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Director Jerry F. Costello II

Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) - Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ includes links to Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) resource videos, which are applicable to the LFIG application process.

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How much funding can I apply for?

An individual project is eligible for a grant of $1,000-$75,000 [505 ILCS 92/15(2(B)].
A collaborative project is eligible for a grant of $1,000-$250,000 [505 ILCS 92/15(2(A)]. In a collaborative project, only the entity identified as the lead in the application will receive the grant funds.

 What is the timeline for incurring costs under this grant funding?

Grant funding can only be used for expenses incurred after the date of the application [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(d)]. 

Eligible costs must be incurred by June 30, 2027.

For purposes of this grant funding, an incurred cost is an eligible cost for which the grantee has become committed or obligated to pay. A cost is considered incurred when the grantee has done any of the following:

  1. Received the goods, services, or other deliverables associated with the cost;
  2. Ordered the goods, services, or other deliverables associated with the cost and can provide proof of the order, such as a dated purchase order or unpaid invoice; or
  3. Entered into a binding contract that creates a legal obligation for future performance related to the goods, services, or other deliverables associated with the cost.

A cost does not need to be paid to be considered incurred. The existence of a valid obligation is sufficient.

This grant is funded with State fiscal year 2027 (FY27) funds. Regular FY27 payment processing ends mid-August 2027. If any eligible costs cannot be reimbursed by mid-August when normal payment processing channels close, reimbursement may need to be sought through the Illinois Court of Claims. To expedite reimbursement and avoid collection through the Illinois Court of Claims, we strongly recommend that eligible costs are paid for and submitted for reimbursement by August 1, 2027.

 Is a match required for LFIG funding?

Matching funds (i.e. comparable investments) are not required for high need projects. 

All other projects require a 25% match.

  • The recipient's comparable investments may be provided in cash, cash-equivalent investments, bonds, irrevocable letters of credit, time and labor, or any combination of those matching fund sources.
  • Acceptable providers of matching funds include, but are not limited to, commercial, municipal, and private lenders; leasing companies; and grantors of funds. [505 ILCS 92/15(3) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(c)]

Points will be awarded for:

  • Proposals that demonstrate comparable investments by the anticipated recipient 505 ILCS 92/20(e)(6)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(6)]
  • Proposals for high need projects [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(7)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(7)]

Can an organization that received grant funding in Fiscal Year 2026 apply again for funding in Fiscal Year 2027?

Yes — but only if the new application is for a different project.
Under 505 ILCS 92/15(1), a project that receives funding in one grant cycle is not eligible to apply for funding in the very next cycle. This restriction also applies to anyone else who might try to apply for funding for that same project.

However, the rule applies to the project, not to the applicant.
An organization that was funded this cycle may submit a new application next cycle as long as the proposed project is truly different from the one that received funding.

To be considered a different project, the new proposal should have, at a minimum:

  • A different purpose and scope
  • Different activities and expected outcomes
  • Its own distinct budget and expenses
  • A clear separation from the previously funded project

In short, a funded project must “sit out” the next cycle, but the organization does not have to.

The Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act provides, “A recipient of grant funding under the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act whose project is funded in a grant cycle is not eligible to apply for grant funding under the Act for that project in the next funding cycle nor is any other person eligible to apply for grant funding for that project in the next funding cycle.” [505 ILCS 92/15(1)]

What are the criteria for determining a high need project?

For proof of "high need":

A) Identification of the critical infrastructure that is needed in the community: what it is, why it is needed, and what other projects or resources are available in the community in that space; or

B) Explanation of who the proposed project will primarily serve, with specific focus on how the project will serve underserved farmers and underserved communities, and an estimate of what percentage of the project's intended beneficiaries will be underserved.

[See 505 ILCS 92/15(3) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(c)(3)]

Should I get Letters of Support?

Points will be awarded for proposals that have established favorable community support [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(1)].


To show favorable community support, the application should include at least two letters of support for the project or business, written in the six months preceding application, from different entities that do work in the community.


Letters of support must include:

A) A summary of the relationship between the entity and the applicant;

B) A description of the entity's operations and community impact;

C) Address of the entity;

D) Description of the geographic area the entity operates in or impacts;

E) A summary of the applicant's proposed project. This can be provided by the applicant to the entity but must be included with and or referenced in the letter; and

F) Anything else identified in the application. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(c)(7)]

What are the pre-registration requirements to apply for LFIG?

