Efficient and Resilient Public Building Grant

The Illinois EPA Office of Energy is providing competitive grant funding to municipalities, counties, and other local government entities for energy‑efficiency retrofits in public buildings. Eligible projects must be based on a third‑party energy audit completed within the past five years and may include insulation, window replacement, lighting upgrades, programmable thermostats, HVAC retrofits, high‑efficiency appliances, and optional transfer switches for emergency generators. Awards range from $50,000 to $200,000, with an overall funding pool of $766,600 and an anticipated eight grantees. Recipients have a 12‑month performance period, must submit quarterly progress reports, and must meet cost‑share requirements (5‑10 % depending on award size and environmental‑justice status). Applications open August 18 2026 and close September 30 2026; award notifications follow ~30 days after close. • Eligible applicants: Illinois municipalities, counties, townships, special districts (excluding school districts) • Required documentation: energy audit, uniform state grant application, risk assessment, narrative, budget, conflict‑of‑interest and NEPA checklists, FFATA form • Cost‑share: 5 % for $50‑100 k awards (or EJ areas), 10 % for $100‑200 k awards (unless EJ area) • Funding source: U.S. DOE State Energy Program (federal pass‑through) • Reporting: quarterly reports due Oct 20, Jan 20, Apr 20, Jul 20; final report 60 days after project end