Reimagine Youth Development Services (RYDS) (25-444-80-3416) Notice of Funding Opportunity

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Office of Community and Positive Youth Development; FCS Bureau of Violence Prevention Services
Agency Contact Reshma Desai
DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Title Reimagine Youth Development Services (RYDS)
Funding Opportunity Number 25-444-80-3416-01
Application Posting Date July 3, 2024
Application Closing Date August 7, 2024 by 12:00pm (Noon) CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-80-3416
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name Reimagine Youth Development Services (RYDS)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 21.027 American Rescue Plan Act
Award Funding Source These awards will be funded with Federal Funds.
Estimated Total Program Funding

Approximately $16.5M will be made available to Chicago RPSA communities for a 12-month project period (October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025)

Approximately $7M will be made available to Greater Illinois RPSA areas for a 12-month project period (October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025)

Anticipated Number of Awards 75
Award Range Average award amount: $240,000 plus participant incentives (for the civics program) up to $900 per participant.
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement Cost sharing or matching is allowed but is not required.
Indirect Costs Allowed Indirect Costs are allowed.
Restrictions on Indirect Costs Indirect Cost Rate must be approved.
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Date/Time: Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 9:30am - 11:00am
Link to Registration
NOFO/Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Submit questions to: DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov

Due date for submitting questions:  07/31/2024

FAQs will be updated frequently, and a final, complete list will be posted to the IDHS website on 08/02/2024

  1. Program Description
    1. Program Summary
      Firearm violence has deeply harmed neighborhoods, communities, and the entire State of Illinois, both through the immediate loss of life and the long-term, harmful effects of trauma experienced by victims, witnesses, and community members. According to the 2024 U.S. Surgeon General's Report, Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America, these impacts are felt disproportionately by communities impacted by poverty and other factors. As one of its multiple funding efforts to reduce firearm violence in the most heavily impacted communities across Illinois, the IDHS-Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is seeking to fund youth development organizations in specific community areas across Illinois that will provide structured and unstructured programming to community youth. These programs are meant to serve youth who are the highest risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of firearm violence and should utilize evidence-informed programming and services which will improve youth outcomes and decrease risk factors associated with firearm violence.
      IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves correcting existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Organizations that provide services under this funding opportunity and all related RPSA programs must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability.
      This NOFO will fund youth development programs to serve high-risk youth that intend to provide afterschool and summer programming utilizing evidence-based and/or evidence-informed programming to improve youth outcomes and decrease risk factors associated with firearm violence. These services include civic engagement and leadership development, life skills development, activities that promote positive educational outcomes, build social emotional persistence and intelligence, develop non-academic interests, and reduce involvement in the justice system.
    2. Eligible Service Areas
      In accordance with the RPSA, these community areas are considered "eligible service areas" and qualify for grants under the Act. 
      1. RPSA Identified Eligible Chicago Service Areas: 
        1. Ashburn  15. Riverdale
        2. Auburn Gresham 16. Roseland
        3. Austin 17. South Chicago
        4. Burnside 18. South Deering
        5. Chatham 19. South Lawndale
        6. Chicago Lawn 20. South Shore
        7. East Garfield Park 21. Southwest Side Cluster: (Lower West Side, Brighton Park, Gage Park, McKinley Park)
        8. Englewood 22. Washington Park
        9. Fuller Park 23. West Englewood
        10. Greater Grand Crossing 24. West Garfield Park
        11. Humboldt Park 25. West Pullman
        12. New City 26. Woodlawn
        13. North Lawndale
        14. Northside Cluster: (Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park, Albany Park)
      2. RPSA Identified Eligible Greater Illinois Service Areas:
        1. Aurora 9. Kankakee
        2. Belleville Cluster (Includes Belleville, East St. Louis, and Cahokia Heights) 10. Maywood-Bellwood Custer
        3. Berwyn-Cicero Cluster 11. Peoria
        4. Calumet City Cluster (includes Calumet City, Harvey, Dolton, Riverdale, South Holland, Markham, Lansing) 12. Rock Island
        5. Chicago Heights Cluster (includes Chicago Heights, Park Forests, and Sauk Village) 13. Rockford
        6. Danville 14. Springfield
        7. Decatur 15. Urbana-Champaign Cluster
        8. Joliet 16. Waukegan-North Chicago Cluster

        A full description of the process for identifying Illinois municipalities and Chicago and Greater Illinois community areas with the highest concentration of firearm violence is available here: IDHS: Report of the IDHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, June - December 2021 (state.il.us)
    3. Funding Priorities
      The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is seeking applications from those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) that have an established physical presence in the eligible community area described in Section A1 Eligible Service Areas above, at the time of application, for which they intend to provide youth development services programming described herein. In addition to the above non-profit community-based organizations, eligible applicants are inclusive of units of local government, public schools, districts, etc. that serve the eligible community area.
