration is budgeted, no environmental
review activities can take place until the applicant has received the Notice of State Award
Finalist. Once this Notice is received, only then may the grantee initiate required
environmental clearance requests with the four State environmental clearance agencies
and federal environmental sources, in accordance with Federal NEPA requirements and
State law. DO NOT reuse State environmental clearance letters previously obtained for
another funding source. In certain circumstances, the CDBG Community Revitalization
Program Manager may allow a community to begin the Environmental review early only
for Economic Development projects.
10

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• In accordance with the Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989, an applicant whose
proposed project site is located on or within 250 feet of a wetland site listed on the
National Wetlands Inventory will be required to comply with the requirements of the Act.
This includes: developing a plan to minimize adverse impacts on wetlands, or providing
written evidence that the proposed project will not have an adverse impact on a wetland.
Project must also comply with Federal Wetlands Protection regulations at 24-CFR
58.5(b)(2) and Executive Order 11990, which may require preparation of an Eight-Step
Wetlands Review.
• A FEMA issued Floodplain Map must be included in the application. You can obtain this
map by calling FEMA at 1(800) 358-9616 or by using their website:
https://msc.fema.gov. Exact project location(s) must be clearly drawn on the FEMA map
prior to submission. The most current version available on https://msc.fema.gov must be
used.
• CDBG grant funds may not be used for any activity in an area delineated as a special
flood hazard area in FEMA's most current flood advisory maps unless it also ensures that
the action is designed or modified to minimize harm to or within the floodplain in
accordance with Executive Order 11988, 24 CFR 55, and (eff. 6/24/24) HUD Federal
Flood Risk Management Standard "(FFRMS). In accordance with 24 CFR 55, CDBG
grant funds must not be committed in a FEMA-designated floodway, unless the project is
a functionally dependent use of the floodway, as approved by the Department ahead of
time, Under HUD FFRMS, CDBG assistance committed for any Critical Action (e.g., for
PI, water or sewer plant, or water tower) in a FFRMS flood plain must be mitigated
through elevation.
Communities receiving an annual allocation directly from HUD on an entitlement (formula) basis
are not eligible to apply for the State’s CDBG funding per U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development regulations with the exception of the Demolition activity in the Community
Revitalization Program. Funds available for Entitlements are limited to those remaining CDBG-
CV funds appropriated statewide.
Applicants may submit one demolition activity application and one other revitalization activity
application per year.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package.
Grant application forms are available at the web link provided in the “Grant Application Link” field
of this announcement or by contacting the Program Manager:
Office of Community Development
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
1011 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62704
Tele: 217-558-4222
Email: ceo.ocd@illinois.gov
2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
A standard application package must be submitted to and reviewed by DCEO. Each package
must contain the following items:
Uniform Grant Application in fillable PDF format.
☐
 Signature page must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
11

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Can be signed digitally
o
Uniform Budget utilizing the template provided by DCEO for this project.
☐
 The entire Excel document with all the tabs included, even if the tabs are not
relevant to the grant opportunity, must be submitted.
 Do not send a restricted version of the Uniform Budget.
 Certification page must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
☐
 Conflict of Interest Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before
submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
Mandatory Disclosure.
☐
 Mandatory Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before
submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
This Notice of Funding Opportunity also requires the submission of the following other
programmatic specific items as part of the program application:
NARRATIVE RESPONSES
All applications must include the following narrative responses as well as the requested
documentation. See the Application Checklist contained in Appendix A for placement of the
information in the application.
• Letter of Transmittal –
must be on applicant’s official letterhead,
o
dated,
o
include the amount requested,
o
the eligible activity,
o
a brief project description,
o
the National Objective the project qualifies under,
o
additional funding amount and source (if applicable)
o
• Project Summary – should consist of a narrative covering all key points of the proposed
project to be funded, in part or in full, with CDBG grant funds. This summary should
include the following:
Describe the project:
o
 What National Objective is being met with this project?
 Does this project qualify for a low-to-moderate income National
Objective? If so, provide LMISD Printout
 If Slum/Blight National Objective is being used, note if it is area-wide or
on a spot basis. Describe the current condition of the property. Include
color photographs of the condition and when applicable, statutory or
regulatory violation notices and building inspection reports.
If utilized on an area-wide basis:
o
 A description of the conditions which qualifies the project as slum/blight
 A description of the activity showing how it addressed a condition which
led to the decline of the area
 Inclusion of a pre-rehabilitation inspection report describing the
deficiencies in each structure
 Details and scope of the CDBG-assisted rehabilitation, by structure
 A copy of the Slum/Blight Designation
12

