Total Funding: $9 million statewide
Funding for community-based organizations to provide a curriculum that assists existing contractors in expanding their capacity. These organizations will provide contractors with coaching and mentoring, business plan development, operational grants, stipends, RFP/bid reparation, and state vendor certification support.
Grantees for this opportunity began programming in 2025. There are three Accelerator programs based on region - Northern, Central, and Southern. Current grantee information is available on the CEJA Map.
Primes Contractor Incubator (Open Every Three Years)
Total Funding: $21 million statewide
Funding for community-based organizations to work with small or new clean energy contractors, non-profits, or other community-based businesses. These organizations will provide one-on-one mentoring and business coaching, licensing and certification assistance, access to low-cost capital, bonding and insurance support, vendor registration with the State of Illinois, and hands-on training and workforce connections.
Grantees for this opportunity began programming in 2025. There are 14 Incubator hubs, one in each CEJA Community. Current grantee information is available on the CEJA Map.
Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program (Open Every Year)
Total Funding: $8.5 million; Award Range: $50K - $1 million
Pre-construction funding for community solar programs. Community-based organizations (CBOs), municipalities, and technical service providers partnering with CBOs are eligible. Learn more about this funding opportunity.
Energy Transition Community Grant (Open Every Year)
Total Funding: Up to $40 million; Award Range: Minimum $50K
Funding for taxing bodies within 30 miles of a closing or closed fossil fuel mine/plant. These funds can be used for an array of activities including economic development, business incentives, workforce development, infrastructure, and public health, among others. Learn more about this funding opportunity.
Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Open Every Three Years)
Total Funding: $10 million, plus $6 million in Barrier Reduction Funds
Community-based organizations to train and certify participants to succeed in construction and building trades apprenticeship programs.
Grantees for this opportunity began programming in 2024. There are 3 programs based on region – Northern, Central, and Southern. Current grantee information is available on the CEJA Map.
Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (Workforce Hubs) (Open Every Three Years)
Total Funding: $22.9 million, plus $15 million in Barrier Reduction Funds
Community-based organizations to train, prepare, and certify participants for entry-level jobs in clean energy-related industries such as solar, wind, energy efficiency, and EV maintenance.
Grantees for this opportunity began programming in 2024. There are 14 workforce hubs, one in each CEJA Community. Current grantee information is available on the CEJA Map.
Energy Transition Navigator Program (Open Every Three Years)
Total Funding: $6 million
Community-based providers to inform and engage communities and support enrollment for the CEJA ecosystem.
Grantees for this opportunity began programming in 2024. There are 14 navigators, one in each CEJA Community. Current grantee information is available on the CEJA Map.
Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program (Open Every Three Years)
Total Funding: $6 million
Community-based organizations to train, prepare, and certify participants within four IDOC facilities for entry-level clean energy jobs upon release.
Grantees for this opportunity began programming in 2025. There are 4 programs throughout the state. Current grantee information is available on the CEJA Map.