​Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

The Illinois Talent Pipeline Program uses strategies to train workers who can contribute to a companies’ growth and success. Projects funded under this program are intended to develop sustainable work-based learning programs to help Illinois companies retain and train current workers and hire new staff. The goal of a talent pipeline grant is to maintain a pipeline of hirable talent for the employer being served. Applications must address one or more of the Illinois Talent Pipeline activities listed below to be considered for funding.

• Projects that connect talent strategies with business needs.
• Layoff aversion projects that support businesses and workers that are impacted or at risk of being impacted by company closures or layoffs.
• Projects that expand work-based learning opportunities including apprenticeships for targeted populations. 
  

Commerce will accept proposals that support the priorities outlined in the NOFO and regional workforce development plans. Additional consideration will be provided to projects that serve the targeted populations included in the Illinois’ WIOA Unified State Plan. Specific project outcomes, goals, and deliverables must be included in the proposal.

Funding for this program will utilize federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It is expected that 8-10 pilot projects of $250,000 to $500,000 will be funded through this NOFO. The funding amounts for proposals will correspond with the project’s anticipated outcomes and deliverables. Grant awards will generally not exceed $500,000. However, the Department of Commerce may elect to award amounts over this amount based on strength of application or strength of performance during the grant period.   

• Program Year 2018 Illinois Talent Pipeline Grants
• Program Year 2017 Illinois Talent Pipeline Grants
  

This funding opportunity is limited to public and private organizations that are in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Additional consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate the administrative capacity and a history of successfully implementing innovative pilot projects. Additional consideration will also be given to organizations and projects in local workforce areas and regions throughout the State that document how the project will impact workforce, education, and economic development, and that can be replicated throughout the State (if applicable).

• 2018 WIOA Budget Template for Illinois Talent Pipeline (Excel)
  
• 2018 Illinois Talent Pipeline Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF)
• 2018 Illinois Talent Pipeline Grant Application (PDF)
  
• Fillable Project Implementation Plan: 75-412 (DOC)
  
• DCEO Office of Employment & Training - Lay-off Aversion Documentation (DOC)
  
• MOU Example Training Program (PDF)
  
• MOU Example Between a Company and School (PDF)
  

• ​Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014
• State of Illinois WIOA Unified State Plan
• WIOA Regional/Local Plans by Economic Development Region
• State of Illinois WIOA ePolicy Portal
• Grant Accountability and Transparency Act
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)