515-ECIC Ethnic Communities In Crisis (26-444-22-3255-01)(LAO)

I. Basic Information

Awarding Agency Name	Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name	Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (DBHR)
Agency Contact	Rob Putnam DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov
Announcement Type	Legislative Add-On
Public Act	Public Act 104-0003, Section 1850, Page 2855
Funding Opportunity Title	515-ECIC Ethnic Communities In Crisis
Funding Opportunity Number	26-444-22-3255-01
Application Posting Date	October 3, 2025
Application Closing Date	November 3, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-22-3255
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	515-ECIC Ethnic Communities In Crisis
Assistance Listing (CFDA Number(s))	Not Applicable
Awarding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding	$72,246
Anticipated Number of Awards	Award is issued in totality to the Polish American Association
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement	No
Indirect Costs Allowed	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs	No

A. Funding Details

1. Total Amount of Funding

The Department expects to award approximately $72,246.
The source of funding for this program is State funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

This funding opportunity is a Legislative Add-On (LAO) and the award will be issued in totality to the Polish American Association.

3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards

The Department anticipates that the dollar amount for this award will be $72,246.

4. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility

This program will be awarded as a 12-month term agreement.
IDHS/DBHR does not anticipate there will be renewals.

5. Procurement Contract Allowability

Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the DBHR and on file with the DBHR. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.

6. Funding Restrictions

IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
Indirect Costs
1. Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.

B. Key Dates

1. Application Posting Date

10/3/2025

2. The Department must receive the Full Application Packet:

Due on 11/03/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time

3. Anticipated Start Date and Periods of Performance for grant awards

Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than 07/01/2025 and will continue through 06/30/2026.

C. Executive Summary

The grantee shall serve immigrant population members, identify their state of mental health, and either deliver a curriculum to support them or refer them to a network of appropriate providers. They will also collect, analyze and prepare findings on group sessions from multiple refugee groups in unique cultural circumstances to use data to shape a framework for how the grantee can deliver more meaningful mental health support to disenfranchised ELL (English Language Learner) communities in crisis, to determine how non-clinical individuals can receive clinical training to serve as group facilitators, to develop a structure built for scalability and replicability, to ensure cultural sensitivity and language access are always considered and to ensure proper clinical supervision of clinical and or lay mental health related activities overall.

D. Agency Contact Information

If you have questions about this funding opportunity, please contact:
1. Rob Putnam
2. Email: DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

This funding opportunity is a Legislative Add-On and the award will be issued in totality to the Polish American Association.
The type of applicant for the grant award is:
1. Nonprofit Organizations
The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification, and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
1. The Applicant must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee:
  1. Organization Name and Contact Information
  2. Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
  3. Unique Identity Number (UEI)
  4. Organization Type
2. The Applicant must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed until applicant is prequalified. Items i) through v) below are the prequalification requirements.
  1. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
    1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
    2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
    3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the awarding agency.
    4. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements.
  2. Must be in "good standing" with the Illinois Secretary of State if the Illinois Secretary of State requires the entity's organization type to be registered.
  3. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List.
  4. Must not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List.
  5. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List.
The applicant will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. Qualified status is re-verified nightly. If the entity's status changes, an email notice is sent to the designated entity representative with a link to the Grantee Portal.
See Section number I(A)(6) for funding restrictions.
Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include:
1. Not Applicable.
Limit on Number of Applications: More than one application per entity is not permitted.

B. Cost Sharing

Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.
Serves as Maintenance of Effort to the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Community Mental Health Block Grant.

III. Program Description

The Polish American Association (PAA) will engage clinical and medical staff to shape both the fieldwork and the outcomes artifacts. Some of these will be employed and the remaining will be on a stipend to be determined on a case-by-case basis. This team will operate knowing that PAA, and agencies like it, need to find an innovative MH model to address the growing mental health crises we recognize as common issues in immigrant communities, but which include unique cultural context stemming both from group identity and the unique current refugee situations each group is experiencing.

