AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois) Notice of Funding Opportunity (24-444-80-2810)

Summary Information


Awarding Agency Name	Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name	Family and Community Services/Bureau of Volunteerism and Community Service
Agency Contact	Rachael Tuxhorn DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov
Announcement Type	Initial Announcement This award will be made as a grant. Selected Applications will be submitted to AmeriCorps for final determination of award
Funding Opportunity Title	AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois)
Funding Opportunity Number	24-444-80-2810-02
Application Posting Date	March 29, 2023
Application Date Range:	Start Date: March 29, 2023 End Date: April 28, 2023 End Time: 11:59pm EASTERN TIME
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-2810
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	AmeriCorps Formula Traditional
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	94.006
Award Funding Source	Federal funds-The AmeriCorps Agency
Estimated Total Program Funding	$6,200,000
Anticipated Number of Awards	40 New, Continuation and Recompete
Award Range	Will vary by scope of service
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement	Cost sharing (Match) IS required
Indirect Costs Allowed	Indirect Costs are allowed.
Restrictions on Indirect Costs	Indirect Costs are allowed. Indirect Cost Rate must be approved. See Section C.7.f Funding Restrictions
Technical Assistance Session	Session Offered: Yes Session Mandatory: No Date/Time: April 5, 2023 from 10:00am - 11:30am Registration Link
NOFO/Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)	Submit Questions to: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov Due date for submitting questions: April 24, 2023

Program Description
1. Program Summary
  AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) Program improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.
  An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.
  AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations, proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence- informed interventions/practices to strengthen communities. (Refer to Section C.1 Eligible Applicants.) AmeriCorps grants are administered in Illinois by a state commission, Serve Illinois, under the purview of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
  Important: Current grantees who have an AmeriCorps Formula Traditional Award through IDHS under CSFA #444-80-2810 must determine if they are in a continuation year or in a recompete year by reviewing Appendix II at the end of this document.
  All new, recompete and continuation applicant organizations must apply to the Serve Illinois Commission for AmeriCorps funding by:
  1. Completing the instructions included in this NOFO, and
  2. Submitting their application via eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system under FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and Territory Commission (New and Continuations)
  3. Submitting the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance and the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov
  4. Continuation applicants should refer to Section E(6) for additional instructions.
  5. Recompete and new applicants will be selected for funding through the Merit-Based-Review process administered by Serve Illinois, through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). The merit-based review is described in Section D.2. Review and Selection Process.
2. Funding Priorities
  To maximize its impact, Serve Illinois has identified nine priority areas. Areas of priority for Serve Illinois are listed and described below in alphabetical order. Some of these areas are the same as the priority areas for the AmeriCorps Agency. The priority areas that are the same are indicated by an asterisk (*). The AmeriCorps Agency Focus Areas are listed on the AmeriCorps website.
  1. Disaster Services (disaster response) *
    Serve Illinois supports the goal of increased and improved disaster services for individuals and communities to prepare and adapt to disasters in our state. This includes climate change events. We provide support for activities that increase preparedness for disasters, improve readiness to respond to disasters, support recovery efforts from disasters, and/or assist in the implementation of pre-disaster mitigation and adaptation measures. Serve Illinois works to support communities and individuals in planning for disasters - specifically engaging disadvantaged communities in the planning process.
  2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    For all of programs and initiatives under the purview of the Serve Illinois Commission to have a demonstrated commitment to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of program administration and operation. This includes demonstrated effort to recruit participants reflecting the diversity of our state and serve marginalized populations.
  3. Environmental Stewardship*
    Serve Illinois supports responsible stewardship of the environment, while preparing communities for challenging climate and environmental circumstances and helping Americans respond to and recover from disruptive events: programs and organizations that conserve natural habitats; protect clean air and water; maintain public lands; support wildland fire mitigation and sustainable forest management; cultivate individual and community resilience; and provide reforestation services after floods or fires, such as nature based solutions.
  4. Intergenerational initiatives*
    Serve Illinois is committed to sponsoring/supporting activities that ensure multi- generational community engagement. There is enormous potential for engaging diverse age groups in mutually beneficial experiences that foster social connectedness and address critical societal needs.
  5. Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles or Healthy Futures
    Serve Illinois supports partners, programs and initiatives that address the opioid crisis; increase seniors' ability to remain in their own homes with the same or improved quality of life for as long as possible; and/or increase physical activity and improve nutrition with the purpose of reducing obesity. Serve Illinois is committed to providing support to initiatives that work to improve the quality of life for our residents including but not limited to homelife, economic opportunity, community recreation, food access, community safety.
  6. Public Health
    Serve Illinois supports strategic implementation of services, opportunities and supports resulting in positively addressing the social determinants of health, specifically for those residing in marginalized communities.
  7. Veterans and Military Families*
    Serve Illinois supports organizations, programs and initiatives working to improve the quality of life of veterans and improve military family well-being; increase the number of veterans, wounded warriors, military service members, and their caregivers, families, and survivors.
  8. Violence Prevention, Intervention & Interruption
    Serve Illinois supports effective local interventions and preventative measures to address any form of violence that challenge Illinois communities. This includes programs and initiatives that focus on peace building strategies. Also, Serve Illinois works to support partners and initiatives designed to reduce involvement in the juvenile justice system or young adults in the justice system.
  9. Youth Development and Education*
    In addition, to the priority of education and academic achievement, Serve Illinois is committed to providing the supports necessary for youth to make progress toward achieving youth development outcomes (which includes prevention outcomes. Serve Illinois subscribes to the positive youth development philosophy and values for youth voice and choice in programming and initiatives that impact their lives. (NOTE: the AmeriCorps priority is education with youth development implied as a priority)
3. Required Services and Programming
  The Provider will provide the services and agrees to act in compliance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of services pursuant to this Agreement. The grant application, submitted by the Provider, relates to this Agreement must be implemented as outlined below.
  1. The Provider will comply with applicable Terms and Conditions for AmeriCorps State and National Grants and General Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions.
  2. The Provider will comply with member recruitment and selection requirements as outlined in AmeriCorps' regulations at 45 CFR §§ 2522.210 and Part 2540, subpart B.
  3. The Provider will ensure that each member has sufficient opportunity to complete the required number of hours of service to qualify for the education award.
  4. The Provider will adhere to all requirements outlined in the AmeriCorps' Program Director's Manual.
  5. Conduct National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) requirements as outlined in the NSCHC Manual.
  6. Recruit and retain the allocated number and type of slots (e.g., full-time, half-time) of AmeriCorps members.
  7. Provide services with the designated population(s) in the service area that work towards meeting the specified outcomes and outputs that align with primary services, addressing the focus area(s), and, if applicable, engaging volunteers in accordance with the approved program plan.
  8. Adhere to the performance measures and evaluation in the approved program plan as required by Illinois AmeriCorps.
  9. Supervise and train members throughout their service term as outlined in the approved program plan.
  10. Provide all members with AmeriCorps uniforms, service gear, personal protective equipment and all other service materials required to accomplish the member's service hours.
  11. Participate in Illinois AmeriCorps scheduled meetings and trainings (including Program Director's meetings, National Service Summit, AmeriCorps national/regional offerings and regional trainings).
  12. Certify member enrollment in My AmeriCorps Portal for all members within eight calendar days of the AmeriCorps members' starting a term of service.
  13. Host or co-host two national service days. All sites will host/co-host an event for the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday. The Provider will also host/co-host a second event and it is at the discretion of the Provider to select from one of the following options: Global Youth Day, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, or 9/11 Remembrance Day.
  14. Host a National Service Opening Day event/activity at the program site no later than six weeks from the start date of the program.
  15. Host or co-host an AmeriCorps member recognition event/activity during AmeriCorps week.
    Programs are to be designed to operate for no more than 12 months and must end no later than August 31, 2024. A request to operate the program past August 31, 2024, will only be considered if more time is needed for a member to complete their hours.
    Program extensions will not be honored for any other reason.
4. Performance Measures
  1. National Performance Measures. AmeriCorps expects applicants to use National Performance Measures as part of a comprehensive performance measurement strategy. The strategy relies on both performance and evaluation data, allowing a Provider to adapt and make tactical and strategic adjustments to achieve their goals.
    1. All applications must include at least one aligned performance measure (output and outcome) that corresponds to the proposed primary intervention. This may be a National Performance Measure or an applicant-determined measure. For more information, please refer to the AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Instructions 2023.pdf.
    2. Each grantee will also be required to track and report the Performance Data Elements in its annual Grantee Progress Report. The three Performance Data Elements are the number of AmeriCorps members:
      1. recruited from the geographic or demographic communities the program operates,
      2. with increased knowledge about, and
      3. who remain in the field post-service
  2. State Performance Measures. At the end of each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR). At the end of the year, successful applicants will submit a cumulative report. In addition to service data and activities, the PPRs will also include the following performance measures:
    1. Execute approved overall program plan designed to serve the target population and achieve identified program goals.
    2. Execute a detailed member outreach and recruitment plan.
    3. Ensure that each AmeriCorps member completes the required number of hours of service to qualify for the education award.
    4. Ensure provider participation in Illinois AmeriCorps meetings.
    5. Ensure provider participation in Illinois AmeriCorps sanctioned activities and trainings.
    6. Ensure AmeriCorps member participation in Illinois AmeriCorps sanctioned activities and trainings.
    7. Ensure timely exit of all AmeriCorps members.
    8. Complete all required reports and program closeout by agreed deadlines.
5. Performance Standards
  1. National performance standards must be consistent with chosen performance measure. See AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Instructions 2023.pdf
  2. State performance standards
    1. Execution of Illinois AmeriCorps-approved program plan designed to serve the target population and achieve identified program goals by the date in the approved timeline.
    2. 50% of approved member slots are recruited and enrolled within 30 days of the program start date.
    3. 85% of enrolled AmeriCorps members qualify for the education award by program end.
    4. 80% provider attendance rate for participation in Illinois AmeriCorps meetings.
    5. 80% provider attendance rate for participation in Illinois AmeriCorps sanctioned activities and training.
    6. 80% participation rate of currently enrolled members (on the date of the activity/training) in Illinois AmeriCorps sanctioned and required activities/trainings.
    7. 100% of enrolled members are exited from the eGrants system within 30 days of the end of their term of service.
    8. 100% accurate completion of all required reports and program closeout by the agreed deadline.
6. Authorizing Statutes
  Statutory Authority: Awards under this Notice are authorized by the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.)

