RFSI Application Submission Details

Note: The 2024 application period closed on March 15, 2024.  We will update this page if the application period opens again in the future. 

2024 Application Update – Illinois Department of Agriculture submitted applications to the USDA team on 06/12/2024.  Although we originally anticipated an August award announcement, we received an update from the USDA in October 2024 that their review will take several more weeks.  Please be advised we will notify applicants as soon as we have any information from USDA.

Checklist of Required Steps and Documents:

1. Register in SAM.gov
   1.  For assistance registering, see SAM.gov Registration Presentation
2. State law requires entities to register and pre-qualify online with GATA before applying for a state grant.  Please verify that your organizaiton/entity is in good standing with GATA and has an account on the GATA Grantee Portal.
3. Review the Helpful Documents listed below:
   1. Illinois RFSI Request for Applications
   2. USDA RFSI Program Scope
   3. USDA RFSI Terms and Conditions
4. Fill out ONE application:
   1.  Illinois Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Application
   2. Illinois RFSI Equipment Only Grant Application
   3. Note: These PDF forms will not display in your internet browser. Once opened, download the file to your computer. Open the file from your downloads folder into Adobe Acrobat. If there is a yellow bar that appears at the top of the document, you may have to click the “Enable Content” button in order to edit the document. You can also right click the link above and select "save link as" from the drop down menu. Then open it using Adobe from the folder in which you saved the document. You may not be able to save your work if you do not have the file saved to your computer first. Please also see the "PDF Download and Open to Adobe Reader" link below in the helpful resources. 
5. Fill out and attach Verification of Matching Funds Form per RFA guidelines
6. Fill out and attach Critical Resource Infrastructure Form per RFA guidlines
7. Attach The US Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service W-9 Form. 
8. If applicable, attach organization/entity's NICRA form for negotiated indirect cost rate. 
9. Email application and all attachments in ONE email to AGR.RFSI@illinois.gov
   1. Application Window is January 22, 2024 through March 15, 2024 @11:59 pm CST.  All applications received outside of this window will be denied.

Helpful Resources:

Illinois RFSI Information Presentation

PDF Download and Open to Adobe Reader Instructions

Registering with SAM.gov Presentation

USDA Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers

SBA Size Standards Tool

SBA Small Disadvantaged Business

SBA Veteran Contracting Assistance Program

SBA Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program

USDA Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment

RSFI Equipment Disposition Instructions

Note: An Informational Zoom Meeting was held for potential applicants on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:30 am.  Please click here to to listen to the recording.

FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Bank FAQ

More Information:

Additional USDA information on RFSI can be found at ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsi. 

Press Releases:

Press Release 1/17/2024