225 Housing is Recovery (24-444-22-3139-01)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Mental Health
Agency Grant Manager Contact Barb Roberson DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title 225 Housing is Recovery
Funding Opportunity Number 24-444-22-3139-01
Application Posting Date May 15, 2023
Application Closing Date June 13, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-22-3139
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name 225 Housing is Recovery
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 21.027
Award Funding Source Federal
Estimated Total Program Funding $10,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards Dependent on number of applications received
Award Range $300,000 - $2,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Date/Time:  May 24, 2023, 1:00 - 2:30 PM Central Time
Registration Link

A. Program Description

1. Program Summary

The Housing is Recovery pilot program offers affordable housing using a bridge rental subsidy combined with access to recovery support services or treatment, targeted to individuals with serious mental illness who are at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization, or individuals with a substance use disorder who are at high risk of overdose. Grantees in this program will offer, either directly or through subrecipients or partners, housing location, subsidy administration services, and recovery engagement services

2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

DHS 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.

3. 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
  • Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF), SLFRF Sections 602 and 603 of the Social Security Act as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the Act), Pub. L. No. 117-2 (Mar. 11, 2021)

4. Scope of Services

The Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health is instituting the Housing is Recovery pilot program. The purpose of this program is to prevent a person with a serious mental illness who is at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization, or a person with a substance use disorder who is at high risk of overdose, due to homelessness, a lack of access to recovery support services, and repeating cycles of hospitalizations or justice system involvement, from being institutionalized or dying. This will be accomplished by enabling affordable housing using a bridge rental subsidy combined with access to recovery support services or treatment.

The Grantee will conduct subsidy administration activities on behalf of the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health. The rental subsidy shall be for scattered-site rental units owned by a landlord or for rental units secured through a master lease. The Grantee will conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections of all units prior to occupancy by a subsidy holder. The rental subsidy shall assist the subsidy holder with monthly rental payments, and the subsidy holder will be responsible for contributing 30% of their income towards the cost of rent. If a subsidy holder does not have income due to a disability, the Grantee will offer the subsidy holder assistance with completing an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model.

The subsidy holder must apply for permanent rental assistance or housing through the appropriate Public Housing Authority within six months of receiving a Housing is Recovery rental subsidy, or agree to apply when eligible, and must also be placed on the Illinois Housing Development Authority's Statewide Referral Network.

The Grantee will also provide engagement services, as defined in the deliverables below, at least two times a month, with at least one of those visits being a home visit. The engagement services shall be permitted in a home-based or community-based setting, and do not require a clinic visit. A goal of this program is to encourage the subsidy holder to engage in mental health and substance use recovery support services or treatment when the individual is ready. However, this is a Housing First model that does not require abstinence from substance or alcohol use and does not require mental health or substance use disorder treatment.

The Grantee must ensure the provision of both housing location and support services as well as mental health or substance use engagement, recovery support services, and treatment to a subsidy holder. The Grantee may provide the housing, engagement, and treatment services directly, or they may coordinate the provision of the housing, engagement and/or treatment services with another provider. If the Grantee does not provide all services directly, there must be strong coordination of care between all providers involved.

Additional details about program structure and operations are provided in the Program Guide.

Eligible program participants:

Eligible individuals must be at least 21 years of age or aging out of guardianship under the Department of Children and Family Services, and eligible to enroll in, or enrolled in, Medicaid, and fall into one of the two eligibility categories below.

Individuals at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization: a person who has a serious mental illness (as defined in 59 Ill. Adm. Code 145.20) who is homeless (or will be homeless upon hospital discharge or correctional facility release) and who has:

  1. Had three or more psychiatric inpatient hospital admissions within the most recent 12-month period;
  2. Had three or more stays in a State or county correctional facility in the State of Illinois within the most recent 12-month period;
  3. Been incarcerated in a State or county correctional facility in Illinois for the most recent 12 consecutive months; or
  4. A disability determination due to a serious mental illness and has been incarcerated at least once in a State or county correctional facility in Illinois within the most recent 12 consecutive months.

