Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program NOFO 2023

​This funding opportunity has closed. Visit the Funding Opportunities page to learn about current opportunities.​​
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Background
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This Notice of Funding Opportunity sets forth the requirements for funding for the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program (20 ILCS 730/5-20) and the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program (20 ILCS 730/5-30), as specified by the Energy Transition Act as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, PA 102-662 (“Climate and Equitable Jobs Act” or “CEJA”). 
 
CEJA (20 ILCS 730) establishes several new workforce programs, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), to expand the clean energy workforce in Illinois and accelerate the adoption of clean energy sources, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency.  Investments in clean energy technology and infrastructure, funded through CEJA and other state and federal funding sources, will generate significant construction, installation, maintenance, and repair activity in Illinois. Historically, these investments have not benefited all Illinois’ communities and workers. The Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program is one of several programs created by CEJA to grow the clean energy workforce in a more equitable way.  
 
To create a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers prepared for careers in clean energy, the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program creates at least 13 regional Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs throughout the State to provide clean energy and related workforce and training opportunities to participants, engage with potential employers, and form partnerships to ensure participants have dedicated and sustained support to build careers in clean energy and related sector jobs. The main objective of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program is to increase access to and opportunities for education, training, and support services to help program-eligible individuals succeed in the labor market generally and the clean energy sector specifically. Upon completion, participants will be prepared for entry-level clean energy jobs.  
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Program Design
This NOFO will award grants to fund at least one Clean Jobs Workforce Network Hub (Workforce Hub) site that is located in or near the locations that are listed below. Each Workforce Hub will serve its “equity investment-eligible communities” and “equity eligible persons” (as defined in this NOFO) that are located in or near the Workforce Hub’s location. 
  • Chicago (South Side) 
  • Chicago (Southwest and West Sides) 
  • Waukegan 
  • Rockford 
  • Aurora 
  • Joliet 
  • Peoria 
  • Champaign 
  • Danville 
  • Decatur 
  • Carbondale 
  • East St. Louis 
  • Alton 
The Workforce Hub grantees and project partners will deliver the following five major program components: 
  1. Participant recruitment. Provide outreach, in coordination with Energy Transition Navigators and other community partners, to recruit program-eligible individuals for the training program. If your organization is interested in applying to deliver the CEJA Energy Transition Navigator Program, please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for this program.
  2. Training delivery. Provide training, certification preparation, job readiness, and skill development to program participants, utilizing the Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework (described below) to prepare people for entry-level clean energy jobs. The training will consist of a bridge program (essential employability skills and clean energy basics) and at least two job-specific training options, selected by each Workforce Hub and based on local clean energy workforce needs. 
  3. Employer partnerships. Develop partnerships with entities that provide clean energy jobs, including businesses, nonprofits, and worker-owned cooperatives, to ensure Program participants have priority access to employment training, work-based learning opportunities, and hiring activities. 
  4. Barrier reduction services. Provide barrier reduction services to mitigate challenges participants may face in accessing and completing the training. Services may include but are not limited to stipends, transportation costs, technology assistance, emergency bill payments, personal health, childcare assistance, tuition assistance, food assistance, referrals to other services, tutoring, and more. 
  5. Transition services. Provide transition services to participants following completion to help them find jobs, succeed in the workplace, and build their careers. 
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Funding Information

Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to approximately $22,900,000 for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and up to $15,000,000 for the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Services Program for a statewide total of $37,9000,000 for the first 12 months of the awards. Awards will range from approximately $500,000 to $3,000,000 for the delivery of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program in each region identified in Section A of this NOFO. The initial grant awards range from approximately $500,000 to $2,000,000 for the delivery of the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Services to support the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program in each of the regions identified in this NOFO. The initial grant awards for the two programs combined will range from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for each region identified in this NOFO. 

The Department expects to make at least one award in each of the Workforce Hub locations through this NOFO. An applicant may submit multiple applications if they intend to administer the program in more than one of the Workforce Hub Locations. The Department anticipates offering awards that provide an average funding of approximately $10,000-$15,000 per participant (including program and administrative costs) based on the quality and quantity of services that are provided and the length of training. awards for though this NOFO. 