Award and Funding Information

This is a both a competitive funding opportunity and a continuation opportunity. Applicant organizations must apply to the Serve Illinois Commission by completing the instructions included in this NOFO and submitting their application in the federal eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system.
1. Current grantees should determine if they are a continuation applicant or a recompete Applicant by reviewing Appendix II in this document..
2. Continuation applicants should refer to Section E.6 for additional instructions.
3. Recompete and new applicants will be selected for funding through the Merit-Based- Review process administered by Serve Illinois, through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to make an award.
Serve Illinois/IDHS anticipates funding up to 40 applicants.
Award amounts will vary as determined by the scope of the projects and will be based on approved budgets. Maximum amounts will be based on proposed number of Member Service Years (MSY) multiplied by $28,800. (See Section C.7.f.i.b Maximum Cost per Member Service Year for more details.)
Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to the 2 CFR 200 continuation application process (when applicable), GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation.
New applicants and applicants designated as "recompete applicants" by AmeriCorps will have their applications scored using the same scoring matrix. Recompete applicants are those applicants who received an FY23 AmeriCorps Formula award and are not in a renewal year.
Applicants will be required to submit a twelve month budget into the federal eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system.
Once an applicant has been chosen for funding, the applicant will be directed by IDHS program staff to enter a prorated budget in the Community Service Agreement tracking system (CSA) for the State FY24 portion of the project period ending June 30, 2024. For example, if the applicant's program start date is September 1, 2023, the successful applicant will be directed to enter a budget equal to 10/12 (approximately 83%) of the budget entered in eGrants. DO NOT enter your budget into the Illinois CSA system until instructed to do so.
Proposed budgets in CSA must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been entered and approved through the Community Service Agreement Tracking System (CSA) system.
Subject to appropriation, the FY24 grant period will begin no sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2024.
Serve Illinois/IDHS reserves the right to issue up to two renewal (continuation) awards to successful applicants consistent with AmeriCorps policies. Continuation awards for subsequent years are not guaranteed; they depend upon availability of appropriations and satisfactory performance.
Applicants may propose a program start date that aligns with their program design. Programs are to be designed to operate for no more than 12 months and must end no later than August 31, 2024. Programs may NOT enroll AmeriCorps members before the date AmeriCorps issues the grant award to Serve Illinois/IDHS (anticipated to be July 25, 2023), therefore program start dates should not be before August 1, 2023. AmeriCorps Members may not begin service prior to the beginning of the Member enrollment period as designated in the grant award. A program may not certify any hours a member performs prior to the applicant becoming a member in the system of record and the beginning of the member enrollment period.
There is a matching requirement for this grant. Refer to Section C.5 Cost Sharing or Match Requirements for more information.
Indirect costs are allowed. The applicant organization must choose one of three methods to calculate indirect costs: CNCS-Fixed Percentage rate, a Federal negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), or a De Minimis Rate. Regardless of the option chosen, the CNCS share of administrative costs is limited to 5% of the total CNCS funds expended under this grant. Refer to Section C.7.f.ii. Indirect Cost Requirements & Restrictions for more information.

AmeriCorps Operating Grants: AmeriCorps may award a Cost Reimbursement grant to any successful applicant.

Maximum Cost per MSY*	$28,800
Minimum # of MSYs	3
Type of Slots in the National Service Trust**	FT, TQT, HT, RHT, QT, MT, AT
Budget Submission Required	Yes
Availability of Funds linked to enrollment and retention of awarded MSYs	No
Financial Reporting Requirements	Yes
Available to new Applicants	Yes

*Member Service Year (MSY): One Member Service Year (MSY) is equivalent to a full-time AmeriCorps position (at least 1,700 service hours.)
**FT = Full Time, TQT = Three Quarter Time, HT= Half Time, RHT = Reduced Half Time, QT = Quarter Time, MT = Minimum Time, AT = Abbreviated Time

Sub-recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by IDHS and on file with IDHS. Sub-recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant organization shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of the sub- recipient.
All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.

Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements

Eligible Applicants
1. The following non-Federal entities (all of which are defined in 2 CFR 200.1) are eligible to apply:
  1. Indian Tribes
  2. Institutions of higher education
  3. Local governments
  4. Public health departments
  5. Nonprofit organizations
  6. State service commissions
  7. States and US Territories
2. Applicants must have a valid System Award Management (SAM) registration and Unique Entity Identifier to receive an award. See Section C.7.c System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier) for more information.
3. Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps encourages new organizations that have not received prior funding from AmeriCorps to apply.
  1. Current grantees should determine if they are a continuation applicant or a recompete applicant.
  2. Continuation applicants should refer to Section E.6 for additional instructions.
  3. Recompete and new applicants will be selected for funding through the Merit- Based-Review process administered by Serve Illinois, through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
    1. See Item Mandatory Requirements of Applicant of this section for additional requirements.
    2. Applicant organizations must apply to the Serve Illinois Commission/IDHS by completing the instructions included in this NOFO and submitting their application in the federal eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system.
      Through the Illinois Department of Human Services, Serve Illinois will administer the Merit Based Review and selection process.
GATA Registration and Prequalification
1. Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, available here:Illinois GATA Grantee Portal Registration and prequalification are required annually. Additionally, any sub- recipient must also be registered and prequalified through GATA upon application.
2. Registration
  The following information is required to complete registration in the Grantee Portal:
  1. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by the federal System for Award Management (SAM). For additional information refer to Section C.7.c System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier.
  2. Entity's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  3. Organization type
  4. Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits, and limited liability corporations.)
  5. Entity name
  6. Entity mailing address
  7. Entity primary email address
  8. Entity primary phone number
  9. Entity fiscal year-end date
3. Prequalification
  1. Once an entity is registered in the Grantee Portal, the system will automatically determine (within 24 hours) if an entity is prequalified to apply for an award. During prequalification, verifications are performed, including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.
  2. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.
  3. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not been prequalified prior to the due date of this application, will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
Pre-Award Requirements
If an applicant is selected for funding by AmeriCorps, the applicant must complete the following prior to receiving an award from Serve Illinois/IDHS:
1. Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ)
  1. The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). IDHS may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY 24 ICQ. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to IDHS issuing an award.
  2. The ICQ is available in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
  3. Applicants that have not completed an FY24 ICQ at the time of application will be contacted by IDHS to complete this pre-award requirement.
  4. These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois.
2. Registration and Budget in CSA
  NOTE: Applicants will be required to submit a twelve month budget into the federal eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system. DO NOT enter your budget into the Illinois CSA system until instructed to do so.
  The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and act on the proposed budget.
  1. Successful applicants. Once an applicant has been chosen for funding, the applicant will be directed by IDHS program staff to enter a prorated budget in the Community Service Agreement tracking system (CSA) for the State FY24 portion of the project period ending June 30, 2024. For example, if the applicant's program start date is September 1, 2023, the successful applicant will be directed to enter a budget equal to 10/12 (approximately 83%) of the budget entered into eGrants. DO NOT enter your budget into the Illinois CSA system until instructed to do so.
  2. Applicants must be registered in the CSA Tracking System to enable the applicant to submit a signed budget in CSA. For instructions on registering in CSA, refer to How to Register in CSA and/or Instructions on registering in CSA.
  3. The successful applicant entity's proposed budget must be entered into the CSA system within the timeframe to be specified by IDHS. The completed budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. To do this, the following is required: at a minimum, the applicant organization's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or equivalent, or the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or equivalent must be registered in the CSA system to electronically sign the required budget documents prior to submission. Refer to Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority
  4. Successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System.
  5. It may take several days to complete the registration process.
3. Crowe Activity Review System (CARS)
  1. Successful applicants will be required to make an indirect cost rate selection in the Crowe Activity Review System (CARS.) CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate or elect to charge the De Minimis rate (10%) of modified total direct costs (MTDC) or select that no reimbursement of indirect costs will be requested. Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.
  2. Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification or invitation to the CARS system.
  3. Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
  4. Every organization must make an indirect cost rate election in CARS even if the organization is choosing De Minimis Rate or "no rate". Organizations that do not make an election or submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
  5. For more information, see GATA
Mandatory Requirements of Applicant/Application
The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the applicant. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements.
1. AmeriCorps Mandatory (Threshold) Requirements: Applications should reflect that they meet the following threshold requirements for the grant type for which they are applying.
  1. Professional Corps applicants and/or applicants determined to be a Professional Corps by the agency, AmeriCorps, must demonstrate that the community in which it will place AmeriCorps members serving as professionals has an inadequate number of said professionals.
  2. If the proposed service activities require specialized member qualifications and/or training (for example, tutoring programs: 45 CFR 2522.910-.940), the applicant must describe how the program will meet these requirements.
  3. All applicants must propose program designs that are either evidence-based or evidence-informed. Applicants assessed as lower than the Preliminary evidence tier (i.e., Pre-Preliminary) must provide adequate responses to the Evidence Quality review criteria in order to be considered for funding.
2. Other Eligibility requirement
  1. Under Section 132A(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended.pdf, organizations that have violated a Federal criminal statute may not receive assistance described in this Notice.
  2. Applications that propose to engage in activities that are prohibited under AmeriCorps' statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of its awards are not eligible to receive AmeriCorps funding.
  3. If AmeriCorps is aware that any corporation has any unpaid federal tax liability
    1. that has been assessed;
    2. for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed; and
    3. that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability; that corporation is not eligible for an award under this Notice. However, this exclusion will not apply to a corporation that a federal agency has considered for suspension or debarment and determined that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the federal government.
  4. Pursuant to the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, an organization described in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. §501 (c)(4) that engages in lobbying activities is not eligible to apply for AmeriCorps funding.
Cost Sharing or Match Requirements
Applicants are required to match funds based on the chart below. The applicant's match can be non-AmeriCorps cash and/or in-kind contributions. Applicants must indicate whether the match is proposed or secured. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to meet the match requirement at the time of application submission. (See Section C.7.f Funding Restrictions for more information.)
A first-time successful applicant is required to match at 24 percent for the first three-year funding period. Starting with year four, the match requirement gradually increases every year to 50 percent by year ten, according to the minimum overall share chart found in 45 CFR 2521.60 and below.

AmeriCorps Funding Year 1,2,3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Grantee Share Requirements 24% 26% 30% 34% 38% 42% 46% 50%
1. Grantees are required to meet an overall matching rate that increases over time. You have the flexibility to meet the overall match requirements in any of the three budget areas, as long as the minimum match of 24% for the first three years, and the increasing minimums in years thereafter, are maintained. See 45 CFR §§ 2521.35-2521.90 for the specific regulations.
2. If you are applying for the first time, you must match with cash or in-kind contributions at least 24% of the project's total Operating Costs (Section I) plus Member Costs (Section II) plus Administrative Costs (Section III). If you are recompeting, please see 45 CFR §§ 2521.40-2521.95 for the match schedule.
3. The acceptable sources of matching funds are federal, state, local, and/or private sector funds in accordance with applicable AmeriCorps requirements.
4. In the "Source of Funds" field that appears at the end of Budget Section III, enter a brief description of the match. Identify each match source separately. Identify if the match is secured or proposed. Include dollar amount, the match classification (cash or in-kind), and the source type (Private, State/Local, or Federal) for your entire match. (The total amount in the Source of Funds field should match the total amount in the budget narrative exactly.) Define all acronyms the first time they are used.
  Note: AmeriCorps legislation permits the use of non-AmeriCorps federal funds as match for the grantee share of the budget. If your organization plans to use federal funds, please discuss your intention of using federal funds to match an AmeriCorps grant with the other agency prior to submitting your application. Section 121(e)(5) of the National Community Service Act requires that grantees who use other federal funds as match for an AmeriCorps grant report the amount and source of these funds to AmeriCorps. If you use other federal funds as match, you must ensure you can meet the requirements and purpose of both grants. Grantees who use federal funds as match will be required to report the sources and amounts on the Federal Financial Report (FFR).
Grant Fund Use Requirements
1. All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.
2. Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.
  1. Allowable costs:
    Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activities contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved.
    Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
  2. Unallowable costs:
    Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
    1. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
    2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
    3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
    4. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
    5. Deposits for items, services, or space
  3. Limitation of Use
    Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. A salary table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website.
  4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
    Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:
    1. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
    2. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
    3. That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
3. Post Award Requirements of Applicant
  Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice.
  1. Start Date: The project/program start date is anticipated to be no earlier than August 1, 2023. IDHS will not assign a project period start date prior to the date AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) Program awards the grant (anticipated to be July 25, 2023). Illinois AmeriCorps Program applicants may not enroll AmeriCorps program members prior to the start dates of both the federal and state awards. Illinois AmeriCorps applicants may not begin service prior to the beginning of the member enrollment period as designated in both the federal and state grant award. A program may not certify any hours an applicant performs prior to the applicant becoming an AmeriCorps member in the system of record and the beginning of the member enrollment period.
  2. Programs are to be designed to operate for no more than 12 months and must end no later than August 31, 2024.
  3. Technology: Organizations awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information:
    1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
    2. Email capability
    3. Microsoft Excel
    4. Microsoft Word
    5. Adobe Reader
    6. The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.
  4. Equity and Racial Justice: IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves correcting existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Organizations that provide services under this funding opportunity and all related RPSA programs must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to develop) a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to develop) an equity and racial justice training plan for organization staff.
  5. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by IDHS and/or its sub- recipient(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by IDHS. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by IDHS.
  6. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by IDHS or any designated individual/entity acting on behalf of IDHS or the OFVP and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
  7. Presentations: The applicant will be available as requested by IDHS to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
  8. COVID Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written COVID policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  9. Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
  10. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting when required. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
  11. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Mandate: Per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA, 325 ILCS 5/4), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have "reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child" (ANCRA Sec.4). This is done by calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1- 800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE. Programs funded through this grant opportunity must review ANCRA and, where appropriate, have a written protocol for identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment.
  12. Hiring and Employment Policy: It is the policy of IDHS to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. IDHS philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider TANF clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience.
  13. State and Federal Laws and Regulations: The agency awarded funds through this NOFO must agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
  14. Publication of Studies, Reports, or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for IDHS under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of IDHS and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by IDHS.
    The applicant agrees not to publish, release, or otherwise disseminate data in any form without the prior written permission of IDHS. If such permission is granted, the applicant agrees to submit to IDHS six copies of all reports and proposed publications resulting from this Agreement a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to public release. Any publications (written, visual or sound), excluding press releases, newsletters and issue analyses, shall contain the following statement: "This project [is being] [was] supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-3381 awarded to the State of Illinois by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and under grant(s) from the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services. Points of view or opinions in the document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Illinois Department of Human Services.
  15. Unusual Incidents: The Provider must notify the Associate Director of Office of Community & Positive Youth Development (OCPYD) at Karrie.Rueter@illinois.gov and the Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Volunteerism and Community Support at Cory.Blissett@illinois.gov of any of the following incidents involving AmeriCorps members within 24 business hours of the incident: 1) serious threat or violence to self or others, 2) death, 3) suicide/suicide attempt, 4) violence between AmeriCorps members and staff or participants that results in injury and 5) any allegation of abuse or neglect reported to the State's Central Registry (DCFS) or local law enforcement agency.