Individual at high risk of overdose: a person with a substance use disorder who is homeless (or who will be homeless upon hospital discharge or correctional facility release) and who has:

  1. Had three or more hospital inpatient or inpatient withdrawal management or community-based withdrawal management stays for a substance use disorder within the most recent 12-month period;
  2. Had three or more stays in a State or county correctional facility in the State of Illinois within the most recent 12-month period;
  3. Been incarcerated in a State or county correctional facility in Illinois for the most recent 12 consecutive months; or
  4. Had one or more drug overdoses in the last 12 months.

Additional eligibility criteria are specified in detail in the Program Guide.

5. Deliverables

Performance Requirements:

Subsidy Administration Deliverables

The Grantee, directly, or through a contracted partner entity, will:

  1. Build relationships with referral sources, including hospitals, county jails, prisons, homeless shelters, and inpatient detoxification facilities.
  2. Develop a process for identifying eligible individuals before hospital discharge, correctional system release, or other appropriate referral sources, including homeless shelters.
  3. Certify eligibility, resolve barriers, and submit completed application packages for consumers referred for the Housing is Recovery pilot program.
  4. Identify and navigate affordable housing stock through relationship-building with landlords and property management companies.
  5. Help consumers identify appropriate housing units.
  6. Accompany consumers on housing searches for potential housing units, including providing transportation, and showing consumers multiple units meeting their preferences when necessary.
  7. Complete initial Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections on units located for consumers using the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved HQS forms within two business days, on average.
  8. Inform the property manager, as well as the consumer, of the status of the conducted HQS inspection (e.g., Pass or Fail). When there are deficiencies, perform re-inspection(s) of the unit(s) as required.
  9. Perform HQS inspections of units occupied by program consumers annually.
  10. Ensure that rented units meet the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standards and Rent Reasonableness standards set by HUD.
  11. Execute a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the property manager on behalf of the consumer or enter directly into a lease agreement with the property manager and execute an occupancy agreement or sublease with the consumer.
  12. Pay application fees, security deposits, move-in fees, utility deposits, and landlord incentives as necessary for program consumers to secure a housing unit.
  13. Pay the ongoing monthly rental subsidy amount, calculated based on the consumer paying 30% of their income towards the rental amount, by the prescribed due date.
  14. Pay ongoing utility costs or provide utility allowance to program consumers each month as appropriate.
  15. Pay for basic household supplies and furnishings when reasonable and necessary and no other funding source exists.
  16. Assist program consumers with physically moving their possessions into their housing units.
  17. Assist program consumers with applying for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Statewide Referral Network (SRN) and Section 811 housing waitlists, and also maintain accurate consumer information on the waitlist.
  18. Assist program consumers with applying for and transitioning to permanent housing vouchers through local Public Housing Authorities and other sources.
  19. Record consumers' income from all sources at program entry, minimally at each annual recertification, and at exit to determine increases in income.
  20. Record consumer destinations at program exit to determine those who are successfully exiting the program to permanent and stable housing destinations.
  21. Secure and provide housing units for purposes of immediate temporary housing following hospital discharge or release from a correctional facility while a long-term rental unit is secured. These temporary housing units may be used for immediate temporary housing, not to exceed 90 days, to prevent consumers from reentering homelessness or unstable housing, or avoiding unnecessary institutionalization. Temporary housing units must meet HQS standards.
  22. Track and report demographic information on program participants (including age, race, gender identity, and primary language) to IDHS using the prescribed template on a monthly basis.
  23. Respond to first-level grievances raised by program participants, and report to IDHS.

The Grantee will maintain complete files on all consumers, including those served by a subcontractor or subrecipient. Closed files will be retained for the greater of five years or the time frame put forth in the Grantee agency file destruction policy. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

The Grantee will be responsible for establishing all applicable bank accounts in compliance with DMH requirements and to provide all applicable tracking and reporting of funds transferred to their organization.

