a) To be eligible to receive a grant, at a minimum, applicants must demonstrate the following:

1. 1) Be a nonprofit organization;
2. 2) Have an active GATA registration at the time the application is submitted and be qualified on the GATA Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/) by the time the application is reviewed by the Department.
3. 3) Be a regarded entity by the Internal Revenue Service (26 CFR 301.7701-3(b)(1)(ii)) for federal income tax purposes;
4. 4) Be able to effectively serve diverse and underrepresented populations, including low-wage or low-skilled workers from economically disadvantaged communities within the proposed service regions, by providing employment services to such populations;
5. 5) Have experience with the construction and building trades, including demonstrated relationships with construction and building trades registered apprenticeship programs, industry contractors and contractor associations;
6. 6) Be able to recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship training to prepare workers for employment in the construction and building trades;

7. 7) Have a plan to provide the following:

   1. A) Preparatory classes;
   2. B) Workplace readiness skills, such as resume preparation and interviewing techniques;
   3. C) Strategies for overcoming barriers to entry and completion of an apprenticeship program; and
   4. D) All prerequisites for acceptance into an apprenticeship program;
8. 8) Have relationships with local residents and other organizations serving the communities in the proposed region; and
9. 9) Able to satisfy the required activities set forth in Section 850.50 and 850.60.