Other CEJA Programs

Learn about the following CEJA Programs:

• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program
• Energy Transition Community Grant Program
• Coal to Solar Energy Storage Grant Program
• Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program

For a status of these programs, please visit the CEJA Program Updates and Status page.

As part of the Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program, the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program will provide upfront capital supporting the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefitting businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in historically disadvantaged communities.  Grants of up to $1 million will be available to contractor businesses to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Up to $34 million will be allocated annually for this program, subject to appropriation.

Grant funds may be used to support a wide array of activities, including planning and project development, purchasing and leasing of land, permitting and zoning, interconnection application costs, equipment and supplies, community outreach and marketing, and staff and operations expenses. Eligible applicants include businesses or nonprofit organizations that are equity eligible contractors or businesses/nonprofit organizations who propose projects that meet equity building criteria.

As part of the Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program, the community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program provides grants to municipalities and community organizations to support the predevelopment and development of solar community projects that promote community ownership and energy sovereignty. Up to $8.5 million will be allocated annually for this program, subject to appropriation.

Grants to communities that have experienced or will experience a fossil fuel or nuclear plant or mine closure. Grant funds can be used to address the economic and social impact on the community of the plant retirement or transition. Up to $40 million will be allocated annually for this program, subject to appropriation.

This program provides incentives to install energy storage facilities at the sites of five former coal plants that are either closed or in the process of closing. A total of $280.5 million in funding over 10 years is allocated for this program. 

This program provides assistance to children (including adopted and stepchildren) of eligible displaced energy workers. It is designed to support students who are deterred from attending or completing an educational program at an Illinois institution because of a parent's layoff from a retiring power plant or a closing coal mine. Tuition and fees at public colleges or community colleges are covered for a period equal to one calendar year, including a summer term, for undergraduate or graduate study.  To apply, fill out the application and submit online through the  Program Applications & Status Checks area of the ISAC Student Portal.

Applicants must upload proof of the displaced energy worker's loss of employment due to the reduced operation or closure of a fossil fuel power plant or coal mine that occurred on or after September 15, 2016. To be considered for funds for the full academic year, the application must be submitted to ISAC on or before October 1^st of the academic year for which assistance is being requested. Learn more here. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the ISAC Call Center at 800.899.ISAC (4722) or isac.studentservices@illinois.gov.