For some families, energy expenses can mean sacrificing certain necessities which can be very stressful. LIHEAP is designed to help income-eligible households pay for winter and/ or summer energy services. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible households. All payments are made directly to the applicable vendor (Direct Vendor Payment or referred to as “DVP”). The payment amount is based on four criteria: income, household size, fuel type and geographic location.

You may be eligible to receive assistance under LIHEAP is your household’s combined income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Visit Illinois’ LIHEAP website for current income levels.

LIHWAP, a crisis program for drinking water and wastewater, is now available in participating communities to help with water and sewer utilities.

LIHEAP, WEATHERIZATION, and CSBG customers may be income eligible for Water Assistance.

NiCor Gas “Sharing” Program is funded by The Salvation Army.  To be eligible for Sharing, you must be a residential heating customer of Nicor with a payment due and you must be ineligible for state energy assistance program (LIHEAP).  The applicant must meet current guideline (Gross Monthly Income) above 150% but not exceeding 250% of the federally established poverty level.  Eligible residential customers can apply for the grant through The Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) member Local Administering Agency (LAA).

Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to help low-income eligible Kendall and Grundy counties residents to save fuel, ensure safety and increase the comfort of their homes. Material and labor are free of charge to qualified homeowners. There may be a waiting list based on a first come-first serve basis.

The agency’s technicians will conduct a professional energy audit of the home.
Depending on the circumstances and condition of the dwelling, the repairs may vary: air sealing, attic and wall insulation, health and safety checks, and furnace repair or replacements and special attention will be given to major appliances to insure proper drafting and fuel line safety. Once the assessment is complete, licensed and insured contractors that have been pre-approved by the agency will be assigned to apply the appropriate measures. The contractors are OSHA and Lead certified.

To be eligible for the program, households must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or have an occupant receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Aid to Aged Blind and Disabled (AABD).

For more information or to apply, please call Kendall-Grundy Community Action (815)941-3262, ext 2.

One of common barriers to maintain employment is affordable transportation.  Drive to Success is designed to help low income residents who are currently employed obtain reliable transportation for employment purposes.    All expenses are paid directly to the repair shop.  The applicant household has to be at or below 125% poverty level.  Your application will be reviewed and you will be notified within one month of your status.  You may need to be placed on a waiting list if funding is not available.

The Kendall-Grundy scholarship program awards scholarships annually to clients to aid them in obtaining formal education or occupational training from an accredited Illinois educational institution.  Scholarships may be used for tuition and fees, textbooks, supplies or room and/or board.  Scholarship awards will be made directly to the college or university’s financial aid office.   All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply in February of each year and the deadline is in mid April.  Successful applicants will accept their scholarship awards at the Awards Dinner in June.

This program is a one-time service provided to people whose utilities have been disconnected or have received disconnection notice from an energy sources because of non-payment. The assistance is only provided to households that have made an effort to maintain their services and maybe required to pay a portion of the reconnection amount.

LIHEAP furnace program is available for homeowners to receive furnace repairs or replacement if your heating system is inoperable or determined to be unsafe by fuel vendor. You must qualify for LIHEAP assistance.