AmeriCorps Funding Year	1,2,3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Grantee Share Requirements	24%	26%	30%	34%	38%	42%	46%	50%

Application and Submission Information

Address to Request Application Package
1. Application materials are provided throughout this notice. This Notice should be read together with the AmeriCorps regulations, 45 CFR 2520 - 2550, AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measures Instructions 2023.pdf and AmeriCorps State and National Mandatory Supplemental Information.pdf.
2. Appendices I and II can be found at the end of this document. Additional copies may be obtained by contacting IDHS at the following email address: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov Subject Line: 24-444-80-2810 Request
3. Each applicant must have access to the internet. IDHS's web site will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on IDHS's website as described later in this announcement. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that web site and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.
Content and Form of Application Submission
1. Application content. Complete applications must include the following elements:
  1. Standard Form 424 (SF-424) Face Sheet: This is automatically generated when applicants complete the data elements in the eGrants system.
  2. Narrative Sections:
    1. Executive Summary: This is a brief description of the proposed program.
    2. Program Design
    3. Organizational Capability
    4. Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy
    5. Evaluation Summary/Plan
  3. Logic Model
  4. Performance Measures
  5. Standard Form 424A Budget
  6. Continuation Changes (for Continuation Applicants only)
  7. Clarification
  8. Authorization, Assurances, and Certifications
  9. Additional Required State Documents
    1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
    2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
2. Executive Summary (Required - 0 points):
  An example of an Executive Summary is below:
  "The [Name of the organization] will have [Number of] AmeriCorps members who will [service activities the members will be doing] in [the locations the AmeriCorps members will serve]. At the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for [anticipated outcome of project]. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage [number of leveraged volunteers, if applicable] who will be engaged in [what the leveraged volunteers will be doing.]
  The AmeriCorps investment will be matched with $[amount of projected match], $[amount of local, state, and Federal Funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in private funding."
3. Program Design (50 points):
  Reviewers will consider the quality of the application's response to the criteria below. Do not assume all sub-criteria are of equal value. Please ensure the Theory of Change and Logic Model incorporate the funding priorities listed above, for example supporting communities historically excluded and/or underserved from government services, addressing structural and institutional inequities, or increasing opportunity in order to achieve sustainable change in communities.
  1. Theory of Change and Logic Model (24 points)
    1. The Theory of Change shall address:
      1. The problem is prevalent and severe in communities where the program plans to serve and has been documented with relevant data.
      2. The proposed intervention is responsive to the identified community problem.
      3. The applicant's proposed intervention is clearly articulated including the design, dosage, target population, and roles of AmeriCorps members and (if applicable) leveraged volunteers.
      4. The applicant's intervention is likely to lead to the outcomes identified in the applicant's Theory of Change.
      5. The expected outcomes articulated in the application narrative and Logic Model represent meaningful progress in addressing the community problem identified by the applicant.
      6. The rationale for utilizing AmeriCorps members to deliver the intervention(s) is reasonable.
      7. The service role of AmeriCorps members will produce significant contributions to existing efforts and help develop additional capacity to address the stated problem.
    2. The Logic Model shall depict:
      1. A summary of the community problem, including the role current or historical inequities faced by underserved communities may play in contributing to the problem.
      2. The inputs or resources that are necessary to deliver the intervention, including but not limited to:
        
        Locations or sites in which members will provide services
        
        Number of AmeriCorps members who will deliver the intervention
        
        The core activities that define the intervention or program model that members will implement or deliver, including:
        
        The duration of the intervention (e.g., the total number of weeks, sessions or months of the intervention)
        
        The dosage of the intervention (e.g., the number of hours per session or sessions per week)
        
        The target population for the intervention (e.g., disconnected youth, third graders at a certain reading proficiency level)
        
        The measurable outputs that result from delivering the intervention (i.e., number of beneficiaries served, types and number of activities conducted, equity gaps closed). If applicable, identify which National Performance Measures will be used as output indicators
        
        Outcomes that demonstrate changes in knowledge/skill, attitude, behavior, or condition that occur as a result of the intervention. If applicable, identify which National Performance Measures will be used as outcome indicators.
        