To serve immigrant population members, identify their state of mental health, and either deliver a curriculum to support them or refer them to a network of appropriate providers.
To collect, analyze and prepare findings on group sessions from multiple refugee groups in unique cultural circumstances.
To use data to shape a framework for how the grantee can deliver more meaningful mental health support to disenfranchised ELL (English Language Learner) communities in crisis.
To determine how non-clinical individuals can receive clinical training to serve as group facilitators.
To develop a structure built for scalability and replicability.
To ensure cultural sensitivity and language access are always considered.
To ensure proper clinical supervision of clinical and or lay mental health related activities overall.

A. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing 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.

B. Performance Requirements

The Grantee will target at least 75 individuals.

Methodology will be established by a steering committee which has already formed.
The steering committee consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and TBH staff for organization and data management.
The contributions of other agency departments will be required, such as human resources, technology teams, finance, and other departments in direct and indirect support roles.
The group session findings will shape framework, this framework will lead to more field testing, and ultimately, a preliminary new model with associated curriculum being developed.
Locations for sessions will be held where convenient to groups in their most accessible neighborhoods.
PAA will refer any serious issues to appropriate linkage partners as determined under the supervision of the professional staff.
Ethnic client groups PAA will seek to engage are: Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, Mexican, Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, and Haitian. Others if presented.

C. Performance Measures

Number of unduplicated individuals served.
Number of refugee group sessions held.
Number of client outreach by call center conducted.
Number of curriculums developed.
Number of steering committees developed.

D. Performance Standards

75 unduplicated individuals served.
6 refugee group sessions held.
500 client outreaches by call center conducted.
One or more curriculums developed.
One or more steering committees developed.

E. Cooperative Agreements

Not applicable.

F. Unallowable Costs

The applicant 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.
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.
Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) 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.
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.

G. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements:

Not Applicable.

H. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g
Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))
Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act
Public Act 104-0003, Section 1850, Page 2855

IV. Application Contents and Format

A. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Required Content of Application

The Application must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. Refer to Section V. Submission Requirement and Deadlines for details.

2. Budget and Budget Narrative

Applicant must enter a budget electronically in the CSA Tracking System.
The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA Tracking System. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA at IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us). A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet.
The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
1. Reasonable and necessary
2. Allocable, and
3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
A Budget Template can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. The applicant will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System.
NOTE: The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is now disabling external Illinois.gov IDs if they have not been used for 114 days. If you receive the error "HPDIA0309W This account is disabled," your ID has been disabled and cannot be re-activated by changing your password. You need to contact the DoIT HelpDesk at [217-524-DoIT (3648) or 312-814-DoIT (3648)] or their website at Report A Problem. Request that they create an incident to re-enable your external ID. You will need to provide your external ID (firstname.lastname@external.Illinois.gov) and the error message (this account is disabled). Please be sure to Reset Your Password every 3 months so your account is not disabled.
There is space when preparing the budget on each line item for the budget narrative. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The Budget narrative (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities within each line item. See instructions for the CSA Tracking System and Budget Information. The budget should be prepared to reflect 12 months.
Instructions for the Budget Template
Subcontractor budget(s), If applicable
1. If applicant is planning to use a subcontractor, a pdf copy of the subcontractor budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the other application materials.
2. Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the GATA Uniform Grant Budget Template (GOMBGATU-3002).
3. For more information see Section I(A)(6).

3. Required Forms

Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding.
1. The document requires the electronic or wet(ink) signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
2. Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicant must not complete anything on Page one.
3. On Page three, the applicant will need to include the amount for which they are applying and sign.
4. The correct application must be used.
Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure - The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is required for all grant award programs regardless if the grantee has identified a potential conflict or not. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must have a printed name and be signed by a representative of the organization.

V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. Address to Request Application Package

The complete application package is available through the Illinois Catalog of Financial Assistance and the Mental Health Grants FY 2026 website.
The applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding this funding opportunity and materials necessary for submission. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to this funding opportunity.

B. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Each Applicant Must:
1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application;
2. Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in its application; and
3. Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration.
The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied with all UEI and SAM Requirements.
If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b).
If the agency exempts any applicant from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d), a statement to that effect.