Mental Health/Substance Use Engagement and Recovery Service Deliverables

The Grantee, directly, or through a contracted partner entity, will:

  1. Provide engagement services that assist the consumer with maintaining their housing at least twice per month. At least one of the visits each month will be a home visit. Engagement services must be provided in a home- or community-based setting, and do not require a clinic visit.
  2. Provide additional wraparound support in conjunction with these engagement services, including linkage to mental health or substance use recovery support services if the consumer is open to receiving such linkage.
  3. Support the consumer with engagement services regardless of their engagement in mental health or substance use disorder treatment and whether they are abstinent from substance or alcohol use.
  4. Educate the consumer on the rights and responsibilities of tenancy, including helping them to understand the terms of their lease and any associated documents or supports.
  5. Pay landlord mitigation and incentive funds to property managers as needed to help the consumer maintain their housing.
  6. Pay subsistence allowances to consumers who have no income, following the guidelines in the Program Guide.
  7. Facilitate coordination of care between the consumer's providers.
  8. Provide or coordinate transportation to the consumer's medical, mental health, or substance use disorder treatment appointments.
  9. Ensure the consumer is enrolled in all benefit programs for which they are eligible, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other state or federal programs.
  10. Assist consumers who do not have income with completing disability benefit applications using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model. Consumers must be offered assistance with SOAR applications within six months of receiving the subsidy.
  11. Track and report data to IDHS using the prescribed template on a monthly basis.
  12. Participate in DMH staffing or consultations as needed.

Where clinically appropriate and medically necessary, the Grantee must bill Medicaid for engagement and recovery services that align with Medicaid-covered tenancy support services, and Medicaid community-based mental health and substance use treatment services, including case management. The Grantee cannot bill both Medicaid and the Housing is Recovery program grant for the same service, and grant funds should be the payer of last resort for engagement services. The Grantee may be reimbursed through the Housing is Recovery program grant for services delivered that are not reimbursed through Medicaid.

6. Performance Measures

Data reported should, unless otherwise noted, be limited to quarterly data only, not cumulative. In addition to quarterly reporting via the Periodic Performance Report Template by Program, performance will also be monitored based on data provided in the IDHS-prescribed monthly data reports.

PRTP Performance Measures

The following performance measures must be reported to IDHS using the Periodic Performance Report Template by Program (PRTP) each quarter:

  1. Number of initial HQS inspections required.
  2. Number of initial HQS inspections completed.
  3. Number of initial HQS inspections completed within two business days.
  4. Number of HQS re-inspections required.
  5. Number of HQS re-inspections completed.
  6. Number of annual HQS inspections due.
  7. Number of annual HQS inspections completed.
  8. Number of new HAP contracts or lease/sublease agreements executed.
  9. Number of new HAP contracts or lease/sublease agreements executed that meet FMR set by HUD or have exceptions granted by DMH.
  10. Number of consumers with monthly rental subsidies due.
  11. Number of monthly rental subsidies paid by the prescribed due date.
  12. Number of immediate temporary housing units available during this reporting period.
  13. Number of immediate temporary housing units occupied during this reporting period.

    Other Performance Measures

    The following performance measures will be monitored using data provided in the IDHS-prescribed monthly data reports:

