Western Illinois Regional Council

Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) is a non-profit organization registered in SAM.gov since 2009, serving a six-county region in Illinois including Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties. As a regional planning and development organization, WIRC focuses on economic development, community services, and regional strategic planning to support local governments and residents through various federal grant initiatives. The organization is structured to provide comprehensive planning, technical assistance, and support services across multiple sectors, leveraging federal and state funding to address regional economic and social development needs.

WIRC has consistently received federal grant awards from multiple agencies, particularly the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Single Family Housing Program. Key grant activities include developing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), providing regional planning and technical assistance, and supporting disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. Additionally, WIRC receives sub-grants from state agencies like the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Department of Human Service, which fund critical community programs such as the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Weatherization Assistance, Family Violence Prevention, and transportation services under Section 5311 Formula Grant. These sub-grants enable WIRC to deliver essential services to low-income families, including employment training, housing support, energy bill assistance, social services, and emergency relief, demonstrating the organization's multifaceted approach to community development and social support.