Section 291.40  Grant Application Procedure and Content

a)         Application Procedure

1)         Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, the Office will make a link to an application for small equipment grants under this program available on its website. 

2)         A completed application shall be electronically signed by the duly authorized officers of the applicant.

3)         Applications shall be submitted electronically utilizing the State grant application system by the deadline specified for the grant cycle.

4)         Applications received by the Office shall be logged in as received and assigned an application number.

b)         Application Content

Each grant application shall include the following information:

1)         Identifying information for the applicant, including the applicant's fire department or ambulance service and unit of local government, if applicable.

2)         A detailed description of the applicant's need for the proposed small equipment.

3)         Name and contact information for the fire department, ambulance service or local government personnel to serve as contacts for the application.

4)         Information regarding the applicant's two most recent budgets.

5)         Any other information or documentation the Office may require to demonstrate or support the information submitted by the applicant or to otherwise determine the applicant's eligibility under this Part.

c)         Review of Applications

Applications shall be assessed by blind review, meaning the Committee shall not see the name, address or any specific information that identifies the applicant.  The Committee shall review and score the applications based on assessment of need and information provided in the grant application.

d)         Grant Award

After the Committee reviews and scores the applications, the Office will, subject to appropriation, award a grant to the highest scoring applicants. If, for any reason, a successful applicant is unable to fulfill the terms of the grant or withdraws the request after it has been approved, then the next highest scoring applicant without a grant will be offered a grant. 

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 10931, effective August 1, 2026)