  14. Number of consumers referred to the Housing is Recovery pilot program.
  15. Number of consumers newly enrolled in the Housing is Recovery pilot program.
  16. Number of consumers accompanied on housing searches for potential housing units.
  17. Number of consumers assisted with first-time moves into housing units.
  18. Number of consumers supported using Transition Assistance Funds.
  19. Number of consumers enrolled on the IHDA SRN and/or Section 811 housing waitlists.
  20. Number of consumers who apply for permanent housing vouchers.
  21. Number of consumers active in the program during this reporting period.
  22. Number of consumers receiving engagement services at least twice per month.
  23. Number of consumers receiving additional wraparound support services.
  24. Number of consumers who have zero income.
  25. Number of consumers who have zero income who are assisted with completing disability benefit applications using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model.
  26. Number of consumers remaining in or exiting the program who have remained stably housed for at least 6 months.
  27. Number of consumers remaining in or existing the program who have remained stably housed for at least 12 months.
  28. Number of consumers remaining in or exiting the program who have remained stably housed for at least 24 months.
  29. Number of consumers exiting the program.
  30. Number of consumers exiting the program who are exiting to a permanent, stable housing situation.
  31. Number of consumers who are involuntarily removed from the program.
  32. Number of grievances filed by consumers.

7. Performance Standards

PRTP Performance Standards

The following performance standards will be calculated on the PRTP submitted each quarter:

  1. 100% of initial HQS inspections required are completed.
  2. 90% of initial HQS inspections required are completed within two business days.
  3. 100% of HQS re-inspections required are completed.
  4. 100% of annual HQS inspections due are completed.
  5. 100% of new HAP contracts or lease/sublease agreements meet FMR or have exceptions granted.
  6. 100% of monthly rental subsidies due are paid by the prescribed due date.
  7. 80% of available temporary housing units are occupied during the reporting period.

    Other Performance Standards

    The following performance standards will be monitored using data provided in the IDHS-prescribed monthly data reports:

  8. 90% of consumers referred to the Housing is Recovery pilot program will be enrolled.
  9. 90% of consumers newly enrolled in the program will be accompanied on housing searches.
  10. 100% of consumers who move into housing units are supported using Transition Assistance Funds.
  11. 100% of consumers who move into housing units are enrolled on the IHDA SRN and/or Section 811 waitlists.
  12. 95% of consumers active in the program receive engagement services at least twice per month.
  13. 90% of consumers active in the program receive additional wraparound support services.
  14. 100% of consumers who have zero income are assisted with completing SOAR applications.
  15. 80% of consumers who exit the program exit to a permanent, stable housing situation.

B. Funding Information

 1. Total Amount of Funding

  • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $10,000,000 in funding .
  • The source of funding for this program is federal funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

  • The anticipated number of grant awards funded to provide this program is dependent on the number of applications received.

3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Award

  • The Department anticipates that grant awards will be between $300,000 and $2,000,000.

4. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years

  • This is a new program; therefore there are no previous funding amounts..

5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.

  • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than August 1, 2023, and will continue through June 30, 2024.

6. Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

  • Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.

7. Type of Assistance Instrument

  • This is a competitive grant award funding opportunity.

8. Procurement Contract Allowability

  • Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.
  • Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
  • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:

  • The types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:
  • Public Housing Organizations
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Small Businesses
  • Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC)
  • Substance Use Treatment Providers
  • Supportive Housing Providers
  • Housing Service Providers
  • Applicants must be able to serve Medicaid-eligible adults (21 and older or aging out of DCFS guardianship) who (i) have a mental illness and are at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization or (ii) have a substance use disorder and are at high risk of overdose
  • The applicant must be certified as a Community Mental Health Center, be a licensed Substance Use Disorder Treatment Provider, or be a Housing Service Provider. In addition, the applicant must also be able to provide mental health or substance use disorder engagement and treatment services and housing services for all participants in this program, either directly or through a contract/MOU with another provider.
  • The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.

Prequalification

Applicant entities will not be eligible to apply for a grant award until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Registration and prequalification are required annually. 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., inactive UEI, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.

For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedures, refer to IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.

Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.

The following information is required to complete registration:

  • Organization's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI); For additional information on UEI, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) below;
  • Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);
  • Organization type;
  • Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations);
  • Organization's name;
  • Organization's mailing address;
  • Organization's primary email address;
  • Organization's primary phone number;
  • Organization's fiscal year-end date

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

Each applicant is required to:

  • Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; if your organization does not yet have a UEI you must request one.
  • Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award, an application, or plan under consideration by the Department

The Department may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Department is ready to make an award, the Department may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. See Section D funding restrictions impacting eligibility..