        Note: The Logic Model is a visual representation of the applicant's Theory of Change. Programs should include short, medium or long-term outcomes in the Logic Model. Applicants are not required to measure all components of their Theory of Change. The applicant's performance measures should be consistent with the program's Theory of Change and should represent significant program activities.
    3. Applicants with multiple interventions should complete one Logic Model chart which incorporates each intervention.
  2. Evidence Tier (12 points):
    An evidence tier will be assessed for each applicant for the purpose of understanding the relative strength of each applicant's evidence base for their proposed service and the likelihood that the proposed intervention (s) will lead to outcomes identified in the Logic Model. The Evidence Tier should include:
    1. Characteristics of the beneficiary population, including evidence of current or historic inequities facing the population
    2. Characteristics of the population delivering the intervention
    3. Dosage (frequency and duration) and design of the intervention, including all key components and activities,
    4. The context in which the intervention is delivered; and
    5. Outcome of the intervention.
    6. Applicants should provide citations for the studies they describe, if applicable; however, reviewers will not review any documents external to the application other than evaluation report(s) submitted in accordance with the Notice instructions.
  3. Evidence Quality (8 points)
    1. After the applicant's evidence tier has been assessed, the quality of the applicant's evidence and the extent to which it supports the proposed program design will be assessed and scored.
    2. Applicants who are assessed as being in the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong evidence tiers, reviewers will score the submitted evaluation reports using the following standards:
      1. The submitted reports are of satisfactory methodological quality and rigor for the type of evaluation conducted (e.g., adequate sample size and statistical power, internal and/or external validity, appropriate use of control or comparison groups, etc.);
      2. The submitted reports describe evaluations that were conducted relatively recently, preferably within the last six years;
      3. The submitted reports show a meaningful and significant positive effect on program beneficiaries in at least one key outcome of interest.
    3. Applicants that are assessed as being in the Pre-Preliminary evidence tier, reviewers will score the narrative provided in the Evidence Base section of the application using the following standards:
      1. The applicant uses relevant evidence, including past performance measure data and/or cited research studies, to inform their proposed program design;
      2. The described evidence is relatively recent, preferably from the last six years;
      3. The evidence described by the applicant indicates a meaningful positive effect on program beneficiaries in at least one key outcome of interest.
  4. Notice Priority (0 points)
    1. The applicant proposed program fits within one or more of the AmeriCorps funding priorities.
  5. Member Experience (6 points)
    1. AmeriCorps members' service will provide them opportunities to develop as leaders.
    2. AmeriCorps members will gain skills as a result of their training and service that can be utilized and will be valued by future employers after their service term is completed.
    3. AmeriCorps members receive additional benefits.
    4. Description of the demographics of the community served and plans to recruit AmeriCorps members from geographic or demographic communities in which the program operates. This could include but not limited to the following historically underserved, under-represented, and disadvantaged populations of:
      1. communities of color
      2. LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) communities
      3. Individuals with varying degrees of English language proficiency
      4. Individuals with disabilities
      5. Veterans and military family members as volunteers
    5. Description of how the organization will ensure its project engages a diverse and inclusive group of members.
    6. The applicant's organization and/or program has a diversity, equity, and inclusion council or similar mechanism that seeks to diversity its staff and board and create a supportive and safe environment as well ensure that its programming is culturally and community appropriate.
4. Organizational Capability (25 points):
  Reviewers will consider the quality of the application's response to the criteria below.
  1. Organizational Background and Staffing (13 points)
    1. The organization details the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the staff that will be implementing, providing oversight, and monitoring the program.
    2. The organization has created pathways to good-quality careers through onsite experience and training (including pre-apprenticeship or registered apprenticeship programs, work experience and job training programs, and other workforce training and development programs),
    3. The leadership and staff of the organization has the same lived experience as the beneficiary population and/or community being served.
    4. The applicant's (organization's or institution's) definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility demonstrate the organization is engaged in related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can include the inclusion of diversity on the Board of Directors, agency staff and leadership, and/or volunteers.
  2. Compliance and Accountability (8 points)
    1. The extent to which the organization has a monitoring and oversight plan to prevent and detect non-compliance and enforce compliance with AmeriCorps rules and regulations including those related to prohibited activities and criminal history checks at the grantee, subgrantee (if applicable), and service site locations.
    2. The extent to which the organization has an effective mechanism in place to report, without delay, any suspected criminal activity, waste, fraud, and/or abuse to both the AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General and AmeriCorps and a plan for training staff and participants on these reporting protocols.
    3. The extent to which the organization has sufficient policies, procedures, and controls in place to prevent, detect, and mitigate the risk of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, this can include an assessment of appropriate segregation of duties, internal oversight activities, measures to prevent timekeeping fraud, etc.
  3. Member Supervision (4 points)
    1. AmeriCorps members will receive sufficient guidance and support from their supervisor to provide effective service.
    2. AmeriCorps supervisors will be adequately trained/prepared to follow AmeriCorps and program regulations, priorities, and expectations.
5. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25 points):
  1. The applicant's budget must be entered in the federal eGrants system. DO NOT enter your budget into the Illinois CSA system until instructed to do so. This will occur after AmeriCorps selects successful applicants.
  2. Reviewers will assess the quality of the application's budget to the criteria below. Do not assume all sub-criteria are of equal value. These criteria will be assessed based on the budget submitted:
    1. Applicant identifies sources of any additional revenue to support the program in the Source of Funds section of the budget (if applicable)
    2. The cost per MSY is equal to or less than the maximum cost per MSY. Proposed budgets that exceed the maximum cost per MSY will be considered unresponsive to the application criteria.
6. Page Limits
  1. There are page limits for the Narratives and Logic Model
  2. Narratives
    1. Applications must not exceed 10 double-spaced pages for the Narratives as the pages print out from eGrants.
    2. The application sections that count towards the page limit are the:
      1. SF-424 Face Sheet
      2. Executive Summary
      3. Program Design, Organizational Capability, and Cost- Effectiveness & Budget Adequacy narratives.
    3. The application page limit does not include the Budget, Performance Measures, or any required additional documents.
7. Logic Model
  1. The Logic Model may not exceed three pages when printed with the application from the "Review" tab in AmeriCorps' web-based management system.
  2. Please note that the length of the application as a word processing document may differ from the length of the document printed out from eGrants. The character limits in eGrants do not align with page limits set in the Notice. AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to print out the application from the "Review and Submit" tab in eGrants prior to submission in order to confirm that the application does not exceed the page limit.
  3. AmeriCorps will not consider the results of any alternative printing methods when determining if an application complies with the page limit. Reviewers will also not consider material that is over the page limit, even if eGrants allows applicants to enter and submit additional text.
Unique Entity Identifiers (SAM Registration)
1. All applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and maintain an active SAM registration until the application process is complete. If an applicant is awarded a grant, it must maintain an active SAM registration throughout the life of the award. See the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees.
2. SAM registration must be renewed annually. AmeriCorps suggests that applicants finalize a new registration or renew an existing one at least three weeks before the application deadline, to allow time to resolve any issues that may arise.
3. Applicants must use their SAM- registered legal name and physical address on all grant applications. The legal applicant's name and physical address in eGrants must match exactly the applicant's SAM-registered information.
4. AmeriCorps/IDHS will not make awards to entities that do not have a valid SAM registration and Unique Entity Identify. If an applicant has not fully complied with these requirements by the time AmeriCorps is ready to make a federal award, AmeriCorps may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.
5. Applications must include an Employer Identification Number.
6. Applications must include a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which is generated as part of the SAM registration process.
Application Submission Dates and Times
1. Application Submission Deadline:
  1. Applicant organizations must submit their application via eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system by 11:59 PM ET on April 28, 2023. All additional required documents must be submitted to DHS.ServeIllinois.Nofo@illinois.gov by 11:59 PM on April 28, 2023 including the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance and the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf.
2. Refer to Section C.8 Other Submission Requirements for information on submitting your application in eGrants.
  1. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email from IDHS within 48 hours of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by IDHS; it is not a confirmation of the applicant's eligibility; prequalification, etc. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, for more information on the applicant's eligibility.
  2. Applicants are required to notify IDHS by 12:00 PM on Monday, 5/1/2023 if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify IDHS by 5/1/2023 at 12:00 PM, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored.
  3. The applicant will not have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to IDHS after Tuesday, 5/2/2023 at 12:00 PM. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the complete application was submitted into the federal eGrants system by the due date and time.
  4. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
  5. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
  6. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted in the federal eGrants system on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application. PLEASE ensure that supporting documentation demonstrates these technical difficulties are the result of IDHS/State/federal systems and that they are documented prior to the application due date and time. This includes correspondence with IDHS staff regarding same.
Intergovernmental Review
This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

Funding Restrictions
The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section A. Program Description and in accordance with Section C. 8 Grant Funds Use Requirements and the following:

Award Funding Requirements

Member Living Allowance
A living allowance is not considered a salary or a wage. Programs are not required to provide a living allowance for members serving in less than full-time terms of service. If a program chooses to provide a living allowance to a less than full-time member, it must comply with the maximum limits in the table below. After applications have been reviewed, the Board of Commissioners will review candidates and vote on who to submit for funding. For Cost Reimbursement grants, the amount must be included in the proposed budget as either AmeriCorps or grantee share. Exceptions are noted below.
Exceptions to the Living Allowance Requirements: Programs existing prior to September 21, 1993, are not required to offer a living allowance. If an applicant chooses to offer a living allowance, it is exempt from the minimum requirement, but not the maximum requirement.
Table: Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance

Service Term	Minimum # of Hours	Minimum Living Allowance	Maximum Total Living Allowance
Full-Time	1,700	17,600	$35,200
Three Quarter-Time	1,200	N/A	$24,640
Half-Time	900	N/A	$17,600
Reduced Half-Time	675	N/A	$13,376
Quarter-Time	450	N/A	$9,152
Minimum-Time	300	N/A	$7,392
Abbreviated-Time	100	N/A	$2,112

Maximum Cost per Member Service Year (MSY)
Please note this is different from the "Member Living Allowance" which is provided to the member.
The Maximum Cost per Member Service Year (MSY) is a formula by which an applicant can determine the AmeriCorps share of the applicant organization's budget. The AmeriCorps cost per MSY is determined by dividing the AmeriCorps share of budgeted grant costs by the number of MSYs requested. It does not include childcare or the value of the education award a member may earn.
The maximum amount an applicant may request from AmeriCorps per MSY is $28,800. For example, if an organization is proposing to serve 10 full-time members, the AmeriCorps portion of the organization's budget could not exceed $288,000.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
AmeriCorps members who successfully complete a term of service will be eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust. The amount of the Education Award is linked to the value of the Pell Grant. A member has up to seven years after their federal term of service to use the Education Award.

