Illinois Grocery Initiative
CSFA Number: 420-35-3295
STATE AGENCY INFORMATION
Agency Name
Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity (420)
Agency Identification
20-1
Agency Contact
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Short Description
As authorized by Public Act 103-0561, the Illinois Grocery Initiative will offer competitive grants to support establishment of new grocery stores and equipment upgrades for existing stores in food deserts.
Federal Authorization
N/A
Illinois Statue Authorization
420-Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
TBD
Objective
The initiative will result in the establishment of new grocery stores in areas of the state with inadequate access to fresh food, as well as equipment upgrades for stores in these areas. In so doing, the state endeavors to reduce the number of food deserts and the population living in food deserts.
Eligible Applicants
Government Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; For-Profit Organizations; Small Businesses; Individuals;
Applicant Eligibility
Entities operating grocery stores in food deserts and entities intending to launch new grocery store operations. The ultimate beneficiaries will be residents living in food deserts.
Beneficiary Eligibility
N/A
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Economic Development
Credentials / Documentation
Eligible Applicants include small, independent grocers (nonprofit or for-profit entities with less than 500 employees and less than three existing grocery locations) or local units of government. Eligible Projects must be: Located in food deserts per USDA map or applicant demonstrates that area will qualify based on new data Bricks & Mortar locations only Must sell “ample” fresh food <30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales
Preapplication Coordination
N/A
Application Procedures
Standard State Of Illinois Grant Management System
Criteria Selecting Proposals
Geographic diversity (by economic development region, by rural vs urban, and to avoid projects too close in proximity)
Award Procedures
Merit based review, offered in rounds Reimbursement based on quarterly reporting
Deadlines
TBD; expect FY24 Q3
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
60 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
Will vary by specific grant opportunity, but may include: Land acquisition and related Infrastructure New construction Renovations Equipment Site development Working capital for first-year operating expenses Please note mix of capital and non-capital expenditure categories. Most categories will be capital, but working capital during 1st year of operations (for utilities, wages, insurance, etc.) will be allowable.
Reports
quarterly reporting using PPR and PFR'.
Account Identification
TBD
Obligations
20,000,000.00
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
25,000 to $2.4 million, depending on specific grant opportunity.
Program Accomplishments
# New start-up grocery stores, # equipment upgrade projects, startups open 1 year after project completion, # people living within 1/2 mile (urban) or 10 miles (rurlal) of new grocery store
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
N/A
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Headquarters Office
500 East Monroe Springfield, IL 62701 and 555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661
FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2024 : $20,000,000
FY 2025 : $11,000,000
Federal Funding
None
Notice of Funding Opportunities
| Agency ID | Award Range | Application Range |
| Details | FY25-1 New Stores in Food Deserts (Round 2) | $150000 - $2400000 | 10/03/2024 - 12/02/2024 : 5:00PM |
ACTIVE AWARDS