Pre-Award Requirements

The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). The ICQ is completed for the organization. The Department 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. 

Applicants that have not completed an ICQ for the grant award year at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete this pre-award requirement.

This grantee pre-award requirement is 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. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

3. Indirect Costs

Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect cost rates must be approved.

Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions

In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.

Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System, including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.

Indirect Cost Rate Election:

  • Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA and submit an Indirect Cost Rate Proposal in the Crowe Activity Review System (CARS).
  • State Negotiated Rate. The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the CARS system if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate and would like to negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois.
  • De Minimis Rate. An organization may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC)**. Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. If programs elect to use the De Minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.

**2 CFR § 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC). MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontract (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subcontracts under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

  • No Rate: Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into the Indirect Cost Rate Election System.
  • State Funded Universities/Institutions: Maximum reimbursement for indirect costs is restricted to 10% Off Campus and 20% On Campus with MTDC base.

Crowe Activity Review System (CARS). CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate or complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above). Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.

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. If the organization elects to submit a Federally Negotiated Rate or a State Negotiated Rate, they will receive an invitation to submit their proposal in the CARS system.

Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election and would like to continue with a Federal or State Negotiated Rate must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.

Organizations that do not make a submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.

For more information see:

Centralized Indirect Cost Rate User Manual

GATA

4. Registration in CSA

The CSA Tracking System 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. While registration in CSA is not part of the prequalification process, successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System.

5. Limit on Number of Applications

More than one application per entity is not permitted

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available at the Mental Health Grants - FY24 web site.

Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's web site will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's web site 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.

Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Division of Mental Health by emailing DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Content

Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all of the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding.

Required Forms

The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative.

Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page one. The correct application must be used.

On Page three, applicants will need to include the amount for which they are applying and sign.

The applicant submission email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.

Required Format

The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted. 

Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative must include categories consistent with the criteria listed in Section E Application Review Information.

Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative must include categories consistent with the criteria listed in Section E Application Review Information.

  • The Program Narrative shall not exceed 12 pages. If there are more than 12 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed or scored.
  • All documents must be typed using Times New Roman 12-point type,100% magnification and use black typeface on a white background, except for letterhead.
  • For charts and tables only Times New Roman 10-point with color may be used.
  • The Program Narrative must be typed single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • The submission must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size using pdf or pdf portfolio.

Application Packet

The application packet consists of:

  • The three-page Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
  • The Program Narrative
  • The Grant Application and the Program Narrative may be submitted as one document or as two separate documents.
    • If submitting as one document, ONLY the Grant Application and Program Narrative may be included.
    • When submitting as one document the sequence to submit the application is: Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance first (in the correct page order) followed by the Program Narrative.
    • Budget in the CSA Tracking System

Budget Requirements

Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.

  • The CSA Tracking System is where the IDHS requires all applicants to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and take action on the proposed budget. The CSA Tracking system requires that you have different credentials than what you have for the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
  • A budget and budget narrative need to be completed, electronically signed, and submitted in the CSA tracking system with the status as "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review". A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet.
  • 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 11 months for the initial grant fiscal year but should anticipate receiving the same level of funding to cover 12 months in the future, to reflect additional costs that may be incurred in starting up the program.
  • 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. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA System.

Subrecipient budget(s).

  • If applicant is planning to use a subrecipient, a pdf copy of the subrecipient budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the application packet.
  • Subrecipient budgets shall be submitted on the GOMBGATU-3002-(R-02-17) template as a separate attachment.

Program Narrative

IMPORTANT: The program narrative makes up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response to the Criteria in Section E. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.

Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments

If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section.

Pre-Award Requirements

All successful applicants are required to complete a risk assessment prior to execution of a grant award. The Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) is one instrument used to assess risk of grantees by identifying an organization's potential weaknesses. The ICQ is accessed through the Grantee Portal.