Visit this link for pre-registration requirements: https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig/lfig-grantrequirements.html

How do I pre-register?

  • Register in SAM.gov
    • SAM (System for Award Management) is a government-wide registry for vendors doing business with the Federal government. You must register your entity (you as an individual or your organization) to be able to bid on contracts or apply for federal assistance (e.g., grants, loans) from the federal government. Registration is Free. SAM registration requires annual renewal.
    • This video is also a helpful resource for SAM.gov registration: https://youtu.be/fccnMFcEO5Y. The link is a DCEO grant resource video and is applicable to the LFIG application process.  
  • State law requires entities to register and pre-qualify online with GATA before applying for a state grant. Please verify that your organization/entity is in good standing with GATA and has an account on the GATA Grantee Portal.
  • Register on Euna Grants using the same email address used for SAM.gov and GATA registration.
    • The LFIG application is located within the Euna Grants grants management software platform. All applications must be submitted using Euna Grants.

For additional help, refer to this video, which outlines the requirements for grant applicants from the State of Illinois: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB_oEc4Y2Dg. The link is a DCEO grant resource video and is applicable to the LFIG application process.

Where can I get assistance registering with SAM.gov?

Applicants can find instructions here: https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=7241d4831b0ecd940ca4a97ae54bcbe3

This video is also a helpful resource for SAM.gov registration: https://youtu.be/fccnMFcEO5Y. The link is a DCEO grant resource video and is applicable to the LFIG application process.  

Where can I get assistance creating a GATA Account?

Please refer to the State of Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) State Grantee Portal New User Guide

This video is also a helpful resource for creating a GATA Account: https://youtu.be/tC7jr0e0_sE. The link is a DCEO grant resource video and is applicable to the LFIG application process.

Where can I get assistance with the Amplifund/Euna grants portal?

Please refer to the Amplifund/Euna support area: https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/27454533681683-11-10-2025-Euna-Grants-Applicant-Portal-Application-Overview-and-Submission

Where can I go to receive help with my application?

Is it possible to receive an LFIG application in a language other than English?

While the Amplifund/EUNA application process is primarily in English, applicants can utilize Google Translate using the Google Chrome browser.

How should I complete the budget section?

This video provides an overview of how to complete the budget: https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/27454533681683-11-10-2025- Euna-Grants-Applicant-Portal-Application-Overview-and-Submission

For written guidance on completing the budget, consult the Applicant Portal User Guide available in the Euna Grants Zendesk at https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/48550920549779

I have created an account at the GATA Grantee Portal, but am unable to create an account in Amplifund/Euna Grants. When I click on the Euna Grants Sign In button, a page comes up saying "403 - Forbidden: Access is denied."

A 403 Error can be cleared by deleting your recent browsing history, including cache and cookies.

Please refer to the Amplifund/Euna Grants support area: https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

 The Illinois Grantee Portal is showing “UEI not found.”

For assistance with your SAM.gov account, please visit the Federal Service Desk Home Page - https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp/en?id=fsd_index.

Review the GATA New User Guide https://gata.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gata/documents/resource-library/gata-new-user-guide.pdf, which explains the SAM.gov process.

A SAM.gov assigned Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is required to complete Organization Registration in the GATA Grantee Portal. SAM.gov is a federal clearing house. Illinois has no authority or influence in their processing. Once all required information has been submitted in SAM.gov, it may take up to 10 business days to obtain a UEI.

All individual Illinois.gov Accounts must be associated with an Organization in the Grantee Portal.

When I click on the (Apply) button, it simply redirects me and states the word “Administrator”.

Pre-registration is required to apply for an Illinois Grant Opportunity. Visit https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig/lfig-grantrequirements.html for guidance on completing these steps.

How does an entity meet the Illinois Resident requirement?

"Illinois Resident" means an entity that is registered to do business in Illinois and has its home-base of operations in Illinois as proven by a valid W9. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

What entities are considered a “small farm?”

"Small Farm" shall have the same meaning as in the United States Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture:  a commercial or noncommercial farm operation with a gross cash farm income (GCFI) of less than $350,000. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

  • Documentation needs to be attached to the application to verify.

What entities are considered a “very small farm?”

