Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program

The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund (EE Trust Fund) was established by 20 ILCS 687/6-6 to benefit residential electric customers through projects determined to promote energy efficiency in the State of Illinois, with an emphasis on low-income households. The Illinois EPA Office of Energy will award funds for energy efficiency projects at properties benefitting residents receiving housing assistance from local, state and federal programs.

Who Can Apply

Public Housing authorities, units of local government (municipalities, counties or townships) and nonprofit organizations that manage properties participating in federal, state or local rental assistance, housing choice vouchers, or subsidized housing assistance programs.

Project Criteria

Projects may include single family or multifamily properties of up to 40 dwelling units. (A dwelling unit is defined as a structure or part of a structure used as a residence by a single family.) Upgrades to common spaces and/or health and safety improvements must not exceed 20% of the total funding request.

Project activities must include improvements or retrofits identified in an energy efficiency assessment conducted in the past 5 years. Examples of EE Trust Fund projects include:

• Window replacement
• HVAC retrofit/upgrade
• Insulation replacement/installation
• Programmable thermostat installation
• Indoor/outdoor lighting upgrades
• High efficiency appliances (e.g. ENERGY STAR)

Projects must include a detailed plan to communicate with residents about the impact of project activities on energy savings and building comfort.

Awards will be made on a first-come, first serve basis to applicants meeting all eligibility criteria until all funds are expended OR June 30, 2026. Awards will range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. There is a cost share/match requirement for this program. Additional program details and application package may be accessed via Amplifund portal here: 

https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/7dd2961a-7cec-4461-9b9f-aaa0c54b5531

Application Resources

Applicants must register in Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal to complete pre-award requirements before proceeding to apply for this program in Amplifund.

• Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Portal
• Grantee Pre-Award Requirements
• GATA Learning Management System - GATA Training Course
• Amplifund Applicant Series - How to Complete an Application
• Illinois Amplifund Portal Support Desk - Amplifund ZenDesk

Program Resources

FAQ - Energy Efficiency Trust Fund

Webinar Recording - IEPA Energy Efficiency Housing Assistance Grants

Still have questions? Send EE Trust Fund Grant Program questions to Rebecca Luke, Office of Energy - Energy Projects Coordinator at Rebecca.J.Luke@Illinois.gov or attend a Technical Support Office Hours session. 

Technical Support Office Hours 1:30 - 2:30pm

Applicants may register to attend a Technical Support session via Webex for assistance with this program.