Illinois Grocery Initiative
CSFA Number: 420-35-3295
STATE AGENCY INFORMATION
Agency Name
Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity (420)
Agency Identification
20-1, 19-2
Agency Contact
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Short Description
This program aims to combat food insecurity by offering competitive grants to support the establishment of new grocery stores in food deserts by reimbursing successful applicants for eligible capital and non-capital costs.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
Public Act 103-0561
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
Part 645
Objective
Intended result is the establishment of New Stores in Food Deserts and improved access to fresh foods in these communities.
UGA Program Terms
Grant recipients must make good-faith efforts to accommodate SNAP and WIC payments.
Eligible Applicants
Nonprofit Organizations; For-Profit Organizations; Small Businesses; Individuals; Government Organizations;
Applicant Eligibility
This grant opportunity will be limited to the following types of entities:
Units of local government
Independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery locations. This includes for-profit and nonprofit entities.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Communities with limited access to fresh foods.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Economic Development
Credentials / Documentation
N/A
Preapplication Coordination
N/A
Application Procedures
Standard submissions via the State Of Illinois Grant Management System
Criteria Selecting Proposals
The Department may depart from a strict ranking by score as needed to promote diversity and equity across multiple dimensions, including regional balance across the state; an appropriate mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities; a mix of ownership types (including local government-owned stores); and coverage of areas with the greatest need.
Award Procedures
Awards based on merit review. Funds disbursed per reimbursement based on quarterly reporting.
Deadlines
60 days after posting
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
45-90 days
Appeals
The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal. However, competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Department within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published. The written appeal shall include the name and address of the appealing party, the identification of the grant and a statement of reasons for the appeal. To file an appeal, applicants must submit the appeal in writing and in accordance with the Merit-Based Application Review Appeals Process listed on the Grant Opportunities page of the DCEO website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/MeritAppReview.aspx.
Renewals
Extensions as needed
Uses and Restrictions
Funds can be used for:
*Land acquisition and related expenses
*Site development
*Construction of a new facility
*Renovations of an existing facility
*Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
*Working capital for specified first-year operating expenses
Reports
quarterly reporting using PPR and PFR.
Account Identification
419-42045-4900-0100; 419-42045-4900-0025
Obligations
$8M allocated for this round
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$150,000-$2,400,000
Program Accomplishments
8 grants awarded to date. Too early in program development for notable outcomes
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
N/A
Regional or Local Assistance Location
420-Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity
Headquarters Office
555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661, 1011 S 2nd St Springfield, IL 62704, 1020 S Spring St Springfield, IL 62704
Example Projects
Grants to build or renovate buildings, grants to subsidize operations at new stores
FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2024 : $20,000,000
FY 2025 : $13,500,000
FY 2026 : $8,000,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
| Agency ID | Award Range | Application Range |
TOP 5 ACTIVE AWARDS
| Agency ID | Grantee Name | Start Date | End Date | Amount |
| 24-191004 | OUR MARKET AT THE PLAZA CO OP | 02/01/2025 | 01/31/2026 | 2,400,000 |
| 25-191002 | City of Venice | 05/01/2025 | 04/30/2027 | 2,400,000 |
| 25-191004 | Al RAAWI LLC | 06/01/2025 | 05/31/2026 | 2,399,975 |
| 24-191003 | RANCHO SUPERMARKET LLC | 01/01/2025 | 12/31/2026 | 2,100,000 |
| 24-191002 | Charles Brown | 01/01/2025 | 12/31/2026 | 1,700,000 |