"Very Small Farm" shall have the same meaning as in the United States Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture:  a commercial or noncommercial farm operation with annual sales of $2,500 or less. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

  • Documentation needs to be attached to the application to verify.

What entities are considered a "Food Business" or "Food Sector Business?”

"Food Business" or "Food Sector Business" means institutions engaged in producing, processing, distributing, and selling foods; or the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

What differentiates a "collaborative project" from an "individual project?"

An individual project involves a single Illinois entity applying for funding to benefit its own operation. The applicant maintains full ownership and control of the project and is solely responsible for its execution and reporting. In contrast, a collaborative project involves two or more Illinois entities working together on a project. The defining characteristic of a collaborative project is that it provides mutual benefit to all participants rather than serving only one entity. The key differences lie in the number of participants, the scope of benefits, and the requirement for documented collaboration.

 

How is “high-need” defined?

"High-Need" means the project is: Filling a gap in critical infrastructure for its region or community that is unlikely to be resolved without the grant investment; or the grant investment will primarily serve underserved farmers and underserved communities. [505 ILCS 92/15(3) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

"Underserved farmer" means a farmer or rancher who meets the United States Department of Agriculture criteria to be designated as a beginning farmer, socially disadvantaged farmer, veteran farmer, or limited resource farmer. [505 ILCS 92/5]

"Rancher" means a type of farmer that focuses on raising livestock. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

Who is eligible to apply for LFIG funding?

  • An entity that is an Illinois resident. [505 ILCS 92/20(c) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(1)]
  • Applicants must comply with all relevant State and federal laws and rules, including prevailing wage requirements, when applicable. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(2)]
  • To be eligible for a grant award, an applicant shall have an active GATA registration and be qualified on the GATA Grantee Portal and SAM.gov at the time the application is submitted. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(3)]
  • The entity must store, process, package, aggregate or distribute value-added agricultural products or plan to do so, and must be one of the following [505 ILCS 92/15(1) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)]:
    • An Illinois farm with fewer than 50 employees [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(A) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(i)].
    • An Illinois cooperative with fewer than 50 employees [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(B) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(ii)].
      •  "Illinois Cooperative" means a co-operative association organized under the Agriculture Co-Operative Act [805-ILCS 315] or the Co-operative Act [805 ILCS 310] or a limited worker cooperative association organized under the Limited Worker Cooperative Association Act [805 ILCS 317]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]
    • An Illinois slaughter and/or processing facility with fewer than 50 employees [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(C)]. Slaughter and/or processing facilities must be USDA or state licensed or be a custom exempt slaughter and/or processing facility. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(iii)]
    • An Illinois food business with fewer than 50 employees [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(D) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(iv)].
    • An Illinois food hub with fewer than 50 employees [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(E) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(v)].
    • An Illinois nonprofit organization [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(F) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(vi)].
    • A unit of local government in Illinois [505 ILCS 92/15(1)(G) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.20(a)(4)(vii)].

We are located in Illinois, but our owner is located out of state. Do we qualify for this grant?

"Illinois Resident" means an entity that is registered to do business in Illinois and has its home-base of operations in Illinois as proven by a valid W9. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

Does the eligibility requirement of “less than 50 employees” mean all at the same time or does it encompass all employees over a given period of time?

The 50 employee threshold refers to the total number of employees working at the same time during the year, not the cumulative number employed over the entire year. Seasonal or temporary increases (e.g., harvest, agritourism weekends, deer season) do not affect eligibility. Please note that nonprofit organizations and local governments do not have an employee threshold for eligibility.

What documentation do I need to submit for “proof of the number of employees”?

The following are examples of documentation that will be deemed sufficient to establish “proof of the number of employees”. Substantially similar, unlisted documents identified in the application or any frequently asked questions or questions and answers for this program will also suffice.

A) Applicant's payroll logs showing how many people were paid by the applicant for each pay period for the 12 months preceding application;

B) IRS Form 941 for the four quarters preceding application, Illinois Form UI-3/40 Employer's Contribution and Wage report for the four quarters preceding application.

[8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(c)(5)].

My entity does not file IRS Form 941 or Illinois Form UI-3/40. Payments for services are reported on IRS Form 1099s. What should I supply as proof of the number of employees as required in the application?