      1. Where possible, the OFVP intends to fund at least one eligible and responsive application to provide Youth Development Program Services in each eligible Chicago and Greater Illinois RPSA eligible community area.
      2. Where possible, the OFVP will fund additional responsive applications in areas with higher concentration of firearm violence.
      3. Further, through a competitive merit-based review and selection process, the OFVP expects to fund applicants who demonstrate the following:
        1. High levels of experience in youth development programming.
        2. Have a demonstrated history providing services to youth in the specific community area to which they are applying to serve.
        3. Propose a plan to provide programming and services throughout the entire 12-month project period.
        4. Have genuine and trusted relationships with community residents, stakeholders, and law enforcement entities.
        5. Propose a clearly designed plan to reach and serve the highest risk youth in the identified community.
        6. Propose cost-effective and efficient programming.
    4. Required Services and Programming
      The DHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is investing in the highest-risk Chicago and Greater Illinois communities to provide multi-faceted youth development programming outlined below intended to improve youth outcomes and reduce youth risk factors associated with violence.
      1. Target Population
        The Reimagine Youth Development Services program services are provided for high-risk school-age youth ages 11 to 21, or any subset within that age range. Accepted age group subsets are, 11-13, 14-17, and 18-21. Since the Department only intends to fund applications targeting services to high-risk youth, participating program youth must also meet at least one of the following risk factors to be considered eligible to participate in the program. (Participant eligibility criteria must be documented in each participant's individual program file.)
        • Reside in an RPSA community and municipal block where more than 35% of all fatal and non-fatal firearm incidents in their community*. (This population MUST be prioritized for service provision.)
        • Students who are attending or have attended option schools; or are disengaged from school
        • Teens with family members of individuals working with violence prevention organizations
        • Criminal and juvenile justice involved youth
        • Active in a violent street organization, clique, crew, mob, or group at time of enrollment
        • Carrier of a firearm at time of enrollment
        • Has a close family member or friend who was a recent victim of firearm violence
        • Has been arrested, convicted, or has a family member who is/was incarcerated
        • History of or exposure to substance abuse disorder
        • Exhibiting symptoms/signs of trauma from exposure to violence
          The Reimagine Public Safety Act REQUIRES that youth meeting the first four eligibility criteria above are prioritized for Youth Development Program services. This means that youth in these communities are not only eligible for services but that they take priority over the youth meeting the other risk factors.
          * Applicants proposing to serve Chicago eligible communities MUST prioritize services for youth residing in the municipal blocks where more than 35% of all fatal and nonfatal firearm-shot incidents in each community take place. To view eligible municipal blocks refer to IDHS: Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) (state.il.us).
      2. Program Design - Applicants will be expected to design programming, services and activities intended to achieve the outcomes associated with the following mandatory and optional service areas:
        1. Civic Engagement and Leadership Development - - Mandatory
          Through this grant opportunity, IDHS-OFVP intends to implement a multi-week civics curriculum that will help to prevent neighborhood violence by equipping youth and young adults with the skills, knowledge, and resources to become effective leaders and agents of change within their communities. It is anticipated that through the identified curriculum, youth and young adults will learn about conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving techniques that are essential to address underlying issues that contribute to violence in neighborhoods. Youth and young adults will learn how to create a more just and equitable society as agents of change, and they will learn how to address and overcome the root causes of violence in their communities. It is anticipated that youth will participate in community forums, leadership councils, and grassroots initiatives. Youth will be positioned to initiate and lead projects that promote safety, neighborhood peace, social cohesion, and interpersonal trust among neighbors.