Indirect Costs
1. Application budgets may include indirect costs. Based on qualifying factors, applicants may either use a Federally approved indirect cost rate or a 10 percent de minimis rate of modified total direct costs, or may claim certain costs directly, as outlined in 2 CFR 200.413. States, local governments, and Indian Tribes may use previously approved indirect cost allocation plans. All methods must be applied consistently across all federal awards. Applicants that have a federal negotiated indirect cost rate or that will be using the 10 percent de minimis rate must enter that information in the Organization section in eGrants. However, under section 121(d) of the NCSA and AmeriCorps' regulations at 45 CFR 2521.95 and 2540.110, no more than 5 percent of award funds may be used to recover indirect costs on AmeriCorps State and National grants.
2. The instructions for how to enter the organization's indirect cost rate are located here: eGrants Indirect Cost Rate User Instructions.pdf
  Applicants should not submit documentation addressing the indirect cost rate agreement via email.
3. Please note: To request a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, when AmeriCorps is the applicable cognizant agency for an organization's indirect costs, the applicant must submit a request to IndirectCostRate@cns.gov. The applicant may also obtain instructions and additional information by contacting the email address above.
Pre-award Costs
Pre-award costs will be allowed under the following conditions: The applicant must:
1. have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA) from IDHS
2. have a current, approved budget in the CSA system for this award
3. have submitted all requested program plan and budget revisions per the IDHS NOSA
4. NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the start date of the grant agreement
5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.

Other Submission Requirements
1. Electronic Application Submission in eGrants
  1. Applicants must submit applications electronically via eGrants, AmeriCorps' web- based application system under FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and Territory Commission (New and Continuations).
  2. AmeriCorps recommends that applicants create an eGrants account and begin the application at least three weeks before the deadline. Applicants should draft the application as a Word document, then copy and paste the text into the appropriate eGrants field no later than 10 days before the deadline.
    1. The applicant's authorized representative must be the person who submits the application. The authorized representative must use their own eGrants account to sign and submit the application. A copy of the governing body's authorization for this official representative to sign must be on file in the applicant's office.
    2. Applicants should contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at (800) 942-2677 or via eGrants Questions if they have a problem when they create an account, prepare, or submit the application. AmeriCorps Hotline hours are posted.
    3. Be prepared to provide the application ID, organization's name, and the name of the Notice to which the organization is applying. If the issue cannot be resolved by the deadline, applicants must continue working with the AmeriCorps Hotline to submit via eGrants.
    4. The State Application Identifier field in eGrants can be left blank.
2. Submission of Additional Documents
  1. All documents must be submitted to AmeriCorps by the Prime Applicants (State Service Commissions or National Directs).
  2. AmeriCorps Documents
  3. All applicants must submit to IDHS/Serve Illinois:
    1. Evaluation briefs, reports, studies. Please refer to the Section ii. Evidence Base section in this NOFO and Mandatory Supplemental Information found here: FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and National Grants | AmeriCorps, for detailed instructions by evidence tier.
    2. Labor union concurrence (if applicable)
    3. All applicants regardless of funding level are required to submit an Applicant Operational and Financial Management Survey (OFMS) found here: Manage your grant | AmeriCorps. Please submit the OFMS as a Word document. Forms submitted as a PDF, or any other document format may not be accepted.
  4. Recompete applicants who have previously received three or more years of funding for the same project being proposed must submit an Evaluation plan. Please use the evaluation plan template available on the FY 2023 AmeriCorps State and National Grants | AmeriCorps Evaluation plans are not scored and will not be reviewed until after funding decisions are made.
  5. Recompete applicants who have previously received six or more years of funding for the same project being proposed must submit an evaluation report. Please submit in Microsoft Word. The evaluation report should include a title page with the AmeriCorps grant number for the project that was evaluated, the name of the project, and the date of completion of the report. If any of this required information is missing, the applicant may not receive credit for meeting their evaluation requirements.
    1. Entities applying on behalf of a Federally Recognized Tribe (New and recompeting) Tribal organization eligibility documentation (See Section C.1 Eligible Applicants)
  6. Additional State Documents
    1. Uniform Grant Application for State Grant Assistance
    2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
  7. Submission
    Additional documents must be emailed to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov with the following subject line: "Legal Applicant Name" - "Application ID Number." Emails should include:
    1. the legal applicant organization name and the name and contact information of its point of contact
    2. the application ID number
    3. a list of documents that are attached to the email by filename, labeling each document type according to the above numbered list
    4. individually attached files that are clearly labeled, and that include the legal applicants name and application ID number within the file name and heading of each document. To ensure that all required additional documents are considered, please provide each document as a separate single file, labeled appropriately. Please do not send multiple documents in one combined file, and do not send a single document in multiple files.
    5. If the size of an applicant's files requires multiple emails, please also include an ordering system in the subject line, such as "(1 of 3)"
    6. Prime applicants should send separate emails with each sub applicant's materials, referencing the sub applicant's Application ID
      Failure to submit the required additional documents, following the email instructions in this section by the deadline may have a negative effect on the assessment of your application.
      
      Do not submit any items that are not requested in this Notice or Application Instructions. AmeriCorps will not review or return them.

Application Review Information
All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.

Eligibility Review
1. Program Staff will conduct an initial eligibility review to determine if an application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and will advance to the next stage of the review process.
  An application is compliant if the applicant:
  1. is an eligible organization (refer to Section C "Eligibility Information")
  2. is GATA prequalified
  3. submitted an application by the submission deadline
  4. meets the mandatory requirement listed in this NOFO.
    Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are further reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.
2. All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

Review and Selection Process

Merit-Based Review
1. The Merit Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by IDHS, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic institution. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by IDHS who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest with their assigned applications.
2. The review teams will be provided with a Merit Based Review Committee Member Orientation Session.
3. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
4. The Bureau Chief or designee will then conduct an initial quality assurance review which must include the following:
  1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies
  2. Determine whether reviewers properly applied Merit Based Review steps as instructed
  3. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review process.
  4. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all section of the MBR Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments
  5. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and consistently applied by reviewers.
5. Following the initial quality assurance review, a post-merit based review committee meeting will be held. The review committee meeting is required for all competitive merit based reviews and will be facilitated by the Bureau Chief or designee. The following apply:
  1. Each review team assigned application will be discussed by team members, including application highlights, concerns, application mandates / requirements etc.
  2. Scoring disparities will be identified, addressed and resolved. For each application, if a significant disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set formula), review team members will collectively examine the application and discuss comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have identified including application mandates / requirements etc. Application highlights and concerns will also be discussed.
  3. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer determines that they have missed information in the application.
  4. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
6. Once the post merit-based review meeting has been held and individual scores have been revised and resubmitted (as necessary), the Review Team member scores will be updated, compiled, and averaged on the Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
7. At any time during the merit-based review or post-review process:
  1. If it is determined that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for removal.
  2. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review task. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
8. After the updated Review Scores have been compiled and averaged, the Bureau Chief will then prepare preliminary funding recommendations to the Associate Director who will determine which applications should be submitted to the Serve Illinois Commission.
  These recommendations must include a final eligibility determination completed by the Bureau of Volunteerism and Community Service, which includes the review of recommended applications to confirm applicants meets eligibility and mandated requirements. Funding recommendations may also include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A: Program Description.
9. The Bureau Chief will present the Serve Illinois Commission with a list of applicants who are being recommended for funding for Commission review.
10. Based on the preliminary recommendations and review by the Serve Illinois Commission, the Bureau Chief and the Associate Director will prepare funding recommendations for the Director for consideration and final award determination. In making a final funding determination, the Director may include consideration of other factors such as funding priorities, geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc.

Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria
Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Application Narratives will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Categories/Subcategories	Percentage
Executive Summary	0
Program Design	50
Theory of Change and Logic Model	24
Evidence Tier	12
Evidence Quality	8
Notice Priority	0
Member Experience	6
Organizational Capacity	25
Organizational Background and Staffing	13
Compliance and Accountability	8
Member Supervision	4
Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy	25

Selection Process
As described in the Criteria section above, scoring will be done by committee on a 100- point scale. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. and other factors identified under Section A: Program Description; 2. Funding Priorities.

While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
- Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
- Partially fund each of the tied applications
- Not fund any of the tied applications or
- Assign a new 3-person review team to review and score both applications to break the tie.
  The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.

Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
2. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
  Name of Agency contact for appeals: Kristen Bethke
  Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov Email Subject Line: "agency name 24-444-80-2810 Appeal Kristen"
3. Submission of Appeal.
  1. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
  2. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
  3. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
    1. Name and address of the appealing party;
    2. Identification of the grant; and
    3. Statement of reasons for the appeal.
    4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
4. Response to Appeal.
  1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
  2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
  3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
5. Resolution
  1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
  2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
  3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
  4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
    1. Review of the appeal;
    2. Appeal determination; and
    3. Rationale for the determination.
Simplified Acquisition Threshold
Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section C. 6. Grant Funds Use Requirements for more information.

Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
  1. Federal Award Notices
    AmeriCorps anticipates issuing formula grant awards by July 25, 2023. Notification of an award is not an authorization to begin activities. The Notice of Grant Award signed by the Office of Grant Administration is the authorizing document. An awardee may not expend Federal Funds until the start of the Period of Performance identified on the Notice of Grant Award.
  2. State Award Notices Applicants selected for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection processes will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA).
    The NOSA shall include:
    1. Grant award amount
    2. The terms and conditions of the award.
    3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), and merit-based review.
      Note: IDHS cannot issue an award until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA.
      The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOSA is the document authorizing IDHS to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to IDHS as instructed in the notice.
      Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to Grants.Illinois.gov
      A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
  1. Uniform Guidance
    All awards made under this Notice will be subject to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 2205.
  2. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information
    AmeriCorps will request documentation from award recipients in order to monitor the grantee and award to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019.pdf. Failure to make timely responses to these requests may result in award funds being placed on manual hold, reimbursement only status, or other remedies may be applied as appropriate.
  3. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions
    All awards made under this Notice will be subject to the FY 2023 AmeriCorps General Terms and Conditions, and the FY 2023 Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for the particular program (when applicable). These Terms and Conditions contain detailed, mandatory compliance and reporting requirements. Current versions of the AmeriCorps General and Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for each of its programs is available at on the AmeriCorps Manage Your Grant webpage.
  4. National Service Criminal History Check Requirements
    The National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) is a specific screening procedure established by law to protect the beneficiaries of national service. We encourage grantees to minimize barriers to service without putting their program beneficiaries at genuine risk.
    1. In general, award recipients and subrecipients must conduct an NSCHC for AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and staff funded under, or whose salary is reflected as match on, the award.
    2. AmeriCorps strongly encourages applicants to review the regulations and additional guidance to fully understand how to comply with the requirements. See the NSCHC regulations and guidance AmeriCorps also strongly encourages award recipients to utilize the two AmeriCorps-approved vendors to conduct the required NSCHCs.
    3. Failure to conduct a compliant NSCHC may result in significant disallowed costs.
    4. The cost of conducting NSCHC is an allowable expense under the award and the individual subject to the NSCHC may not be required to cover the cost without being reimbursed.
    5. An NSCHC consists of a check of the:
      1. National Sex Offender Public website through NSOPW.gov (nationwide check);
      2. State criminal history record repository or agency-designated alternative for the individual's State of residence and State of service; and
      3. Fingerprint-based check of the FBI criminal history record database through the State criminal history record repository or agency-approved vendor.
    6. All checks must be conducted, reviewed, and an eligibility determination made before the individual begins work or service.
    7. An individual is not eligible to serve or work in a position subject to the NSCHC requirements if:
      1. the individual refuses to consent to a criminal history check;
      2. makes a false statement in connection with a criminal history check;
      3. is registered, or is required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry; or
      4. has been convicted of murder.
    8. See 45 CFR 2540.200- 2540.207 and National Service Criminal History Check Resources for complete information and FAQs.
  5. Official Guidance
    All AmeriCorps active Guidance is available on the agency's Guidance webpage. The contents of these documents do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way unless incorporated into a contract or grant agreement. These documents are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
3. Use of Material
  To ensure that materials generated with AmeriCorps funding are available to the public and readily accessible to recipients and non-recipients, AmeriCorps reserves a royalty- free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable right to obtain, use, modify, reproduce, publish, or disseminate publications and materials produced under the award, including data, and to authorize others to do so (2 CFR §200.315).
4. Reporting
  Recipients are required to submit a variety of reports that are due at specific times during the life cycle of an award. All reports must be accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
  Fixed Amount grantees are required to submit quarterly PMS 272 reports. This report is not a federal financial report.
  1. Reporting to IDHS/Serve Illinois: Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:
    1. Forms
      1. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
        
        The Provider will submit monthly expenditure documentation and certification forms (EDCFs), quarterly and final Periodic Financial Reports (PFRs) in the format prescribed by IDHS.
        
        These monthly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month by email.
        
        The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
        
        The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
      2. Periodic Performance Report (PPR)
        
        The provider will provide monthly status reports to the OFVP in the format prescribed by IDHS.
        
        The Provider will submit quarterly and final Periodic Performance Reports (PPRs) in the format prescribed by IDHS.
        
        The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st-June 30th) is due - July 15th).
        
