ISBE Releases FY26 After School Programs and Invests $10 Million More into Community Based Programs
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the release of the FY 2026 After School Programs – Non-School Districts Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for Proposal (NOFO/RFP) in the IWAS system on August 27th, 2025. This year’s Non-LEA After School Programs grant program is funded at $18 million, a $10 million increase from last year.
CHICAGO, Il. — Susan Stanton, Executive Director of ACT Now, issued the following statement today in response to the release of this NOFO/RFP:
“The additional $10 million included in this year’s NOFO/RFP is a historic investment and a direct result of powerful, coordinated advocacy efforts from the Out-of-School Time (OST) field, families, and champions across the state. This increase will expand the reach of afterschool programs across the state, enabling more youth to benefit from safe, supportive, and enriching environments during out-of-school hours. It also represents a strong vote of confidence from state leadership in the critical role afterschool programming plays in academic recovery, workforce development, and community well-being.”
“ACT Now is deeply grateful to ISBE for its ongoing partnership and its swift action to release this funding opportunity. The agency’s responsiveness and continued support make a tangible difference for the programs and communities that rely on this funding to serve youth across Illinois.”
“This increase in funding comes at a pivotal time. As students, families, and providers continue to navigate the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funding uncertainty, and chronic absenteeism, afterschool, community schools, and summer programs remain a lifeline. This increased funding will help close equity gaps, support youth development, and allow trusted community-based organizations to meet the growing demand for high-quality programming across Illinois.”
“We are grateful to our partner organizations and community members within Illinois who urged the Illinois General Assembly to invest in OST programs. We would also like to thank state legislators and ISBE, who answered the call of advocates to fund afterschool and summer programming and worked to ensure these funds would be released swiftly to programs. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable OST field that uplifts all Illinois youth.”
The FY 2026 NOFO/RFP is now live in the electronic Grants Management System via IWAS. Eligible applicants must log in, select “Year: 2026,” and then click “Create Application.” Some grants require checking a “Yes” box before the “Create Application” button will appear. While no allocation is included in the initial NOFO/RFP, applicants must provide a detailed, itemized budget with the total amount requested. Approved applicants will be required to submit an amended application to include the official allocation and grant documents.
The deadline for submitting the FY 2026 After School Programs – Non-School Districts NOFO/RFP is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025.
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ACT Now is a statewide coalition supported by afterschool providers, families, business leaders, school districts, community advocates, youth organizations, and policymakers.