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
If utilized on a spot basis:
o
 How the building qualifies under the grantee’s definition of “substandard”
 Inclusion of a pre-rehabilitation inspection report describing the
deficiencies in each structure to be rehabilitated
 A description of the activity showing how it addressed a condition which
led to the decline of the area.
If National Objective is Urgent Need, address what occurred to create the need.
o
 What is the eligible CDBG Activity for this project?
 Describe the project area, including legal boundaries.
 Describe previous efforts to address the need for this activity.
 Why is the project necessary?
 Is there a threat to health and safety begin addressed, and if so, how
long has the problem existed? Include any relevant documentation.
 What are the specific activities/steps to completion included in the project
and at what locations will they occur and why?
Is this project part of a downtown or other revitalization plan? Describe the plan.
o
Describe the scope of any other activities planned or ongoing which will support
the proposed project.
What Community Benefit does the project provide? Does it create housing, jobs,
o
opportunities for business, provide a safer environment?
Describe the Community’s view of this project. Are they supportive; are there
o
objections and if so, why?
Is this project located in a historic downtown or a National, State, or Local
o
designated historic district? If a historic district, please identify the designation.
If a historic building, how does project preserve the historic character of the
o
building and (if applicable) area? Will this project follow the Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation? If not, why?
Does this project create, enhance or preserve a tourism destination? If so,
o
describe how.
• Project Readiness Summary - Each application must demonstrate that the proposed
project is appropriate and achievable and that all actions have been completed to ensure
timely implementation of the project. Each item below MUST be SPECIFICALLY
addressed.
Property Ownership/Option To Purchase - Identify the ownership of any property
o
needed to complete the project. Applicant must own the property or agreements
must be in place and included as documentation in the grant application.
Code Violation(s) – Note any code violations that this project addresses and
o
describe the current condition(s). If there are no code violations, please indicate
in the Summary.
Right-of-Way - The community must have full control of the right-of-way either by
o
having 100 percent of the necessary private property easements signed or a
right-of-way docket.
Status of written permission from railroad(s), county highway commissioners,
o
IDOT, etc. to proceed with any railroad and/or road borings that are proposed; If
written permissions are not necessary for the completion of the project, an
explanation is required.
Note any other permits, licenses or documentation that must be completed
o
before the project can begin, and the status of each.
Additional funding commitment(s) – Address all additional funding commitments,
o
in narrative form. If no additional funds will be committed, an explanation is
required;
Justification of the local government's need for CDBG assistance in relation to its
o
overall financial capability, including discussion of outstanding indebtedness.
13