C. Submission Instructions

Actions needed prior to applying:
1. The applicant must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (pdf)
2. Registration in CSA is required. The IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us) is the system the IDHS utilizes for approving budgets and issuing grant awards. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA. The applicant will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System.
The Methods for submitting the application:
1. The applicant must electronically submit the complete application packet which includes the following attachments as separate pdf documents:
  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
  2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
  3. Budget (entered into the CSA Tracking System as described in section (IV)(A)(2)
  4. Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable
  5. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form, if wanted
2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will not be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive.
3. Include the following in the subject line:
  1. Your Entity Name
  2. Program 515-ECIC Ethnic Communities In Crisis
4. Documents must NOT include a password.
5. Software or Electronic Capabilities
  1. Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding this funding opportunity and materials necessary for submission.
Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows:
1. Not Applicable.
If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
1. Name: Rob Putnam
2. Email: DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov

D. Submission Dates and Times

Full applications are due on 11/3/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time.
Missed Deadlines
1. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent.

E. Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

VI. Application Review Information

A. Responsiveness Review

The following are the criteria that must be met for eligibility:
1. Applicant has a current registration with the State of Illinois in the Grantee Portal.
2. Applicant has an active SAM.gov public account.
3. Applicant has an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with SAM.gov
4. Applicant is in "good standing" with the Secretary of State.
5. Applicant is not on the DHS Stop Payment List Service or the Illinois Stop Payment List.
6. Applicant is not on the SAM.gov Exclusion List.
7. Applicant is not on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions List.
8. Program specific eligibility restrictions
  1. Not Applicable.
Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this funding opportunity.

B. Risk Review

IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued.
1. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) is to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal prior to the deadline listed below. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic risk in the following categories:
  1. Quality of Management Systems
  2. Financial and Programmatic Reporting
  3. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements
  4. Awardee Audits
2. The deadline to submit the FY26 ICQ is November 10, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
3. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment conducted by the awarding agency to evaluate the following categories:
  1. Programmatic financial stability
  2. Management systems and standards that would affect the program.
  3. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings
  4. Ability to effectively implement program requirements.
  5. External partnerships
  6. Programmatic reporting
4. Risk assessments are not intended to be punitive in nature, rather they are conducted in order to evaluate the support, technical assistance, and training that may be needed for the awardee and the level of monitoring that is needed for the award.
  1. Risk assessments may result in Specific Conditions being placed on the award to include more frequent monitoring or the implementation of a corrective action plan.
Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
1. This award is not anticipated to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold defined in 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1.

VII. Award Notices

A. State Award Notices

The applicant under this Non-Competitive funding opportunity 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 risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review.
Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the applicant has an approved FY26 budget entered into the CSA Tracking System. 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. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
The NOSA is NOT an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance).
The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA Tracking System. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@Illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system.
Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues will be notified that their application cannot be processed until the registration or pre-qualification issues are resolved.

VIII. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all State and Federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
You can find a sample of the grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
Payment Terms
1. It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (Procedures implementing the 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). Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
2. Grantees selecting the Advance Payment Method, or the Working Capital Advance Payment Method must complete the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template as described in the procedures above. In addition, please note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application materials as a separate document.
3. The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all DBHR programs and submitted no later than 15 days after the end of the month. All invoices shall be HIIPA compliant and encrypted utilizing DHS approved encryption software and emailed to DBHR at the email address listed above.
4. Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DBHR.QuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
5. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.WilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
6. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.ColbertInvoices@Illinois.gov
Payment Forms
1. Monthly Invoice (IL444-5257)
2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) Only if requesting an advance payment

B. Reporting

Reporting, upon execution of the grant agreement, shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
1. Periodic Financial Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the Department.
5. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
6. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List.
7. Grantee shall submit these reports) to the appropriate email address listed below. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the UGA to be reimbursable.
  1. PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DBHR.QuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
  2. PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.WilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
  3. PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.ColbertInvoices@Illinois.gov
  4. PPR and PRTP Email Address for All Grants: DHS.DBHR.QuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
8. DBHR reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website.

IX. Other Information

A. Credentials/Documentation

None

B. Program Websites

C. Mandatory Forms and Submissions

Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
Uniform Grant Budget Template (Submit in CSA) | Instructions
Subcontractor Budget, if applicable submit as a separate attachment
Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure submit as a separate attachment
Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method)