Workforce Development Grants in Illinois
Last updated October 4, 2026
There are 12 active workforce development grants tagged to Illinois, part of 2,661 active workforce development grants listed nationwide. Updated daily.
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| ★ | Grant |
|---|---|
| Youth and Young Adult Conservation Education Program (FY25) Natural Resources · State Not published · Varies Funding to establish the Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Pilot Program to provide education and employment opportunities for the youth and young adults of this State to further the development and maintenance of the… | |
| CCKA Provider Scholarship Program Crawford County Kids Association · Foundation Rolling · Varies The Crawford County Kids Association Provider Scholarship Program reduces financial barriers for early childhood educators pursuing professional development, funding classes and required materials. | |
| FY27 480-20-3968 Smart Start Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship – Pilot Early Childhood · State Not published · Varies The field of early childhood education (ECE) is facing a workforce crisis that can ultimately have a negative impact on child care programs and the children and families they serve. | |
| Robert & Barbara Girouard Endowment (Veterans' education) (Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) Community Foundation of the Quincy Area · Foundation Rolling · Varies 'Grants will be used to support Veterans' education.' 'Nonprofit postsecondary education and vocational training institutions and 501(c)3 organizations located within the Community Foundation's 12-county service area may apply for grants.'… | |
| Communityworks Endowment Fund (Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) Community Foundation of the Quincy Area · Foundation Rolling · Varies The Communityworks Endowment Fund supports '501(c)(3) organizations or units of government that advances workforce development, childcare, and early childhood education in Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties, IL'. | |
| FY27 480-20-3970 Smart Start Workforce Grants Early Childhood · State Not published · Varies The purpose of Smart Start Workforce Grants is to provide child care homes, child care centers, and group family care homes with the stable, ongoing funding needed to support recruitment and retention of early childhood workforce members. | |
| FY26 Adult Education and Literacy- Federal Basic Grant Community College Board · State Not published · Varies This Notice of Funding Opportunity is offered to solicit Renewal Applications from currently ICCB Title ll funded programs that work to achieve the purpose of Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, which… | |
| FY27 Adult Education and Literacy Basic Competitive Grant - WIOA Title II AEFLA Illinois Community College Board · State Not published · Varies This Notice of Funding Opportunity is offered to solicit applications for federal and state adult education funds. | |
| FY27 Integrated English Language and Civics Education (IELCE) Illinois Community College Board · State Not published · Varies This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is intended to solicit a Request for Proposal from eligible programs (CFR 463.23) that work to achieve the purpose of Section 243, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, of Title II of… | |
| Future Energy Jobs Act Multi-Cultural Jobs Program Commerce And Econ Opp · State Not published · $50M | |
| NDIGO Student Assistance Commission · State Not published · Varies The sum of $250,000 is appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for a grant to the NDIGO Foundation to fund internships to train students and youth in communications. | |
| FY26 Adult Education and Literacy Basic Grants - Federal and State Community College Board · State Not published · Varies This Notice of Funding Opportunity is offered to solicit Renewal Applications from currently ICCB Title ll funded programs that work to achieve the purpose of Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, which… |
Showing 1–12 of 12
About workforce development grants in Illinois
Workforce development grants fund job training, career services, apprenticeships, and employment programs. The Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the backbone, distributing billions through state workforce agencies. Additional funding comes from the Department of Education, Commerce, and foundations focused on economic mobility.
Workforce Development Grants in other states
Other grant categories in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WIOA and how does it fund workforce programs?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides about $5 billion annually for job training and employment services. Funding flows through state workforce agencies to local Workforce Development Boards, which distribute grants to training providers, employers, and service organizations. WIOA funds adult education, dislocated worker programs, youth services, and vocational rehabilitation.
Can employers get grants for worker training?
Yes. State workforce agencies offer incumbent worker training grants funded through WIOA. The DOL's Apprenticeship programs provide employer incentives. Many states have specific employer training funds. The DOL's H-1B Skills Training Grants fund training in industries affected by H-1B hiring. Community college partnerships often include employer-facing grants.
Are there grants for digital skills training?
Yes. The DOL funds digital skills through multiple grant programs. The EDA's Good Jobs Challenge includes digital economy training. The NSF supports computing education programs. Foundations like Google.org, Microsoft Philanthropies, and the Markle Foundation heavily fund digital skills workforce development.
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