If Individuals providing services for your entity have their earnings reported on IRS Form 1099, they are independent contractors and are not included in the employee count as related to this grant application.  If you do not have employees, please provide a statement to that effect.

For employees, generally, you must withhold and deposit income taxes, Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes from the wages paid to an employee. Additionally, you must also pay the matching employer portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes as well as pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. For proof of the number of employees, please provide IRS Form 941 for the four quarters preceding application or Illinois Form UI-3/40 Employer's Contribution and Wage report for the four quarters preceding application. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(c)(5)]

What expenditures qualify for reimbursement through LFIG funding?

All grant funding must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products. [505 ILCS 92/15(4) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(1)]

Allowable expenses include, but are not limited to, costs to purchase, lease, or install:

  • Equipment used in the production of value-added agricultural products [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(A) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(A)].
  • Sanitizing equipment. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(B)]
  • Milling or pressing equipment [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(B) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(C)].
  • Honey processing equipment and packaging including mini extractors lines, extractors, uncappers, dehydrators, creamers, warmers, heated sumps, bottling tanks and bottlers. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(D)]
  • Syrup processing equipment and packaging including syrup evaporators, cookers, finishers, canners and bottlers. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(E)]
  • Creamery or milk product processing and packaging equipment [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(C) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(F)].
  • Food hub development or expansion [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(D) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(G)].
  • Cooler walls, freezers and refrigeration units [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(E) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(H)].
  • Grading, packing, labeling, packaging, or sorting equipment [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(F) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(I)].
  • Refrigerated trucks [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(G) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(J)].
  • Custom exempt mobile slaughter units that meet all Federal and State regulations, including being licensed as an IDOA Type II slaughter/processing facility [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(H) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(K)].
  • Livestock, meat, and poultry, processing equipment (including fixtures or equipment necessary to expand animal throughput, processing capacity, the amount or type of products produced or processing speed, equipment necessary for compliance with federal hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plan) [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(H) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(L)].
  • Agroforestry processing equipment [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(I) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(M)].
  • Local fish, wild caught fish, and shrimp processing [505 ILCS 92/15(4)(J) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(N)].
  • Aquaponic and or hydroponic equipment. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(O)]
  • Equipment for school meal scratch cooking (including, but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, ovens (convection, combi, or steamer), warming/holding equipment, serving tables (hot or cold), milk coolers, or dish machines. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2)(P)]

Grant funding can only be used for expenses incurred after the date of the application. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(d)]

What expenditures do not qualify for reimbursement through LFIG funding?

  • Labor, marketing, or promotion or for the costs of production agriculture, including the costs for the purchase of hoop houses, irrigation, breeding, animal housing or other infrastructure related to starting or increasing agricultural production. [505 ILCS 92/15(4) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(1)]
  • Wages or travel costs. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(2)]
  • Portions of a project that have already received funding or been reimbursed by another federal or state grant program. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(3)]
  • Purchase or rental of a building or facility. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(4)]
  • Land acquisition or associated fees. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(5)]
  • Grant funding cannot be used to recoup previously-spent money on the project. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(c)]

What are specific examples of "value-added agricultural products" that are eligible for funding?

Value-added agricultural products refer to products that have been processed or transformed in a way that increases their market value beyond the raw commodity stage. Examples of value-added agricultural products include but are not limited to: grain-based products milled from grains, pasta or snacks made from wheat or corn, dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, or ice cream made from milk, meat products such as sausages, smoked meats or jerky, beverages such as cider or juice made from produce, and specialty and organic products such as packaged vegetables or salad mixes.

Can I purchase land using Local Food and Infrastructure Grant Funding?

No. Land acquisition and associated fees are listed as ineligible costs under the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Administrative Rules. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(5)]

Can funds be used for labor, marketing, or for production agriculture?

No. Labor, marketing, or promotion or for the costs of production agriculture, including the costs for the purchase of hoop houses, irrigation, breeding, animal housing or other infrastructure related to starting or increasing agricultural production are ineligible costs. [505 ILCS 92/15(4) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(1)]

Can funds be used for wages or travel costs?

No. Wages and travel costs are listed as ineligible costs under the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Administrative Rules. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(2)]

Can I use grant funds for a project that has already received other state or federal funding?

