Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program
At a glance
Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program is an open Illinois state grant opportunity from the Department of Transportation (State of Illinois). Applications are due October 30, 2026. Individual awards are listed as up to $100M, with $100M in total estimated funding. It is listed on the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance. Cost sharing is not required.
Summary assembled from the official notice's fields. The official notice governs.
Key facts
- Sep 21, 2026Posted
- Oct 30, 2026Application deadlinenext date
- Opened
- Sep 21, 2026
- Close date
- Oct 30, 2026
- Award floor
- Not specified
- Award ceiling
- $100,000,000
- Est. total funding
- $100,000,000
- Expected awards
- Not specified
- Matching funds
- Not required
- Funding instrument
- Grant
Program details (as published on the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance)
- CSFA number
- 494-80-1284
- Program
- Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program
- Announcement type
- Initial
- Source of funding
- State
- Indirect costs allowed
- No
- Technical assistance session
- Offered : Yes; Mandatory : No; Date : 10/01/2026 : 10:00 AM; Registration link : https://idot.illinois.gov/programs-and-projects/transit.html
- Types of assistance
- Project Grants
- Deadline details
- Applications are solicited and awards made through a competitive grant application and selection process.
- Award procedures
- Funds are dispersed monthly or within the month of invoicing.
Who can apply
The source record does not list applicant types. See the official notice.
Additional information on eligibility (from the listing)
Competitive capital grants must be for projects, purchases or purposes that are: 1. required for the provision of public transportation 2. identified in the IDOT’s annual Capital Needs Assessment 3. identified in the comprehensive long-range or short-range planning documents in the region for which the applicant is a part; and 4. in accordance with the guidelines set forth in IDOT’s Capital Grant Manual.
Based on the published notice. Review the official notice for complete eligibility requirements.
What it funds
Purpose and description as published on the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
Summary
This program provides state funding to participants of the Downstate Public Transportation Fund for competitive capital grants for projects, purchases or purposes required for the provision of public transportation in the eligible participants' service areas.
Objective
Provide additional state capital assistance to Downstate Public Transportation Fund participants for eligible public transportation projects in participants' service areas.
Program terms
This program provides state funding to participants of the Downstate Public Transportation Fund for competitive capital grants for projects, purchases or purposes required for the provision of public transportation in the eligible participants' service areas.
Application procedures
Application process is explained in the Public Transportation Capital Assistance document found at https://insideidot.portal.illinois.gov/sites/businessservices/idotforms/IDOT Original Forms Library/DPIT TR101.docx
How proposals are selected
Proposals must be considered capital projects providing assistance to a downstate region.
Full announcement & documents
The full announcement has the complete rules — page limits, required attachments, evaluation criteria and any letter-of-intent dates. Files download directly from Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
How to apply
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Program contact (as published)
Benito Perez
Benito.Perez@Illinois.gov
Quick answers
When is the deadline for “Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program”?
According to the official notice, applications are due October 30, 2026. The notice adds: “Due by 11:59 Central time.” Confirm the deadline and submission time with the agency before applying.
How much funding is available through “Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program”?
Per the notice, individual awards are listed as up to $100m and total estimated program funding is $100,000,000.
How do I apply for “Transit Downstate Transit Improvement Fund Program”?
Applications go directly to Department of Transportation, not through GrantsJunction. Read the program guidelines on the agency's site first; state programs set their own forms and registration requirements.
Related open opportunities
Other open Illinois state opportunities, matched on agency, categories and wording.
Downstate Cooperative Transportation Grant Program
Department of Transportation- Award range
- Amount not specified
- Closes
- Oct 15, 2026
Downstate Reduced Fare Grant Program
Department of Transportation- Award range
- Amount not specified
- Closes
- Oct 15, 2026
Aviation Fuel Tax Program
Department of Transportation- Award range
- Amount not specified
- Closes
- Ongoing