Submission of the ICQ is due by the deadline of the application packet.

Notice of State Award

The uniform grant agreement must be signed, and the signature page submitted to the Office of Contract Administration at DHS.DHSOCA@Illinois.gov.

3. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal 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:

  • Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date. 
  • Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application; and
  • Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through, or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
  • The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
  • The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date and Time:

The Department must receive the Full Application no later than:  June 13, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.


Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order.

Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

Include the following in the subject line:

  • Your agency name.
  • 225 Housing is Recovery

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.

Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This notification will be sent within approximately two to four days of submission. The email of the original sender of the application will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. Applications and Program Narratives received after the due date and time listed in the NOFO Summary above will not be considered for review and funding. There will be no exceptions

Applicants are required to notify the Department within 4 days of the deadline, 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 the Department within 4 days, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after 4 days. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.

Missed Deadlines:

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.

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. The deadline will be strictly enforced.

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 to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS 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.

5. Intergovernmental Review

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

6. Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs

Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS Uniform Grant Budget Narrative. Pre-award costs are not allowable.

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.

7. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission

Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov

Documents must not include a password nor be encrypted.

Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows:

Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice should 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:

  • Internet access, preferably high-speed
  • Email capability
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Reader

Contact DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov in the event of technical difficulties.

IDHS/DMH is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.

The application packet must be submitted by June 13, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.

Questions

  • IDHS encourages inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions from applicants. Questions and IDHS/DMH Responses "Q&A" will be posted to the Mental Health Grants - FY24 web site and updated periodically.
  • Questions about this NOFO, must be sent via email to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. The subject line of the email MUST state: Applicant Name - 225 Housing is Recovery - Question(s).
  • Questions will only be accepted electronically. Deadline for Questions is June 6, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.

Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosures

Every grantee and subrecipient must disclose in writing any actual or potential Conflict of Interest as part of the grant application packet using the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form IL444-5205.

Grantee Conflicts of Interest include, but are not limited to:

  1. Grantee has an employee, board member, trustee, or immediate family member who:
    1. Holds an elected or appointed office in Illinois.
    2. Holds a seat in the Illinois General Assembly.
    3. Is an officer or employee of any State board, commission, authority, or holds an elected or appointed position or is employed in any of the offices or agencies of State government.
  2. Grantee has a financial interest, including ownership of stocks or bonds, in a firm which is a vendor or contractor.
  3. Grantee has outstanding financial commitments to any vendor or contractor.
  4. Grantee has a close personal relationship. such as a spouse, dependent child, or member of the technical advisor's household, that may compromise or impair the fairness and impartiality of the technical advisor and grants officer during the solicitation development, proposal evaluation, award selection process, and management of an award.
  5. Grantee has any negotiation of employment with current or potential sub-recipient or vendor.

Additional examples of Grantee Conflicts of Interest can be found in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Web site Resource Library.

E. Application Review Information

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

1. Criteria

Applications that fail to meet the pre-qualification requirements and pre-award requirements described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.

Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria

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 address provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

Program Narrative Criteria

The maximum possible score is 100 points. All submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and based on the Criteria listed below.

Label each section of the program narrative utilizing the format provided below. Information must be provided in the section in which it is requested.

To be successful in the application process, applicants must submit the following information as part of the grant application process:

Executive Summary (not to exceed 1 page) - Not Scored:

The Applicant should provide a brief, but thorough, overview of their proposal, along with any limitations regarding the Applicant's ability to perform the services required by the Department. The Applicant should describe the organization's mission, history, achievements, services, equity advancement, financial overview, and future plans. This description should also highlight how the applicant is embedded into the community and is identified as a trusted messenger. Include information about how the agency's vision and mission support the implementation of programming under this funding opportunity.

