Illinois Grant Opportunity Workshops in Springfield

Session 1 - Workforce Grants 101 (10 AM - 12 PM)
This session will provide an overview of the technical requirements for submitting a grant application to Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The session is targeted to new applicants and will highlight resources and information available to develop a successful proposal. The session will also include a significant amount of technical information including:

• Pre-Award Requirements
• Uniform Grant Application
• Uniform Budget Template
• Uniform Grant Agreement

Session 2 – WIOA Grant Opportunities (1 PM - 3 PM)
This session will provide an overview of the current funding opportunities under the Illinois Talent Pipeline, Youth Career Pathways and WIOA Statewide Workforce Innovation Programs.

The Illinois Talent Pipeline Program uses strategies to train workers who can contribute to a companies’ growth and success. Projects funded under this program are intended to develop sustainable work-based learning programs to help Illinois companies retain and train current workers and hire new staff. The goal of a talent pipeline grant is to maintain a pipeline of hirable talent for the employer being served. Applications must address one or more of the Illinois Talent Pipeline activities listed below to be considered for funding.

• Projects that connect talent strategies with business needs.
• Layoff aversion projects that support businesses and workers that are impacted or at risk of being impacted by company closures or layoffs.
• Projects that expand work-based learning opportunities including apprenticeships for targeted populations.

The Youth Career Pathways Program provides grants for projects that not only address priorities identified in the WIOA Unified State Plan but that will incorporate the practices that align with the statewide adopted definition for a career pathway framework. Proposals must serve opportunity youth that face barriers to continued education and employment. Additionally, successful pilot projects will integrate workforce, education, and economic development services; break down barriers to accessing job-driven training resulting in employment opportunities. These projects will inform a framework for the development of sustainable career pathways for young people throughout the state. Additionally, they will assist in the effective and efficient implementation of WIOA regulations within Illinois’ economic development regions.

The WIOA Statewide Workforce Innovation Program can fund projects that support the vision, principles, goals and strategies articulated within the WIOA Unified State Plan. Applicants should document how the project will impact the competitive position of Illinois businesses and workers through workforce development, education, and economic development projects that can be replicated throughout the State (as applicable). Applications must address one or more of the WIOA Statewide Workforce Activities listed below to be considered for funding.

• Sector Partnership Projects
• Innovative Workforce Pilot and Research Projects
• Priority Population Projects
• Statewide Technical Assistance