File photo of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (WTTW News)

Seventy nonprofits across Illinois have been awarded more than $14 million in grants, thanks to the first-ever competitive Human Services Capital Investment Grant program.

The funds will help organizations address physical construction and accessibility improvements. The grants are part of the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, through which the state has allocated around $25 million focusing on infrastructure and disproportionately disadvantaged areas.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker was joined by the members of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other state officials during Friday’s announcement.

“Supporting these providers is an integral part of my FY24 budget proposal, which calls for the highest-ever statewide commitments to early childhood, developmental disability, mental health, substance use, and homeless prevention services,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Thousands of lives will benefit from this investment.”

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said investing in human service organizations ensures that when people need help, organizations across the state are able to meet those needs and provide care.

The 70 organizations across 24 counties received between $50,000 and $250,000 each in funding.

Each awardee has worked with at least one of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ six divisions: developmental disabilities; early childhood; family and community services; mental health; rehabilitation services; and substance use prevention and recovery.

Illinois received more than 450 applications from human services providers throughout the state. Awardees include Association House of Chicago, Covenant House of Illinois, Survivor Empowerment Center and Stepping Stones Center.

For a complete list of awardees, including a breakdown by county, click here.