Community Identification and Need (not to exceed 2 pages) - 15 points:

The Applicant should provide a detailed description of the population they plan to serve, including the geographic region(s) where the Applicant will offer services. The Applicant should clearly indicate whether they are applying to serve individuals with mental illness who are at high risk of unnecessary institutionalization, individuals with substance use disorder who are at high risk of overdose, or both.

The Applicant should clearly indicate the number of individuals they are committing to house during the term of this funding opportunity. The Applicant should identify the demographic characteristics of their proposed target population, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, and languages spoken. The Applicant should describe the impact that the proposed program services would have on the identified need. The Applicant should provide data to support their description of need in the community.

Capacity/Agency Qualifications (not to exceed 2 pages) - 30 points:

The Applicant should provide a summary of their organizational background and relevant experience, along with any subrecipients or partners they propose to utilize. The Applicant should describe their incorporation status, along with all relevant certifications and licenses held by the agency and key staff that will work on this project; they should provide the same for any subrecipients or partners.

The Applicant should provide an organizational chart indicating personnel responsible for program-related services and a summary of the proposed staffing structure. In describing their relevant experience, the Applicant should include information on how their organization has implemented trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The Applicant should describe in detail their administrative, fiscal, and programmatic capacity and experience to fulfill each of the program requirements, including subsidy administration and mental health/substance use engagement and recovery services, either directly or using subrecipients or other partners.

If subrecipients or partners will be used, the Applicant must describe their ability and experience to manage subrecipients, including providing technical assistance and capacity building, ensuring accurate data reporting, managing performance, and monitoring outcomes. The Applicant should provide copies of any contracts or memorandums of understanding outlining their relationships with partners or subrecipients; these copies will not be included in the total page count for the narrative portion of the grant application.

The Applicant must also describe their readiness to provide services, including an anticipated timeline for being able to deliver services promptly following the start of the grant agreement.

The Applicant should describe their (or their subrecipient/partner's) experience and qualifications to offer SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) services to participants. The Applicant should describe their experience delivering Medicaid-covered community-based mental health and substance use treatment services, including case management.

Quality/Description of Program Services (not to exceed 5 pages) - 40 points:

The Applicant should describe, in detail, their proposed model for delivering subsidy administration services and mental health/substance use engagement and recovery services in line with the deliverables and performance measures described in the Exhibits and Program Guide. The description should include a clear explanation of how the Applicant will locate and secure housing and link program participants to appropriate supportive services, how they will effectively offer inspections and administer subsidy payments, and how mental health/substance use engagement and recovery services will be provided. The description should describe the entire engagement process, from referral/initial contact through program exit.

The Applicant should identify any handoffs or transitions of care in their proposed model and describe how they will ensure continuity of care. The Applicant should describe strategies that they will implement to increase collaboration and communication across their program, particularly if they are utilizing subrecipients or partners.

The Applicant should describe how they will obtain referrals for their program, including the partnerships they will build with hospitals, county jails, prisons, homeless shelters, inpatient detoxification facilities, and other settings. The Applicant should include their process for identifying eligible individuals before hospital discharge or correctional system release where applicable. The Applicant should specifically describe their plan for providing housing and engagement services to individuals exiting correctional settings as well as those exiting hospitals or other institutional settings.

The Applicant should describe their plan to support individuals who may be reluctant to engage in services or who may experience relapse of either mental illness or substance use. The Applicant should describe how they will operate using Housing First principles and prioritize housing stability.

The Applicant should also describe their plan for securing and providing housing units for immediate temporary housing following hospital discharge or correctional system release, including the number of units planned and how these units will be managed.

The Applicant should describe how they will utilize Medicaid-billable services in delivering engagement and recovery services to program participants, including how they will ensure that services are billed to Medicaid whenever possible rather than to Housing is Recovery program funds.

Data Collection, Evaluation and Reporting Criteria (not to exceed 2 pages) - 15 Points:

The Applicant should describe how they will internally track data indicators and performance measures as described in the Exhibits, as well as any additional data elements they will monitor. The Applicant should describe any prior experience with tracking data and utilizing it for evaluation purposes.