          To this end, IDHS-OFVP will spend the remainder of calendar year 2024 researching and securing the rights to the civics curriculum that will be mandated for all successful grantees under this funding notice. At that time, grantees will be notified, and training will begin for grantees so that they may successfully implement the identified curriculum. It is expected that the curriculum will be implemented in cohorts, will be offered multiple times per year, and will be required for all program participants.
          This program will include nominal financial incentives for program participants. It is estimated that each youth will be eligible for $75 a week that is tied to a program achievement. Applicants should include these incentives in their budget under the "grant exclusive" line item. Refer to Section A.4.S.v.Incentives.
        2. Life Skills Education - Optional
          Implementation of an evidence-based life-skills training and education program that promotes the development of healthy lifestyles and encourages abstinence from risk-taking behaviors in the areas of alcohol and/or substance use, criminal activity, violence of all kinds (sexual, physical, interpersonal, etc.), develops decision-making skills, conflict resolution and anger management skills, etc. and intends to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate various aspects of their lives successfully.
          Outcomes
          1. Participants will increase knowledge of harmful effects of substance use and abuse.
          2. Participants will understand how and where to access substance use treatment services.
          3. Participants will increase knowledge of harmful effects of early sexual activity and pregnancy.
          4. Participants will increase anger management and conflict resolution skills.
          5. Participants will increase decision making and problem-solving skills.
          6. Participants will increase financial literacy.
          7. Participants will learn how to access community resources.
          8. Participants will increase healthy nutritional choices.
        3. Improving Academic Performance  - Optional
          This includes time to do homework, tutoring in basic skills, and enrichment programs that encourage creativity. Disengaged school-age youth should be supported to re-engage in school or enroll in GED or similar.
          Outcomes
          1. In-school participants will improve school attendance.
          2. In-school participants will improve grades or progress reporting in school.
          3. In-school participants will promote to the next grade level or graduate.
          4. Disengaged participants will enroll/re-enroll into education (school or GED etc.)
          5. Participants will increase knowledge of and awareness of potential educational and career paths.
        4. Recreation, Sports and Cultural/Artistic Activities - Optional This includes providing activities and arranging safe outlets for youth to try new skills and develop new interests, to build friendships, find their place in a group, and gain developmentally relevant experiences.
          Outcomes
          1. Provide opportunities for participants to engage in cultural enrichment and fine art activities.
          2. Provide opportunities for participants to demonstrate sportsmanship and athletic skills.
          3. Provide opportunities for participants to increase their level of activity.
        5. Service-Learning Activities - Optional
          Service-learning is a method of teaching and learning that connects classroom lessons with meaningful service to the community. Students build academic skills while strengthening communities through service. Service learning combines service tasks with structured, youth-driven opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content with service tasks.
          Outcomes
          1. Participants determine and meet real, defined community needs.
          2. Participants learn beyond the classroom through active participation in service experiences.
          3. Participants develop and use skills and knowledge in real-life situations.
          4. Participants increase the amount of time spent to reflect by thinking, discussing and/or writing about service experiences.
          5. Participants experience a sense of belonging to a community and an awareness of their responsibility to that community.
        6. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - Optional
          Students must develop the skills to solve problems and make sense of complex information. The skills developed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are crucial because they impact almost every aspect of life. Providers will cultivate STEM curiosity in young people. Learning STEM skills better prepare students for school and future careers. These skills are useful in all careers, not just STEM careers.
