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Higher Education License Plate (HELP) Grant Program
CSFA Number: 691-00-1388
Agency Name
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (691)
Agency Identification
0008
Agency Contact
Susan Fields-Giberson
217-524-7931
Susan.I.Fields@illinois.gov
Short Description
The Secretary of State is authorized to issue special collegiate license plates on behalf of eligible, participating institutions of higher learning. A portion of the proceeds of special license plates sold by the Secretary is appropriated annually to ISAC for the purposes of administering a grant program for students attending degree-granting, not-for-profit private colleges and universities located in Illinois or a contiguous state.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
110 ILCS 947/37 and 20(f)
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
23 ILLINOIS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CH. XIX, SEC. 2737
Objective
The program provides grants to needy student at eligible institutions using a funding source dedicated to that purpose.
Prime Recipient
Yes
UGA Program Terms
N/A
Eligible Applicants
Individuals;
Applicant Eligibility
Direct to beneficiary (student) grant. a) A qualified applicant shall be: 1) a citizen or eligible noncitizen; 2) a resident of Illinois; 3) enrolled at a degree-granting, not-for-profit private college or university located in Illinois or a contiguous state that participates in the collegiate license plate program through the Secretary of State; and 4) able to demonstrate financial need according to a nationally recognized need analysis system. b) A recipient of assistance under this program who applies for a renewal award must, in addition to continuing to meet the criteria specified in subsection (a) of this Section, be maintaining satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution. c) Eligibility is restricted to undergraduate students. Recipients must not have received a baccalaureate degree.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specific Use
Subject / Service Area
Education
Credentials / Documentation
N/A
Preapplication Coordination
N/A
Application Procedures
Interested students should contact their college to determine if it participates in the HELP Program, to learn about specific eligibility requirements, and to determine if anything other than the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted to apply.
Criteria Selecting Proposals
N/A
Award Procedures
The availability of grants is contingent on the number of license plates sold and the annual appropriation. HELP Program grants may be used only for tuition and mandatory fees* for two semesters or three quarters in an academic year. Requests for summer assistance must be made separately to your college, and each is considered on an individual basis by the school.
Deadlines
N/A
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
N/A
Appeals
N/A
Renewals
If eligible, a student may receive this grant for the equivalent of 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment.
Formula Matching Requirements
N/A
Uses and Restrictions
The Higher Education License Plate Program provides grants to students who attend Illinois colleges for which the special collegiate license plates are available. The Illinois Secretary of State issues the license plates and part of the proceeds are used for grants for undergraduate students attending these colleges. Program grants may be used only for tuition and mandatory fees for two semesters or three quarters in an academic year. The number of grants, as well as the individual dollar amount awarded, are subject to sufficient annual appropriations by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor.
Reports
N/A
Audits
N/A
Records
N/A
Account Identification
N/A
Obligations
N/A
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Subject to Appropriation
Program Accomplishments
The Secretary of State is authorized to issue special collegiate license plates on behalf of eligible, participating institutions of higher learning. A portion of the proceeds of special license plates sold by the Secretary is appropriated annually to ISAC for the purposes of administering a grant program for students attending degree-granting, not-for-profit private colleges and universities located in Illinois or a contiguous state.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
https://www.isac.org/e-library/documents/administrative-rules/2023-24-isac-rules/2737-HELP.pdf The Higher Education License Plate Grant Program is exempt from the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708) because grants are paid on behalf of an individual beneficiary.
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Headquarters Office
1755 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, IL 60015-5209
Program Website
https://www.isac.org/isac-gift-assistance-programs/higher-education-license-plate/
Example Projects
N/A
Published Date
12/27/2021
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2015 : $110,000
FY 2016 : $110,000
FY 2017 : $110,000
FY 2018 : $110,000
FY 2019 : $110,000
FY 2020 : $110,000
FY 2021 : $110,000
FY 2022 : $110,000
FY 2023 : $110,000
FY 2024 : $110,000
FY 2025 : $110,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
Agency IDAward RangeApplication Range
None