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We are currently open to the public. All customers visiting a TCOC office must wear a face mask or covering while in the office, and be free of COVID-19 symptoms. We continue to take applications remotely and are scheduling in-person appointments. Only one person will be allowed at an appointment, as we are limiting the number of people in the building.

Serving Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside Counties in Illinois

Tri-COunty opportunities council logo

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The Community Services Block Grant provides funding to Community Action Agencies, like Tri-County Opportunities Council to reduce poverty, revitalize income-eligible communities and to empower income-eligible families to become self-sufficient.

Program guidelines limit CSBG eligibility to families having incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) does not provide direct grants to individuals; CSBG does not charge a fee for receiving a grant. If you receive a message offering you a CSBG grant or requesting a fee, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-447-8477.

For more information, please visit the Grant Fraud and Scams: Grant-Related Scams | GRANTS.GOV.

Programs

Disaster Services

Provides direct emergency assistance to customers affected by a disaster beyond their control to meet basic needs.

Essential Living Program

Provides eligible customers financial assistance for personal hygiene items, including diapers, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Scholarship Program

Provides eligible customers with a scholarship for post-secondary education at an accredited Illinois institution. Download Application

Transportation Assistance Program

Provides eligible customers with financial assistance to maintain employment, attend college/trade school, or meet basic transportation needs.

Water/Sewer Payment Assistance

Provides financial assistance to households who have been trying to pay their monthly/quarterly water/sewer bill and working at least 30 hours a week or on a limited social security income to prevent disconnection.

Youth Development Program

Provides eligible families with opportunities for youth to participate in community, school, and family activities to help with their growth, knowledge, and self-confidence to become more engaged in life skill building.

COVID-19 Programs

COVID-19 Food Assistance

Provides eligible households with financial assistance to purchase nutritious groceries for individuals/families that DO NOT receive SNAP benefits and have been affected by COVID-19.

  • Provides a voucher to qualified households to purchase food items only from local grocery stores.

    • COVID-19 Health Assistance

    Provides eligible individuals with financial assistance to maintain a healthy and mental state for those affected by the COVID-19.

  • Provides up to 3 months of prescription payments in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Provides up to $300 for those seeking mental health support to cover sessions with a mental health provider for COVID-19 related concerns.

    • COVID-19 Relief Housing / Utility

    Provides eligible individuals with rent, mortgage, and/or utility assistance in order to remain stably housed and sustain proficient utilities for those affected by COVID-19.

  • Provides up to two months of rent or mortgage payment, up to $1600, for those affected by the pandemic: laid-off, loss of hours, or have been quarantined by a doctor.
  • Provides up to $350 in utility support towards an electric, gas, or propane payment for those who do not qualify for LIHEAP assistance. 

    • COVID-19 Transportation

    Provides eligible individuals with financial assistance for transportation needs for those affected by COVID-19.

  • Car Repairs – up to $1,000, must have been laid-off, loss hours, or were quarantined by a doctor; must show proof of secured employment, proof of car registration, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license.
  • Bus Passes – provide to up 3 months of passes.
  • License Plate Renewals – must have been laid-off, loss hours, or were quarantined by a doctor: must show proof of secured employment, proof of car insurance and a valid driver’s license.
  • Car Insurance – provide up to 3 months of payments; must have been laid-off, loss hours, or were quarantined by a doctor; must show proof of car registration and a valid driver’s license.

    • 2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines

    Family Size 30-Day Gross Income Annual Gross Income
    1 Person
    $2,660
    $31,920
    2 Persons
    $3,607
    $43,280
    3 Persons
    $4,553
    $54,640
    4 Persons
    $5,500
    $66,000
    5 Persons
    $6,447
    $77,360
    6 Persons
    $7,393
    $88,720
    7 Persons
    $8,340
    $100,080
    8 Persons
    $9,287
    $111,440

    How To Apply

    Apply Now

    Outreach Staff

    This website is supported by Grant Number 25-231005 from the CSBG program within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the CSBG program.