Section 3085.30  Selection of Grantees

a)         The Department will award grants to entities to provide conservation education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults of this State. The Department will select grantees based on the grantee's ability to meet the goals of the Act and the criteria established in this Section, as determined by the Department.

b)         To be eligible for a grant, an entity must:

1)         be a unit of local government or a non-profit entity;

2)         be located in the State of Illinois;

3)         demonstrate a commitment to providing conservation education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults;

4)         work with the Department to demonstrate and provide guidance to the Department in the creation of a Department run conservation education and internship program for the youth and young adults of this State; and

5)         submit a Uniform Grant Accountability and Transparency Act application.

c)         When selecting a grantee, the Department shall also consider:

1)         the information and requirements that are provided on a completed Uniform Grant Accountability and Transparency Act application that has been submitted by the applicant to the Department;

2)         the entity's documented commitment to addressing the barriers to employment and education for youth and young adults from disadvantaged communities as defined in 42 U.S.C. 18795(d) (January 1, 2025).

3)         the entity's commitment to environmental stewardship and civic responsibility;

4)         the entity's ability to enhance public lands owned, leased or managed by the Department or develop or enhance projects or initiatives undertaken in whole or part by the Department; and

5)         the entity's geographic service area, so that grant funds are, to the extent possible, distributed in a manner that will impact as many regions of the State as possible.