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
INCLUSIONS
• Project Maps - The following maps must be included in the application submission.
Please place maps larger than 8.5 x 11 inches at the back of the application,
o
number them accordingly as to where they are located, and state those later
page #’s on the map’s “Page Number” field of the Application Submission
Checklist.
A project location map must be included in the application. It is expected to be
o
sufficiently detailed to show the following information: 1) specific boundaries of
the project area; 2) relationship to key areas of the community (downtown and/or
major retail areas, local government facilities, schools, railroads, highways,
interstates, and corporate limits. The project map must be suitable for
reproduction and shall not exceed the page size of 11 x 17 inches. (Applicants
may also submit blueprints or larger project maps as a supplement to their
submission, if they deem necessary in order to show project details sufficiently.)
A FEMA issued Floodplain map must be included in the application. You can
o
obtain this map by calling FEMA at 1(800) 358-9616 or by using the website
https://msc.fema.gov. The exact project location must be clearly drawn on the
FEMA map included in the application.
• Architect or Engineer’s Cost Estimate (See Submission Checklist in Section III, Part K for
placement.) Please keep in mind that it may be longer than one year from the time of
application before the project is bid, and current costs might not be accurate at that time.
Be certain to adjust costs based on estimated inflation. If it is difficult to make
adjustments to individual project components, you may include an “Inflation Adjustment”
line with an amount up to 10% of the total of current project construction costs.
Must be on company letterhead, include the date of the estimate and the
o
engineer or architect’s name.
Must be less than one year old from the date the application is due.
o
Must include a detailed breakdown of costs that match the costs contained on
o
the CDBG GATA budget.
DO NOT include any costs not pertinent to the project or miscellaneous.
o
• Fair Housing Resolution – All applicants are required to pass a Fair Housing Resolution
to affirmatively further fair housing; post Fair Housing Posters; and make HUD Fair
Housing Complaint forms available to the public. A copy of the Fair Housing Resolution
must be submitted with the application.
• IRS Certification Letter
Include in the application “Letter 147c” or “Letter 4158c” provided by the IRS to
o
verify the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Federal Employer
Identification Number (FEIN) for the applicant. If you do not have a current
(dated within five years) copy of an IRS certification letter on file, please call the
IRS Business line, 1-800-829-0115, to request a “Letter 147C”, or call 1-877-829-
5500 to request a "Letter 4158c.” Only the applicant is authorized to request a
copy of this letter.
• W-9 Form
Include a completed W-9 form. The name of the entity must exactly match the
o
name indicated on the IRS certification letter, and the W-9 must be the most
current issued (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf).
Please note there is a maximum upload of 10 documents in the web form that you submit the
application, so combining files may be necessary.
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM).
14

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is
exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by
the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)) is required to:
(i) Be registered in SAM. To establish a SAM registration, go to https://sam.gov and/or utilize
this instructional link: How to Register in SAM from the gata.illinois.gov Resource Library
tab. SAM.gov registrations must be “public.”
(ii) Provide a valid UEI number in the GATA Grantee Portal registration.
(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan
under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. The State awarding agency may
not make a Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a
Federal pass-through or State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the
applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that
determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State award to another
applicant.
4. Submission Dates and Times.
Applications for this opportunity may be submitted at any time after the NOFO posting until all
funds are exhausted.
PACKAGING YOUR APPLICATION
All grant application materials must be:
• Typed (except for signatures and maps)
• Clipped together with a large binder clip on the top.
• Any oversize pages such as maps should be placed at the end of the application. State
those later page #’s for oversized pages in the related item’s “Page Number” field on the
Application Submission Checklist page.
• Contained in two brown legal-size (will accommodate 8½” x 14” papers), open-top (no
foldovers with cords or ties) expandable folders (one marked “original,” and one marked
“copy”)
• Brown legal size folders are to be labeled with a 2”x 4” white label, placed in the top right-
hand corner of the folder with the following information:
Name of Applicant
o
2026 Public Infrastructure
o
Original or Copy
o
For Example:
VILLAGE OF ABRACADABRA
2026 Public Infrastructure
Original
DO NOT USE: dividers, staples, binders, folders or other methods of containment.
Submit the original and one complete copy. Be certain if there are documents in color in the
original, that the copies are in color also!
15

