FY27 Adult Education and Literacy Basic Competitive Grant (Non- Match State Funding)

This Notice of Funding Opportunity is offered to solicit applications for federal and state adult education funds. The purpose of adult education services is to assist:

1. adults in becoming literate and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.
2. adults who are parents or family members in obtaining education and skills that are necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children, and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family.
3. adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in transitioning to post-secondary education and training, including through career pathways; and
4. immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in a. improving their:

• a. reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills in English. mathematics skills; and
• b. acquiring an understanding of the American system of Government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

Through this competitive process, ICCB seeks to strengthen Area Planning Councils through accountability, improve regional coordination, and ensure adult education services are aligned with career pathways, workforce demand, and measurable outcomes. (Illinois Policy).
Eligible applicants for funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are organizations that meet the definition of an “eligible provider” under Section 203(5) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eligible providers include, but are not limited to:

• Public housing authorities

• Nonprofit institutions that are not described above and have the ability to provide adult education and literacy activities

• Consortia of eligible providers

Eligible applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver adult education and literacy activities in accordance with WIOA Title II requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Adult Education and Literacy Provider Manual.

As this is a competitive funding opportunity, eligible applicants must demonstrate fiscal, administrative, and programmatic capacity; past effectiveness as required by WIOA; and the ability to coordinate services within the Area Planning Council (APC) structure.

Consortia and partnerships with Area Planning Councils are strongly encouraged and applicants proposing consortia arrangements must identify a lead agency responsible for fiscal, programmatic, and data accountability on behalf of all consortium partners. They must also identify the role and responsibilities of each partnering agency.
An eligible individual to receive Adult Education and Literacy services is an individual:

• • who has attained 17 years of age.
• • who is not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under state law; and
• • who:
• o is basic skills deficient.
• o does not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and has not achieved an equivalent level of education; or
• o is an English language learner.

Details

• Awarding Agency: Illinois Community College Board
• Departments: Adult Education
• CSFA Number: 684-01-1625
• CSFA Popular Name: Adult Education Grant
• Funding Opportunity Number: 684
• Assistance Listings Number: 84.002
• Announcement Type: Initial Announcement
• Award Type: Competitive
• Total Funding Available: $51,200,000.00
• Expected Number of Awards: 70
• Funding Sources: State
• Capital Grant: No
• Indirect Costs Allowed: Yes
• Posted Date: February 27, 2026
• Award Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Funding Source Description

State Funds only.

Funding Restrictions

No funding restrictions.

Indirect Cost Description

NICRA or De Minimis Rate as elected in the GATA system.

Reporting

Reporting schedule will be provided in the FY27 Adult Education Provider Manual.

Additional Information

https://www.iccb.org/grant-opportunities/

See ICCB's Grant opportunity web page for the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Application documents, which are also available on the Grants Management System.

Eligibility Type: Public

Eligible Applicants:

• Government Organizations
• Education Organizations
• Nonprofit Organizations

Additional Eligibility Information

Applicant Eligibility: Formula grants are made to designated eligible State agencies that under State law are responsible for administering or supervising statewide policy for adult education and literacy, including such entities as State educational agencies (SEAs), postsecondary agencies, or workforce agencies. State awarding agencies must provide direct and equitable access to: local educational agencies; public or private nonprofit agencies; community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness; institutions of higher education; volunteer literacy organizations of demonstrated effectiveness; libraries; public housing authorities; nonprofit institutions not described above that have the ability to provide literacy services to adults and families; and consortia of the entities described above.
Beneficiary Eligibility: Adults and out-of-school youths who are 16 years of age and older, who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law, and who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable them to function effectively in society or do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education, or are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.
Credentials Documentation: Certification required. The State plan must include a certification from a State official that all provisions and amendments thereto are consistent with WIOA

Submission Timeline

• Submission Opens: February 27, 2026
• Submission Timeline: Rolling
• Application Review Start / Pre-Qualification Deadline: July 1, 2026
• Allow Multiple Applications: Yes

Question Submission

• Questions Open: February 27, 2026
• Questions Close: April 30, 2026
• Questions Email: support@il-amplifund.zendesk.com

Submit a support ticket with an e-mail listed above.
Amplifund customer support is available Monday through Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm Central time.

Apply on AmpliFund: https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/74c189f5-7dca-41be-b16b-852098233c9d