Reps Wehrli, Grant, & Mazzochi hosting seminar to help local Governments and Non-Profits earn GATA Certification

State Representatives Grant Wehrli (R–Naperville), Amy Grant (R–Wheaton) and Deanne Mazzochi (R–Elmhurst) will co-host a Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Certification Seminar on Thursday, November 21. The seminar is designed to help local governments and non-profits who want to apply for state or federal grants obtain the required certification. It will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Naperville City Hall in the Council Chambers located at 400 S. Eagle Street in Naperville.

GATA was developed to improve accountability, transparency and eliminate duplicative grant regulations. It impacts anyone seeking state grants; all potential grantees must obtain certification or they may not be eligible for future grant opportunities.

"We do not want our local groups providing critical social services, economic development opportunities, or other grant funding to be left out of the process," explained Mazzochi. "Ensuring your organization earns this certification, by a trusted provider and on time, will avoid funding hold-ups for reasons of process."

"GATA improves the grant process in Illinois by not only enhancing accountability, but also cutting redundancies and administrative costs," said Wehrli. "This ensures grant funds are more readily used for their intended purpose instead of being caught up by bureaucratic impediments. I hope our local governments and non-profits will take advantage of this seminar so they are able to apply for the new grants that will become available in 2020."

At the seminar, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will present on the certification process required under GATA, which will be followed by a question-and-answer period with attendees.

"I encourage our local non-profits, government units, hospitals and other groups from our community to attend this GATA seminar with my colleagues and DCEO," said Grant. "Although an invitation does not guarantee funding, this is a great way to find out more information on the grant process and to better understand how DCEO can help our communities. Events like these also help ensure transparency and help combat waste in government spending."