Section 43.150  Evaluation Process

Applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria:

a)         Quality of rationale for documented need for the project with priority given to projects located in those communities in the State with the greatest underserved population of young children and any other subset of that population identified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

b)         Ability of the applicant to successfully complete project objectives described in the grant application.

c)         Quality of evidence used to support the likelihood of the applicant to implement and sustain the early childhood center's new operations upon completion of the project.

d)         Quality of the proposed budget and timeline for the completion of the project, including a detailed description of additional funds to be used toward the applicant's financial contribution and the readiness of the project to begin once the grant funds are awarded.

e)         As applicable, any other criteria listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the grant program.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 6880, effective May 5, 2025)