          Outcomes
          1. Participants will demonstrate problem-solving skills within a scientific, mathematic, or technological context.
          2. Participants will learn how to work in teams and help to build relationships.
          3. Participants will develop the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
          4. Participants will be better prepared to enter the workforce.
      3. Program Models - Agencies are encouraged to utilize established, evidence-based programming models that have a high potential to be effective with high-risk youth in high-risk community settings. Best practice or promising practice programming models should be utilized, if these models meet community needs and can be implemented. Best practice models are those known to be research-based and proven to be effective at preventing and/or delaying risk-taking behaviors. Promising practices are those for which some data has shown positive effects on delaying risk-taking behaviors, but the data are insufficient to support generalized outcomes. Please refer to https://www.blueprintsprograms.org/program-search/ for a description of model programs that have proven to be effective. Applications that do not indicate the intention to implement best practice models will receive lower scores.

        The Department recognizes that communities have a unique perspective on what works and what is needed in their own community. Therefore, Applicants may adapt best or promising practice models as necessary to meet the unique needs of the community. However, it should be noted that any modifications to established program models might reduce the likelihood of achieving the predicted outcomes. Applicants may also propose programming that is consistent with commonly accepted guidelines for effectiveness and that those activities are aligned with the specific needs of the community.
        Programming should be comprehensive and holistic in its approach, offering a range of services designed to have a positive impact on youth participants' social, creative, physical, and cognitive development.
      4. Use of Positive Adult Role Models - Program models will be designed to create opportunities for youth to develop and maintain positive, sustained relationships with caring adults through programming that emphasizes one-on-one interactions that will increase support to youth during times of personal or social stress; increase support for decision making; increase access to support with academic tasks and/or homework; increase opportunities for career awareness and exploration, etc.
      5. Trauma-Informed Principles - Ensure that programming is infused with trauma-informed principles that:
        1. Recognize the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in persons residing in and working in communities with a high concentration of firearm violence,
        2. Address the impact of trauma on staff and personnel working with individuals residing in these communities.
        3. Address the impact of trauma on brain development, physical and emotional health and the impact on the community and individuals living in the community.
        4. Creates a safe space, provides support, and builds resiliency in individuals impacted by trauma.
      6. Equity and Racial Justice - The Provider must be culturally informed on equity and racial justice (ERJ) when serving youth with special needs, including those who are pregnant and parenting youth (including fathers); youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) and/or questioning their own sexual orientation; delinquent youth; and youth who are physically, emotionally or developmentally challenged. The Provider must demonstrate their ability to provide service to persons who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP), persons who are hard of hearing or deaf, and persons with low literacy. The State of Illinois Linguistic and Cultural Competency Guidelines (LCC Guidelines)pdf were developed as a mechanism for improving language and cultural accessibility and sensitivity in State-funded direct human services delivered by human service organizations that receive grants and contracts to serve the residents of the State of Illinois.
        The principles of racial equity must be present throughout service delivery. The Provider will ensure current program policies, procedures and practices are evaluated and revised, or new policies, procedures and practices are adopted where necessary to ensure racial equity and fairness. The Provider will ensure equitable access to services.
      7. Program Operation - Programs are strongly encouraged to operate programming throughout the entire year. Short-term and time-limited programming is discouraged unless these short-term/time-limited programs are provided throughout the year.
        Programs must operate at a minimum during out-of-school hours, based on the needs of the community. Programs are encouraged to operate the program during the critically important late afternoon/early evening hours as these times have historically proven to be peak times for school-age youth to be victims or perpetrators of violence. Programs may operate later in the evening and may operate before school and/or after school if a need is determined based on community assessment. Providers are strongly encouraged to offer programming on Saturdays and Sundays, and during school breaks.
        Programs are required to maintain the level of service identified in their application or risk non-compliance with the program contract, which may result in a reduction or loss of grant funds.
      8. Participant Enrollment - Each Reimagine Youth Development participant must be enrolled in the program and an individual file must be maintained. Required program data will be collected and maintained on all youth enrolled in the program in accordance with Department guidelines.
        Programs are required to maintain attendance at the level for which funding is requested in the approved application, or risk non-compliance with the program contract, which may result in a reduction or loss of grant funds.