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above
requirements. Failure to meet the application deadline may result in the Department returning
application without review or may preclude the Department from making the award.
5. Intergovernmental Review, if applicable.
The Department reserves the right to consider an outside technical review by an appropriate
agency or agencies. The State Historic Preservation Officer, the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and/or USDA Rural Development or
others may be asked to review or provide input on activities.
6. Funding Restrictions.
This opportunity does not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Other restrictions can be
found in Sections A., B., and C.
7. Other Submission Requirements.
Documents stored in Google Docs or other cloud-based servers are not allowed.
The applicant can receive a copy of their submitted application by checking the “Send me a copy
of my responses” box at the bottom of the application submission form.
Applicants may confirm receipt of the application and documents by contacting the program
contact listed in this NOFO.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria.
SCORING CRITERIA
• Opportunity Zones: 3 points will be allocated for Projects located in an Opportunity Zone.
Illinois has 327 designated opportunity zones, all of which are low-income communities.
To further encourage the investment in and vitality of these communities, three (3) points
will be given to applicant communities with projects located within opportunity zones. For
more information on Opportunity Zones, please see: https://dceo.illinois.gov/oppzn.html
• DCEO Underserved Area: 2 points will be allocated for Projects located in a DCEO
Underserved Area. An “underserved area” is a census tract which meets one of the
following four tests:
Poverty rate of at least 20%; or
o
35% or more of the families with children in the area are living below 130% of the
o
poverty line, according to the latest American Community Survey; or
At least 20% of the households in the area receive assistance under the
o
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or
Average unemployment rate that is more than 120% of the national
o
unemployment average, for a period of at least two (2) consecutive calendar
years preceding the date of the applications
Applicant communities with projects located within a designated underserved
o
area will receive two (2) points. For more ‘information and to identify an
underserved area, please see:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/expandrelocate/incentives/underservedareas.html
• Project Impact/Per Capita Cost: In order to maximize the number of beneficiaries, points
will be assigned according to the grant funds requested per person served. A maximum
16

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
of five points will be assigned to projects requesting $1,000 or less per person served.
No points will be assigned to projects requesting $5,000 or more per person. Points
will be assigned as follows:
Per Capita Cost Points
$0 - $ 999.99 .……. 5
$1,000.00 - $1,999.99 .……. 4
$2,000.00 - $2,999.99 .……. 3
$3,000.00 - $3,999.99 .……. 2
$4,000.00 - $4,999.99 .……. 1
$5,000.00 Plus .……. 0
• Condition of Project Location: The degree to which present conditions affect public health
and safety, and the severity and immediacy of the problem must be demonstrated in the
Project Summary documentation. Points will be allocated on the following criteria:
10 points: Project is Urgent; Building is in imminent risk of collapse
8 points: Property is considered unsafe and not able to be utilized
6 points: Property exhibits physical signs of blight or decay but can be utilized
4 points: Property is in need of repairs but physically sound
2 points: Property has been vandalized but is not significantly blighted
0 points: Project is a good idea but not necessary at this time
• Inclusion in a Community Plan: Revitalization projects are generally more successful
when they are part of a carefully thought out Plan with input from community
stakeholders. Points will be allocated on the following criteria:
5 points: Community has a Revitalization Plan that is at least 2 years old and the
Project is identified in the plan. Documentation must include the Plan’s initial Executive
Summary and the page(s) indicating the Project is a part of the Plan.
3 points: Community does not have a Revitalization Plan but has identified this
Project as a priority. Documentation should include at least one of the following: Local
Government Meeting Minutes, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, Ordinances or
Proclamations referencing the Project, Press stories.
• Community Benefit: Up to 5 points will be allocated for a thoughtful description of how
the Project will benefit the Community as described in the Project Summary.
• Community Support: Provide evidence of community enthusiasm for this Project through
letters of support from organizations, businesses, and residents. Do not use form letters.
Each letter should be personalized. Do not send letters of support from elected officials;
they will not be included in the total number of letters received for points.
3 points: At least 15 letters total including organizations, businesses, and
residents
2 points: At least 10 letters total including organizations, businesses, and
residents
1 point: At least 5 letters total
• Project is located in a designated historic district, downtown, or is a historic Landmark:
5 points: Project is located in a designated historic district. Documentation must include
the name of the District, when it was instituted, street boundaries of the District, and District
Map. If the Project is a building, must include property information sheet indicating if the
property is considered significant, contributing, or non-contributing.
3 points: Project is a property established as a National, State, or Local historic Landmark.
Provide documentation of this designation. Designation must be at least one year old.
Ensure documentation describes why the property is a Landmark.
1 point: Project is located in the generally accepted boundaries of Downtown.
• Project preserves the historic character of the building or area:
17