No. Portions of a project that have already received funding or been reimbursed by another federal or state grant program are ineligible.  [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(3)]

Is the purchase or rental of a building or facility an eligible expense?

No. Purchase or rental of a building or facility is ineligible under the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Administrative Rules. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(4)]

Can grant funding cover construction costs?

As a rule, construction costs are not allowable unless with prior written approval. In some cases, minor repairs or renovations may be allowable. Consult with the program office before budgeting funds in this category. Estimated construction costs must be supported by documentation including drawings and estimates, formal bids, etc.

All grant funding must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products [505 ILCS 92/15(4)]. “Value-added agricultural product” is “any farm or agricultural product or by-product that has its value enhanced through processing in Illinois, packaging in Illinois, or any other activity in Illinois.” [505 ILCS 92/5] 

Allowable expenses include, but are not limited to, those items identified in 505 ILCS 92/15(4) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(a)(2), which are covered in this FAQ.

Labor, wages, and travel costs are ineligible expenses pursuant to 505 ILCS 92/15(4) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b). Accordingly, items included in the budget of the application should not include labor, wages, and travel costs. Installation fees and/or construction costs that can be classified as labor, wages, and travel costs are ineligible for grant funding.

Can used or refurbished equipment or vehicles be purchased?

The funding opportunity is not limited to the purchase of new equipment or vehicles. All grantees of the funding opportunity are required to use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327, which can be found here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d

All grants are required to follow procurement standards that are outlined in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d). The document at the following link provides an overview of these requirements and can assist your organization with establishing an organization procurement policy and remain in compliance with procurement standards: https://agr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/agr/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig/IDOA%20Procurement_10%2015%202025.pdf. Noncompliance with procurement standards may result in the return of funds to the agency.

Generally, the procurement standards must meet the following requirements:

  • Full and open competition;
  • Written procurement procedures;
  • Documentation of vendor selection; and
  • Price reasonableness

Would the purchase of a non-refrigerated truck used to transport product be eligible for funding under this grant?

The entity must store, process, package, aggregate or distribute value-added agricultural products or plan to do so. All grant funding must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products. [505 ILCS 92/15(4)]. “Value-added agricultural product” is “any farm or agricultural product or by-product that has its value enhanced through processing in Illinois, packaging in Illinois, or any other activity in Illinois.” [505 ILCS 92/5].

Are projects that are already in progress eligible? Can an entity or entities apply for funding for projects that have already started?

Yes, applicants may apply for funding for a project that is already in progress. However, grant funding cannot be used to recoup previously-spent money on the project and can only be used for expenses incurred after the date of the application. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(c)-(d)]

Grant funding cannot be used for portions of a project that have already received funding or been reimbursed by another federal or state grant program. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.30(b)(3)]

Grant funding cannot be used to repay prior debt payments nor meet the match requirements of another grant.

Can LFIG funding be used for land improvements, like fencing or to increase farm acreage?

No, the Local Food and Infrastructure Grant is not intended to be used for land improvements nor to increase farm acreage.

 

Does the application include a budget?

Yes, a proposed budget is required for the project. The proposed budget for the project must outline anticipated or estimated costs of supplies or equipment for the project. If matching funds will be utilized, the budget should also include the matching funds and the source of the matching funds. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.50(b)(12)]

The budget section of the application includes major expenditure categories: Equipment, Supplies, Contractual Services and Subawards, Construction, Training and Education, and Other or Miscellaneous Costs. Applicants must complete the budget by adding itemized line item expenses, providing the required narrative, and uploading supporting documents under "Budget Item Information Attachments" for each allowable category. Each line item expense should include only one purchase item. Eligible costs must be incurred by June 30, 2027.

For guidance on completing the budget, consult the Applicant Portal User Guide available in the Euna Grants Zendesk at https://il-amplifund.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/48550920549779.

Are quotes required for equipment or contractors?

A "realistic budget projection" is a budget that identifies the total amount requested; accounts for each dollar spent; and provides explanations/assumptions of how the numbers were determined, with supporting documentation for those explanations/assumptions as appropriate. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(c)(6)]

All grants are required to follow procurement standards that are outlined in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR45ddd4419ad436d). The document at the following link provides an overview of these requirements and can assist your organization with establishing an organization procurement policy and remain in compliance with procurement standards: https://agr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/agr/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig/IDOA%20Procurement_10%2015%202025.pdf. Noncompliance with procurement standards may result in the return of funds to the agency.

