Businesses, co-ops, nonprofits or local governments reopening a recently closed grocery store in an Illinois low-access area can get up to $1.5M for property, equipment, efficient HVAC/refrigeration/lighting and first-year operations, with a 25% match.
Grants of up to $1.5 million to reopen a grocery store at a location in a low-access census tract that experienced a grocery closure within the 12 months before application. Funds can cover acquisition and refurbishment of property and durable equipment, energy-efficient HVAC, refrigeration and lighting, and store operations before reopening and for the first 12 months. A 25% match is required; applications are accepted September 10, 2026 – June 30, 2027 at 5:00 p.m.
Potentially eligible organization types include for-profit corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, sole proprietors, nonprofits, agricultural cooperatives and local governments
Project must reestablish a grocery store at a location that experienced a grocery store closure in the 12 months prior to application
Project must be located in a low access census tract for fresh food
Property or business owners involved in the recent store closure are not eligible
25% match of total project costs from non-state sources; GATA pre-qualification required
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Money can be used for
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