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
3 points: Project is designed to meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
2 points: Project is designed to blend with the historic character of the building or
area
• Project creates, enhances or preserves a tourism destination: Up to 3 points will be
allocated for a project with ties to tourism. Documentation must include information on
the tourism destination, how/why the project ties into the destination, and how the
destination is marketed.
• Project eliminates slum and blight: Up to 3 points will be allocated for a project that
eliminates slum and blight. Documentation must identify if the slum and blight is on an
area basis or spot basis, include a minimum of 5 color pictures (pictures must be dated
within the last year and be described), describe how the slum and blight will be
addressed and what the result will be.
• Project addresses code violation(s): Up to 3 points will be allocated for a project that
addresses code violations. Documentation must identify what the violation is and cite the
reference, and address how the violation will be resolved.
• Additional Funding: Additional points will be assessed for applicants contributing other
funding toward the completion of the proposed project. A maximum of 5 points will be
assigned to projects contributing 80% or more of the total project costs. No points will be
assigned to projects contributing less than 10% of the total project costs. The breakout is
as follows:
5 points - 80% or more of project cost contributed
4 points – 60.0 – 79.9% of project cost contributed
3 points - 40 – 59.9% of project cost contributed
2 points - 20 – 39.9% of project cost contributed
1 point - 10 – 19.9% of project cost contributed
0 points - Less than 10% of project cost contributed
No points will be assessed if the funding is not firmly committed. other factors). If cost
sharing will not be considered in the evaluation, the announcement should state this so
there is no ambiguity.
2. Review and Selection Process.
Applications will be graded using the Merit Review Process and scored on the criteria specified in
Section E.1. The Department will designate an Evaluation Committee to grade each application
received for this funding opportunity. Scores must match exactly as scoring criteria has specific
items to meet with no room for objectivity.
The screening and review process for the program is designed to ensure that limited CDBG funds
are awarded to communities that demonstrate the need for financial assistance and have a well-
designed project. The actual number and types of awards will be subject to funding availability
and the amount of each applicant's request.
The Department will review all applications as follows:
• Applications will be evaluated according to the Scoring Criteria described in Section H of this
Guidebook.
• The maximum score is 55 points. Applications must reach a minimum score of 35 in order to
qualify for funding.
• Applications will be funded based on first-received, and then first-qualified.
18

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• Until all CDBG-CV funds are exhausted, qualified Demolition activity grants will be funded
with CDBG-CV funds.
• The Department reserves the right to perform a site visit.
All recommendations are forwarded to the Director of the Department who makes the final
funding decisions.
The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal per
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/meritappreview.html. However,
competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be
protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. The appeal must be submitted
through the merit review appeal request form
(https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6444bed39ef140c589f002f53b9bc092) within 14 calendar
days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable.
After the application period is closed, the Department will conduct a meritbased review of eligible
applications. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) to initiate the
grant agreement phase. During this phase, you will be contacted by a grant manager to develop a
grant agreement, which can be a months long process depending on complexity, cooperation,
and conformity with all applicable federal and state laws.
The Department reserves the right to issue a reduced award, or not to issue any award.
F. Award Administration Information
1. State Award Notices.
The Notice of State Award (NOSA) will specify the funding terms and specific conditions resulting
from the pre-award risk assessments and the merit-based review process. The NOSA must be
accepted in the GATA Portal by an authorized representative of the grantee organization. The
NOSA is not an authorization to begin performance or incur costs.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Subrecipients and Subcontractors: Agreement(s) and budget(s) with subrecipients and
subcontractors must be pre-approved by and on file with DCEO. Agreements can be submitted
to DCEO when available. Subcontractors and subrecipients are subject to all applicable
provisions of the Agreement(s) executed between DCEO and the grantee. The successful
applicant shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of its subrecipient(s) and/or
subcontractor(s).
Grant Uniform Requirements: The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/1
et seq.) (and its related administrative rules, 44 Ill. Admin. Code Part 7000), was enacted to
increase the accountability and transparency in the use of grant funds from whatever source and
to reduce administrative burdens on both State agencies and grantees by adopting federal
guidance and regulations applicable to those grant funds; specifically, the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).
Procurement: Grantees will be required to adhere to methods of procurement per the
Procurement Standards (2 CFR 200.317 – 2 CFR 200.327).
19

