FY27 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the FY27 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Illinois by leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assisting producers with research and development, expanding availability and access to specialty crops, and addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers. Eligible applicants include individuals, small businesses, government organizations, education organizations, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. The program has a total funding amount of $796,255.11, and the award ceiling is $75,000.00. • The program is a reimbursement grant, and grant funds will be paid to recipients for approved expenditures on a reimbursement basis after a contract is fully executed. • Grantees must have the financial capability to pay project expenses up front and may request reimbursement monthly. • All costs must be associated with project activities that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. • Grantees are required to submit quarterly progress and financial reports, annual progress reports, final progress reports, and close-out reports. • The program has specific eligibility requirements, including the need for applicants to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and to be registered in SAM.gov.