Generally, the procurement standards must meet the following requirements:

  • Full and open competition;
  • Written procurement procedures;
  • Documentation of vendor selection; and
  • Price reasonableness.

 

Does the Prevailing Wage Act apply to funded projects?

All projects for the construction of fixed works which are financed in whole or in part with public funds, including all projects funded or financed in whole or in part with bonds, grants, loans or other funds made available by or through the State or any of its political subdivisions, or undertaken by an institution supported in whole or in part by public funds, shall be subject to the Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.) unless the provisions of that Act exempt its application. Landscape or modifications to real estate are included within the definition of fixed work. A project does not have to be for public use to be subject to the Prevailing Wage Act. https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/conmed/prevailing-wage-act.html

What are the detailed criteria that differentiate a "collaborative project" from an "individual project" for grant funding?

An individual project involves a single Illinois entity applying for funding to benefit its own operation. The applicant maintains full ownership and control of the project and is solely responsible for its execution and reporting. In contrast, a collaborative project involves two or more Illinois entities working together on a project. The defining characteristic of a collaborative project is that it provides mutual benefit to all participants rather than serving only one entity. The key differences lie in the number of participants, the scope of benefits, and the requirement for documented collaboration.

Do all entities in the collaborative project need to meet eligibility requirements of the grant?

Yes. All entities must meet the eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements for the grant can be found in the eligibility section of this FAQ.

Do all entities need to meet the eligibility requirement of “less than 50 employees?”

Yes, each entity must meet the eligibility requirements. The 50 employee threshold refers to the total number of employees working at the same time during the year, not the cumulative number employed over the entire year. Seasonal or temporary increases (e.g., harvest, agritourism weekends, deer season) do not affect eligibility. Please note that nonprofit organizations and local governments do not have an employee threshold for eligibility.

What factors will determine the scoring or approval of my application?

Projects will be evaluated based on the following considerations:

  • Reasonable assurance of increasing the availability and accessibility of Illinois agricultural products among Illinois communities 505 ILCS 92/20(d)(1). [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(a)(1)]
  • Adequate and realistic budget projection 505 ILCS 92/20(d)(2). [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(a)(2)]
  • Eligibility requirements. [505 ILCS 92/20(d)(3) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(a)(3)]
  • Cost eligibility. [505 ILCS 92/20(d)(3) and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(a)(4)]

Points will be awarded for proposals that:

  • Have established favorable community support [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(1)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(1)]
  • Increase the availability of Illinois agricultural products to underserved communities in Illinois [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(2)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(2)]
  • Positively impact underserved farmers in Illinois [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(3)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(3)]
  • Are submitted by established farmers and food businesses [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(4)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(4)]
  • Facilitate long-term economic development in the local food sector [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(5)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(5)]
  • Demonstrate comparable investments by the anticipated recipient [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(6)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(6)]
  • Are for high need projects [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(7)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(7)]
  • Are submitted by small and very small farms and food businesses [505 ILCS 92/20(e)(8)]. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(8)]
  • Are from organizations led by historically underserved farmers and food business owners. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(9)]

Will my entity qualify as “established” for the purpose of receiving points for being an established farmer or food business?

"Established" means an entity that has been doing business in the agricultural or food sectors for at least three years. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.10(b)]

Points will be awarded for proposals from established farmers and food businesses. [8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(b)(4)]

For proof of "established": at least two types of documentation per year for at least three years, including:

A) Documentation from a source other than the applicant of the date the business was started in Illinois.

B) Documentation from government agencies of the business' operations or activities; tax records; media coverage describing the project or business's first actions (or prior actions so long as they meet the definition of "established" in the rules).

[8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.60(c)(2)]

What are the performance, monitoring, and reporting requirements associated with this grant?

Grantees are responsible for reporting the following information to the grant administrator:

  1. Economic impact of the awarded grant project, including but not limited to jobs created, local food sales increased, and communities served.  [505 ILCS 92/25(3)]
  2. Progress and financial reports, accompanied by proof of expenditures for reimbursement amount.
  3. All reporting required in the grant agreement, including financial, performance, close-out, and audit submission. 

[See 8 Ill. Adm. Code 340.80(c)]

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