Eligibility
​Eligible applicants are community-based organizations, defined as organizations that: 
  1. Provide employment, skill development or related services to members of the community; 
  2. Includes community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments; 
  3. Has at least one main operating office in the community or region it serves; and 
  4. Demonstrates relationships with residents and other organizations serving the community. 
Competitive applications will include a team of multiple partner organizations that collectively demonstrate the following: 
  • The ability to effectively serve all individuals, including diverse and equity focused populations by providing employment services; 
  • Agreements with employers, nonprofit organizations, or other industry organizations for work-based learning opportunities and to facilitate job placement or on-the-job training opportunities. 
  • The ability to deliver the Clean Energy Jobs Curriculum Framework, including meeting instructor training and certification requirements. The Curriculum Framework outlines instructor requirements for the Bridge Program training component, as well as the job-specific training options. For instance, solar training must be delivered by a NABCEP registered training provider. 
  • The ability to recruit, prescreen and provide training to prepare workers for employment in the clean energy industry. 
  • Capacity to provide supportive services, ongoing engagement during and beyond training, and job retention services to participants. 
  • Capacity to offer training in locations that are accessible to equity investment eligible persons in the service region. 
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Submission Details
A standard application package must be submitted to and reviewed by DCEO. Each package must contain the following items:  
  • Uniform Grant Application in fillable PDF format. Signature page must be printed, signed, scanned and submitted with application.  
  • Uniform Budget utilizing the template provided by DCEO for this project. The entire budget with all worksheets included, even if the worksheets are not relevant to the grant opportunity must be submitted with the application materials. Signature page must be printed, signed, scanned and submitted with application.
  • An executive summary and technical proposal, with details about the program activities and outcomes that will be supported by this grant. 
  • Proposed workplan, participant outcomes summary, proposed curriculum, and staffing plan, including resumes of key staff and any Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure
  • Mandatory Disclosures
For detailed information about the funding opportunity and instruction on how to submit an application, see the full NOFO, as well as required documents, linked under NOFO Materials.

Hub Regions Currently Accepting Applications: Chicago South Side, Waukegan, Joliet, Aurora, Peoria, Danville, Carbondale, and East St. Louis.

The Round 2 Application deadline is February 23, 2024.

For your application to be considered, your entity must be pre-qualified. For resources on pre-qualification and other grant topics, please visit this DCEO page.
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Notice of Intent to Apply

The Department requests that applicants submit a Notice of Intent to Apply (optional) by August 11, 2023.

The Notice of Intent to Apply should include the name of the lead applicant and region(s) served.
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Award Timeline
Applications were due by September 1, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. to be considered as a part of the first merit review process. The Department anticipates sending Notices of State Award (NOSA) 11 to 15 weeks after the application period is closed.
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Information Sessions
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​Date
 ​Time
 ​Topic
 ​Registration/Resources
​6/14/23
 ​3:00pm
 ​Bidder's Conference
​6/22/23
 ​3:00pm
 CEJA Ecosystem Webinar
​7/17/23
 ​1:00pm
 ​Writing an Effective Proposal
​7/21/23
 ​10:00am
 ​GATA Training
​1/5/2024
 12:00pm​ CEJA Workforce Network Hubs and Energy Transition Navigator Programs: Apply for Funding, Round 2​
​1/12/2024
 12:00pm​ Developing a CEJA Program Budget: Avoiding Pitfalls​
​1/19/2024
 12:00pm​
 Rolling Back the Curtain: What CEJA Grant Reviewers Are Looking For​


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NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
​Applicants are invited to sign up for Technical Assistance Office Hours (via Zoom) to receive one-on-one assistance to prepare their proposals. These Office Hours provide an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback on proposal drafts and ideas. Office hours will begin July 31 and continue into August. Sign up here:
https://calendly.com/ceja_officehours/nofo_support
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Regional Networking Fairs 
​Attend a Regional CEJA Workforce Networking Fair this summer at locations throughout Illinois to connect with people interested in applying for CEJA funding or partnering with another organization to deliver one of the CEJA workforce programs.
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Questions and Answers
Potential bidders are invited to submit questions to ceo.ceja@illinois.gov. 
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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NOFO Materials
  • Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program NOFO
  • Uniform Application
  • Budget Tem​plate
  • Conflict of Interest Disclo​sure
  • Mandatory Disclosure
  • Attachment 1 – Proposed Work Plan
  • Attachment 2 – Participant Outcomes Summary
  • Attachment 3 – Proposed Curriculum 
  • Attachment 4 – Staffing Plan
  • MOU Template

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Resources