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CHICAGO, Ill. -- A multi-million dollar program was announced on Wednesday designed to help area organizations focus on clean energy projects throughout the state.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $8.5 million in funding for the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program which is part of a larger strategy to grow the state's clean energy workforce.

The program supports community-based organizations in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities to plan, develop, and execute community solar projects. 

In a statement, Governor Pritzker said: "Illinois is leading the fight against climate change and putting environmental justice front and center. With this latest investment... we'll create well-paying jobs and build healthier communities." 

The program is designed to provide upfront seed capital funding, to overcome barriers in historically disadvantaged communities. The Pritzker administration outlines those as Restore Reinvest Renew (R3) communities, where residents have historically been excluded from economic opportunities. 

The project is supported by Illinois Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton who said, “Illinois is at the forefront of climate justice for all our communities, regardless of zip code. Clean energy is a matter of equity, and the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program is part of our equitable and sustainable future,� said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This program will not only provide a sustainable future for communities that have been historically left out and left behind, it will also bolster our workforce with jobs of the future.�

Grant funding may be used to support a variety of existing projects, or to help develop new models on the community level. Qualified groups include community-based organizations and technical service providers working in direct partnerships with those organizations.

Qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., or until funds run out.

You can find an application for the grant by visiting the DCEO website.