        The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
      3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by IDHS and in a format prescribed by IDHS.
    2. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
    3. Recordkeeping Requirements.
      1. The Provider is required to maintain until December 31, 2031, adequate books, all financial records and supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or make available all records related to this grant upon request.
    4. Non-compliance with any of the above reporting requirements, including timeliness of reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List.
      Once the grant is awarded, recipients will be expected to have in place data collection and data management policies, processes, and practices that provide assurance that they are reporting high quality performance measure data. At a minimum, recipients should have policies, processes, and practices that address the following five aspects of data quality for themselves and for subrecipients (if applicable):
      1. data measures what it intends to measure
      2. data reported is complete
      3. grantee collects data in a consistent manner
      4. grantee takes steps to correct data errors
      5. grantee actively reviews data for accuracy prior to submission.
        Failure to submit accurate, complete, and timely required reports may affect the recipient's ability to secure future AmeriCorps funding.
5. Payment Terms
  The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) payment policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods).
  The three award payment methods are described below:
  1. Advance Payment (Advance and Reconcile)
    1. An initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form submitted with the Grantee's application. The initial payment will be processed upon execution of the grantee's Uniform Grant Agreement. Cash Budgets must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies that their entity complies with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A) (Advance Payments).
    2. Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the grantee in carrying out the purpose of the program.
    3. Grantees must submit monthly invoices in the format and method prescribed in the Grantee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. The first invoice is due within 15 days after the first month of the Award's term. Invoices must be submitted on or before the 15th calendar day following the end of each monthly invoice period Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Grantee. For programs that have Grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
    4. Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted by Grantee to Grantor, and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
    5. Grantees that do not expend all advance payment amounts by the end of the Award term or that are unable to demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective budget, must return the funds within 45 days.
    6. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
    7. Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.
  2. Reimbursement
    1. IDHS will disburse payments to Grantee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
    2. Grantees must submit monthly invoices in a format prescribed by Grantor. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term. Invoices must be submitted on or before the 15th calendar day following the end of each monthly invoice period. As practicable, Grantor shall process payment within 15 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the State awarding agency reasonably believes the request to be improper.
    3. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor
  3. Working Capital Advance
    1. Grantees may request separate working capital advance payments. Requests must be submitted on the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget) to the respective grant Program Manager. The Cash Budget must include monthly cash requirements for every month of the grant term. Requests must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or the Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies the cash requirements are actual expected costs.
    2. IDHS Grant Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the grantee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of grant expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Grant Program Managers to be allowable.
    3. Grantees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance in the format and method prescribed by the Grantor.
      The first invoice is due 15 calendar days after the first month of the Award term. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the grantee. For grant programs that have grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
    4. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
    5. Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
    6. Following the initial working capital advance payment, grantees will be paid via advance or reimbursement method as appropriate.
  4. Final Payment
    The final payment from the Department under this Agreement shall be made upon the Department's determination that all requirements under this Agreement have been completed, which determination shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such final payment will be subject to adjustment after the completion of a review of the Applicant's records as provided in the Agreement.
  5. Stop Payment
    The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) protects the quality of grant programs by limiting fraud, waste and abuse. GATA specifically requires the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to maintain a "list of individuals and entities that are ineligible, either temporarily or permanently, to receive an award of grant funds from the State." 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(8). In response to this requirement, the State of Illinois has set policy known as the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System (GCES) based on established federal law and supporting guidance. The system, Stop Pay List Tracking System (SPLTS), will only be used to track non-compliance of grantees.
    Non-compliance issues are classified as follows:
    1. Temporary Stop Payment Status:
      1. Late performance or expense reporting;
      2. Failure to clear fiscal/administrative monitoring issue(s);
      3. Failure to submit a timely audit report;
      4. Failure to respond to audit report or monitoring review corrective action for deficiencies and material weaknesses;
      5. Failure to submit a required refund payment or a payment missing from the payment plan; or
      6. Factually based discretionary issue documented by the leadership within the awarding agency.
    2. Permanent Stop Payment Status:
      1. Facts documented by the applicable state agency including but not limited to:
        
        Conviction of or civil judgment for commission of fraud or a criminal offense, violation of federal or state antitrust statutes, commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, tax evasion, or commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects present responsibility.
        
        Violation of grant terms or a transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of the program such as a willful failure to perform in accordance with grant terms, a history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance, or a willful violation of statutory or regulatory provisions or requirements application to a grant.
        Any other cause so serious or compelling in nature that it affects present responsibilities
      2. Fraud documented by the Office of the Executive Inspector General and/or other Governmental entity's investigation.
  6. Repayment
    In the event payments made by the Department to the Applicant exceed the total amount of Applicant reported and Department authorized expenditures, the Applicant will be required to issue a repayment to the Department in an amount equal to the overpayment.
  7. Pre-Award Costs
    Pre-Award costs prior to the execution of the agreement will be allowed under the following conditions: 1.) the Provider must have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA) AND, 2.) Submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA; AND 3.) May NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the contract start date.
  8. Payment Forms
    - Expenditure Documentation & Certification Form
    - Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985)
6. Continuation Funding Information and Requirements
  Organizations that have current AmeriCorps State and National Formula Traditional awards that will be in program Year 2 or Year 3 in FY 2024 are considered continuation applicants. Continuation applicants must submit an application in in order to be eligible to receive funding for the FY 2024 program year. Continuation applicants must follow the requirements for continuation application content as outlined in the Application Instructions. If an applicant is unsure if their organization is considered a continuation applicant, please email DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov for clarification.
  The review will also be based on Periodic Performance Reports (PPRs), Periodic Financial reports (PFRs), evaluation plans, and IDHS Bureau of Volunteerism and Community Support staff's knowledge of the grant program. To be approved for continuation funding, recipients must demonstrate satisfactory performance with respect to key program goals and requirements, as well as compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant.
  IDHS reserves the right to award applications in an amount less than the requested level of funding and will document the rationale for doing so.
Awarding Agency Contact(s)
1. State Awarding Agency Point of Contact
  1. Name: Rachael Tuxhorn
  2. Email Address: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov
  3. Questions and Answers
    1. If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov with "444-80-2810" in the subject line of the email. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official. The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Monday; 4/24/2023.
2. Federal Awarding Agency Point of Contact
  1. For more information, call (202) 606-7508 or email americorpsgrants@cns.gov AmeriCorps also offers live text chat.
  2. Technical Assistance
    1. For technical questions and problems with the eGrants system, call the AmeriCorps Hotline at (800) 942-2677. AmeriCorps Hotline hours are also posted. Be prepared to provide the application ID, organization's name, and the name of the Notice to which the organization is applying.
    2. AmeriCorps will host technical assistance calls to answer questions about the funding opportunity and eGrants. AmeriCorps strongly encourages all applicants to participate in these sessions. Information for these technical assistance calls is available on the AmeriCorps' Funding Opportunities website.
Other Information, if applicable
1. To apply for state funding, organizations must be prequalified in accordance with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Organizations can register and prequalify in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal at any point prior to applying for funding. If an organization is in the process of applying for a specific funding opportunity, prequalification must be completed prior to the application due date listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
2. IDHS is offering several options for assistance to ensure that your organization is prequalified and therefore, eligible to apply for this opportunity. These assistance options are NOT MANDATORY and will not affect your application score. If your organization has not successfully applied for state funding previously, IDHS encourages organizations to take advantage of these options; there is no cost to participate.
Important Notices
1. Public Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for collection of information under this Notice of Funding is estimated to average six hours per submission, including reviewing instructions, gathering, and maintaining the data needed, and completing the application and reporting forms. AmeriCorps informs people who may respond to this Notice of Funding that they are not required to respond unless the OMB control number and expiration date are current valid. (See 5 C.F.R. 1320.5(b)(2)(i).) This collection is approved under OMB Control #: 3045-0047, Application Instructions, State and National Competitive, New and Continuation, Expiration Date: September 30, 2023.
2. Privacy Act Statement: The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C §552a) requires that we notify you that the information requested under this Notice of Funding is collected pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§12592 and 12615 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended.pdf, and 42 U.S.C. §4953.pdf of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 as amended.
  1. Purposes and Uses - The information requested is collected for the purposes of reviewing grant applications and granting funding requests. Routine uses may include disclosure of the information to Federal, state, or local agencies pursuant to lawfully authorized requests. In some programs, the information may also be provided to Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to determine the existence of any prior criminal convictions. The information may also be provided to appropriate Federal agencies and contractors that have a need to know the information for the purpose of assisting the government to respond to a suspected or confirmed breach of the security or confidentiality or information maintained in this system of records, and the information disclosed is relevant and unnecessary for the assistance.
  2. Effects of Nondisclosure - The information requested is voluntary; however, to be a recipient of this grant program, disclosure of personal or sensitive information is required to receive federal benefits.
Mandatory Forms - Required for grant program
1. Applicants must complete their application in eGrants, AmeriCorps' web-based application system. Applications must be completed by the due date listed in THIS NOFO.
2. Applicants must complete and submit the following to IDHS/Serve Illinois:
  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
  2. Uniform Grant Budget: Successful applicants will be directed to enter their FY24 budget into the Illinois CSA tracking system.
  3. Program Narrative: The program narratives entered in the eGrants system will serve as the program plan for successful applicants.
  4. All applicants will be required to complete and submit a Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov

AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois) Notice of Funding Opportunity (24-444-80-2810)

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