The Applicant should also describe how they will use data to monitor service delivery, and how they will incorporate data into their internal quality management processes. The Applicant should list any staff or teams involved in their quality management processes, and how these quality management processes will be integrated into the overall operation of this program.

The Applicant should describe their training protocol for staff involved in this program, including mandatory trainings and any additional professional development offered or required.

2. Review and Selection Process

The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: IDHS/DMH staff familiar with the requirements of the program will score and review the application packet. Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate application packets independently. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. 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, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. While the 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 reviewers 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 or
  • Not fund any of the tied applications.

The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate DHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process

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).

Submission of Appeal

Appeals submission IDHS contact information:

  • Name of Agency contact for appeals: Barb Roberson
  • Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
  • Email Subject Line: Applicant Name - 225 Housing is Recovery - Appeal

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.

  • An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
  • The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
    • Name and address of the appealing party;
    • Identification of the grant; and
    • Statement of reasons for the appeal.
    • Supporting documentation, if applicable

Response to Appeal

IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.

  • 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.
  • The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.

Resolution

The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.

  • 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.
  • The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
  • The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
    • Review of the appeal;
    • Appeal determination; and
    • Rationale for the determination.

4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards

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. 8. Grant Funds Use Requirements for more information.

F. Award Administration Information

1. State Award Notices

Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). It is anticipated that award decisions will be made in mid-July 2023. This notification is sent to the main contact listed in the Grantee Portal; therefore, it is important to keep contact information in the Grantee Portal updated. The NOSA shall include:

  • Grant award amount
  • The terms and conditions of the award
  • Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ) and merit-based review

Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA 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 the Department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.

The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs at the non- State entity's own risk).

A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award. It is anticipated these will be sent in mid-July 2023.

2. 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.

To review a sample of the FY2024 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.

3. Reporting

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:

  • Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 13.1 of the UGA and reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
  • Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 13.2 of the UGA and no later than 60 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.
  • Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 14.1 of the UGA and such reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
  • Time Period for Close-out Performance Reports. Grantee agrees to submit a Close-out Performance Report, pursuant to Paragraph 14.2 of the UGA and no later than 60 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.

Grantee shall submit a quarterly Periodic Financial Report (GOMBGATU-4002 (N-08-17)) to the appropriate email address. 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.

PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov 

PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov   

PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov 

The Grantee shall submit quarterly Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001 (N-08-17)) and the Periodic Performance Report Template by Program (PRTP) to the appropriate email address below. Reporting templates and instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS web site.

PPR and PRTP Email Address for All Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov 

DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS web site.

If the State share of any State award is more than $500,000 over the period of performance, post award reporting requirements are subject to Appendix XII of 2 CFR 200.

4. Payment Terms

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 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 method exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance. Each is discussed below:

Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)

  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
  • Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.

Reimbursement Method

  • 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.
  • 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 30 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the State awarding agency reasonably believes the request to be improper.
  • Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.

Working Capital Advance Method

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
  • Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
  • Following the initial working capital advance payment, grantees will be paid via advance or reimbursement method as appropriate.

Additional Advance Payments

Additional working capital advance payments may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such requests must be made in writing, may require supporting documentation and must be approved by IDHS Executive Staff.

Grantees that do not select either the Advance Payment Method or the Working Capital Advance Method will automatically default to the Reimbursement Method.

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.

Note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application packet as a separate document.

The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all DMH 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 DMH email address listed above. 

Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov  

Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov  

Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov  

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact: Barb Roberson, DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov

H. Other Information

  • This is a new program
  • This is a grant agreement and is a new application.
  • Related programs which provide some similar or related services & supports include:
    • 200 Housing Bridge Subsidy Administrator
    • 215 Housing First Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
    • 785 Cluster Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
    • 800 Front Door Diversion Project
    • 850 Comprehensive Class Member Transition Program
  • Program Web sites
  • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
  • The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate DHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

I. Mandatory Forms