      9. Assessment of Need - Programming must be designed to meet the specific needs of the community in which it is located. Each Applicant must have a plan to conduct/update their community needs assessment or at a minimum, part of their community needs assessment, annually. This includes local youth, family, school and community surveys and focus groups, in addition to reviewing all relevant available data and recently completed community assessments and any available asset maps. These will be analyzed to determine the level of need in the community and to provide a foundation for developing carefully planned and thoughtful service provision. The results of the assessment/updates will be presented and supported in the application. A thorough description of youth, family, and community risk-factors that demonstrate that programming is intended to target services to high-risk youth, as identified above. There should also be a direct correlation of needs with the activities planned and described in the program description section of the application and in the activities proposed/planned.
      10. Program Marketing - In an effort to raise awareness of available services, to seek referrals and to recruit eligible participants, organizations will promote their programming in the community, including but not limited to developing partnerships with schools and law enforcement in their service area. Providers must also engage with the Reimagine Public Safety Act-funded Community Convening Body in their service area (additional information below). Referrals may also come directly from eligible youth, parents and caregivers, community residents and community organizations. Marketing efforts will follow the OFVP "Be the Light" public awareness campaign.
      11. Participant Transportation - Program funds may be used to cover reasonable transportation costs for program participants. Out-of-state travel will not be allowed.
        Field Trips and Educational Excursions - If a program coordinates an educational field trip or excursion for participants that is located 60 miles away or more from the program site, includes an overnight stay or exceeds a combined spending plan of $1,000, prior approval from IDHS is required. A form will be required for prior approval for each trip. Expenditures that meet these criteria but are NOT approved in advance will be disallowed, even if funding is included in the approved budget and the trip is identified in the approved plan.
        If transportation is provided, the agency must have or will be required to develop a written transportation plan directly related to project activities and to maintain the plan on file at the agency. This plan should have the approval of the agency's governing body and be available for review by the Department upon request.
      12. Collaboration - The importance of community collaboration cannot be overemphasized. By working together, youth, families, and community entities can design programs that are best suited to meet the needs of local youth and to connect programs with community resources. Community-based agencies, government, faith-based organizations, civic organizations, businesses, foundations, youth, and their families can together provide a wide range of resources to support high-quality programs. The issues and concerns of the entire community can best be addressed by drawing upon diverse resources. The key to successful programming is collaborative planning and implementation.
      13. Program Participation Fees - Programs may NOT charge any fees associated with program participation.
      14. Sub-recipients - Organizations may provide services directly or through subgrants. Sub-recipients will be subject to the same GATA and grant implementation and reporting requirements as the grantee. Sub-recipients and their performance are the responsibility of the provider. The provider is required to conduct programmatic and fiscal monitoring of sub-recipients. The provider will report all services implementation, data, outcomes and performance of sub-recipients.
      15. Program Staff and Volunteers
        1. At a minimum, one part-time staff person must be identified to coordinate program activities, serve as the main DHS contact, and must be identified in the organizational chart.
        2. Programs must recruit, hire, and take necessary steps to retain staff that are qualified for their positions with the Reimagine Youth Development Services program through education, experience and/or training.
        3. Recruit staff who are intimately familiar with and reflective of the community in which they are providing services.
        4. Implement safety protocols to ensure staff safety, including developing staff safety and self-care plans.
        5. Provide staff with adequate training opportunities to prepare them to provide program elements effectively and safely.
        6. Provide staff with adequate supervision to assess and improve job performance.
        7. Provide and encourage staff with additional staff development opportunities which will build staff's employment skills, allowing for career advancement.
      16. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
      17. Quality Improvement
        1. The Applicant Agency must, over the course of this grant, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to quality improvement thorough implementation of an organizational/program improvement plan that is the direct result of a self-assessment conducted utilizing an approved tool.
          Refer to Training and Technical Assistance below for more details.
        2. The Applicant Agency must, over the course of this grant, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to develop trauma informed capacity within the organization.
      18. Training and Technical Assistance - Programs will receive training, consultation, and technical assistance, as identified below, from authorized representatives of the Bureau/OFVP. At a minimum, funded providers will:
        1. Conduct, utilizing a Bureau/OFVP approved tool, an organizational self-assessment to determine administrative, programmatic, and capacity needs.