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Each applicant must agree to comply with all applicable federal and state requirements. This
includes 2 CFR 200, 24 CFR 570, Part 85, and the Grantee Accountability & Transparency Act
(GATA). These can have a significant impact on the costs and complexity of a project.
Applicants who receive a grant award will be expected to submit signed assurances that they will
comply with all federal mandates. Some areas which applicants must comply with include:
• The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which establishes procedures for
protecting the environment. In order to use the CDBG funds awarded to a local
government, the grantee has to comply with environmental procedures, standards and
guidelines mandated by NEPA and all other applicable environmental regulations (e.g.,
prime farmland protection, historic preservation, floodplain hazards, etc.).
• The Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 requires applicants to certify that the
proposed project is compatible with established State of Illinois policy regarding wetlands
(i.e., to minimize the destruction of existing wetlands in Illinois as a result of State and
State-supported activity). The Federal Wetlands Protection regulations at 24 CFR
58.5(b)(2), Executive Order 11990 and HUD FFRMS also apply.
• The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act and the Illinois Natural Area Preservation
Act & Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 Compliance requires consultation with
the Endangered Species Consultation Program of the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources to assure compliance. The consultation process must be implemented to
avoid or minimize adverse impacts to State-listed species and their essential habitats that
may result from the actions of state and local units of government. Applicants must
certify the completion of the consultation process, as well as Federal Endangered
Species Compliance under 24 CFR 58.5(e). This process can be initiated through the
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species website
(https://www.fws.gov/endangered/).
• The Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Act requires the payment of prevailing wages for all
construction funded in whole or in part with federal funds, including funds passed through
to private firms. If your project involves construction and/or equipment installation, go to
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment/davisbaconresources.html for information
concerning the applicability of federal labor standards. Demolition, not in furtherance of
re-development, does not require compliance with Davis-Bacon.
• The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1987
applies to federally assisted activities that involve the acquisition of real property or the
displacement of persons, including displacement caused by rehabilitation and demolition
activities. Any person or business displaced as a direct result of federal assistance must
be provided with Uniform Relocation benefits.
• Equal Opportunity and Fair Housing Accessibility Laws require that CDBG grantees
administer their project in a manner that affirmatively furthers equal opportunity and fair
housing. All CDBG grantees will be required to undertake specific activities to further fair
housing. CDBG grantees must assure all activities and services are accessible to
persons with disabilities.
• Section 3 under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 requires recipients to
give, to the greatest extent feasible and consistent with the existing federal, state, and
local laws and regulations, job training, employment, contracting and other economic
opportunities to Section 3 residents and Section 3 business concerns. For more
information on Section 3, please see
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment/section3.html
• The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) of the U.S.
Clean Air Act assures that, when existing buildings are demolished and/or renovated,
people outside of those buildings (i.e., passers-by or neighborhood residents) are
protected from airborne asbestos. If asbestos materials are involved in the rehabilitation
work, the applicant must contact the Field Operations Section, Bureau of Air of the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency to ensure compliance with Asbestos NESHAP.
20

