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SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers

Awarding Agency Name Commerce And Econ Opp
Agency Contact Jael Olivares (CEO.EECProgram@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number FY26-1
Funding Opportunity Title Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program
CSFA Number 420-45-3226
CSFA Popular Name Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC)
Anticipated Number of Awards 10
Estimated Total Program Funding $2,500,000
Award Range $250,000 - $500,000
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching
Requirements		 Yes
Indirect Costs Allowed No
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 5/11/2026
Application Date Range General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications.
CSFA Link https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html?page=Opportunity.aspx&nofo=4281
Technical Assistance Session Offered : Yes
Mandatory : No
Date : 05/20/2026 : 11:00 AM
Registration link :
https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r4531ca7f3c0ff0fe80680e9d6ecc81d6

For your application to be considered, your entity must be pre-qualified. For resources on pre-qualification and other grant topics, please visit
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/learning-library.html.

Application Documents – Please read the NOFO Supplement and complete the requirements

Application Submission Form

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2ba62593649141b284a59825d3cb957e