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
• Build America Buy America Standards set forth in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act. The Grantee must comply with the requirements of the Build America, Buy America
(BABA) Act, 41 USC 8301 note, and all applicable rules and notices, as may be
amended, if applicable to the Grantee’s infrastructure project. Pursuant to HUD’s Notice,
“Public Interest Phased Implementation Waiver for FY 2022 and 2023 of Build America,
Buy America Provisions as Applied to Recipients of HUD Federal Financial Assistance”
(88 FR 17001), any funds obligated by HUD on or after the applicable listed effective
dates, are subject to BABA requirements, unless excepted by a waiver. BABA does not
apply to the Housing Rehabilitation program, or to the CDBG-CV funded Demolition
program.
Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award Finalist (NOSAF) specifying terms and
conditions of the grant. This will include completion of Environmentals (including “before” pictures for Tier
II Housing Rehabilitation projects), clearance of special conditions resulting from the application review,
and acknowledgement letters to the locality’s federal-level Senators and Representative. GRANTEES
MUST COMPLETE ALL REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFIED ON THE NOTICE OF STATE AWARD FINALIST
(NOSAF) WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE NOSAF DATE. If not completed, the Chief Elected Official and
Grant Administrator will be notified and a two-week extension provided. FAILURE TO COMPLETE
OUTSTANDING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 104 DAYS OF THE NOSAF DATE WILL RESULT IN
FORFEITURE OF THE GRANT AWARD.
DCEO will hold a mandatory Grant Administration Workshop after Awards are announced. All Grant
Administrators assigned to an awarded grant that have not attended a Grant Administration Workshop in
the last calendar year are required to attend.
DCEO will hold mandatory Grantee Workshops in two regions each year. All Grantees receiving an award
must be represented by at least one Local Government (Grantee) Contact at one of the Workshops. The
Mayor or a Councilman and the person handling the finances is preferred. If a Grantee does not attend
either Workshop with appropriate representation, the grant will be withdrawn.
Once terms are accepted, and the conditions met, the Grantee will receive a Notice of State Award
(NOSA) which includes information regarding your entity, grant funding, grant terms and conditions, and
specific conditions assigned to the grant based on the risk assessments. In order to receive the formal
Grant Agreement, the Grantee must indicate agreement to the contents of the NOSA by remitting its
acceptance through Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal).
After the Grantee has submitted all applicable documents, they will receive a formal Grant Agreement
with further instructions. Grantees will be expected to sign and return the agreement within 30 days for
formal execution by the Department.
3. Reporting.
Periodic Performance Report (PPR) and Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
Grantees funded through this NOFO are required to submit in the format required by the Grantor,
at least on a quarterly basis, the PPR and PFR electronically to their assigned grant manager.
The first of such reports shall cover the first three months after the award begins. Pursuant to 2
CFR 200.328, Periodic Financial Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days
following the period covered by the report. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.329, Periodic Performance
Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days following the period covered by the
report. Any additional reporting requirements will be disclosed in the NOSA. Grantees are
required within 45 calendar days following the end of the period of performance to submit a final
closeout report in the format required by the Grantor (See 2 CFR 200.344).
Monitoring
21

---

NOFO ID: 4025-4300
Grantees funded through this NOFO are subject to fiscal and programmatic monitoring visits by
the Department in accordance with 2 CFR 200.337. They must have an open-door policy allowing
periodic visits by Department monitors to evaluate the progress of the project and provide
documentation upon request of the monitor. Program staff will also maintain contact with
participants and monitor progress and performance of the contracts. The Department may modify
grants based on performance.
Audit
Grantees shall be subject to Illinois’ statewide Audit Report Review requirements. Terms of the
Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507), Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and
the audit rules set forth under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Admin Rules shall
apply (See 44 IL Admin Code 7000.90).
Notice of Contract Award
The Notice of Contract Award must be submitted to the Department within 30 days of the award
of any construction contract.
Grant Evaluation Report
The final report covering final expenditures and deliverables of the grant must be submitted to the
Department within 60 days of the grant closing.
G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
Grant Help Desk
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
H. Other Information, if applicable
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Revitalization program is
available once the NOFO is posted and until all funding is exhausted. Other CDBG programs
include Public Infrastructure, Housing Rehabilitation and Disaster Response. More information
on CDBG programs can be found at:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment.html.
All Community Development Block Grant application information and forms are contained in an
annual Guidebook, which is the basis of the Action Plan approved by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development. The Guidebook (in Microsoft Word) can be found at:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment.html.
The applicable Sections of the Guidebook for the CDBG Community Revitalization program are
Sections I, II, V, and IX. These Sections have been formatted as a pdf and attached to this
Notice of Funding Opportunity as Appendix A.
22