        2. Work with an approved TTA provider to develop a plan to address identified potential issue areas.
        3. Implement plan and report progress in quarterly Programmatic Performance Reports
        4. Participate in any training mandated by the Bureau/OFVP. It is anticipated that this will include training on a to-be-determined civics curriculum.
        5. Participate in any regional or statewide meeting/training mandated by the Bureau/OFVP. It is anticipated that this will include a minimum of three (3) regional provider meetings.
      19. Additional Programmatic Requirements
        1. Participant Files
          Providers will maintain an individual confidential file on each program participant. These files must be stored in a locked file/location. Files will include:
          1. Intake information
          2. Demographic data
          3. Documentation of eligibility
          4. Record of services provided
          5. Documentation of crisis intervention, if applicable
          6. Any required assessment results
          7. Individual's case plan, goals, services, notes, outcomes, etc., if applicable.
          8. Record of referrals made for additional services and whether individual received services
        2. Reimagine Public Safety Act Convening Body
          A Reimagine Public Safety Act Convening Body (Convener or Violence Prevention Coordinating Council) is an experienced organization selected by the OFVP to coordinate RPSA-funded services in the community and help build capacity within the community area to reduce firearm violence. The Reimagine Convening Body will encourage effective, collaborative working relationships across providers in such disciplines as violence prevention, mental health, and youth development. 
          At a minimum, youth development providers will be required to: 
          1. Coordinate services with other organizations in the service area. This includes referral and linkage processes with other organizations providing services in their area to ensure participants are connected to needed services. Referral policies and practices will be developed for programming.
          2. Participate in monthly meetings with other Reimagine Public Safety-funded providers within their community convened by the Reimagine Convening Body to share knowledge and strategies of the neighborhood violence dynamic and complete community asset mapping.
          3. Collaborate in the development and implementation of coordinated community events which reclaim public space in communities impacted by gun violence.
          4. Meet on an emergency basis with Reimagine-funded Violence Prevention providers in the service area when conflicts related to program participants that need immediate attention and resolution arise.
        3. Program Evaluation
          Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subrecipient(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to document program services to each client. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in Department-directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
          Other data will be collected from programs including, at a minimum, the following data elements:
          1. Unduplicated number of program participants
          2. Intake and demographic information of program participants
          3. Participant status data (Education, Employment, Living Arrangement)
          4. Participant attendance data
          5. Program service activities, assessment, and outcome data
          6. Discharge information, including status data
          7. Data specific to mandatory program models
          8. Applicant agency administrative information; staff information; site information; subcontractor information; and other program plan information as required.
            Please note that some records and other information obtained by programs concerning the individuals served under this agreement may be confidential pursuant to state and federal statutes and/or administrative rules and shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure.
        4. Snacks and Meals
          Reimagine Youth Development Services programs may offer nutritious snacks to the participants. All food must be served in accordance with relevant local and state health standards for food preparation and handling and meet the standards of the National Afterschool Association.
          While program funds may be used to purchase food, programs must demonstrate that they researched and applied for assistance through the food programs sponsored through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), found at http://www.usda.gov; the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), found at http://www.isbe.net; or through Feeding America, found at http://www.feedingamerica.org.
        5. Incentives
          Incentives can be effective tools to encourage participation in activities which lead to improved skills and to the achievement of specific program elements.  An incentive can be in the form of payment, gift cards, or a material item, etc. issued to eligible program participants for the successful achievement of expected outcomes as defined by the specific program and included the individual' s case plan and/or career plan.
          For the purposes of this grant, incentives may only be used for the Civic Engagement and Leadership Development service. The cost of incentives should be included in the applicant budget on the grant exclusive line item. Applicant should calculate the amount of incentives by multiplying the projected number of youths who will participate in Civic Engagement and Leadership by the projected cost of incentives not to exceed a total cost of $900 per youth.
          While incentive payments are allowable, the incentives must be in compliance with the Cost Principles in 2 CFR part 200. For example, funds must not be spent on entertainment costs. Therefore, incentives must not include entertainment, such as movie or sporting event tickets or gift cards to movie theaters or other venues whose sole purpose is entertainment. Additionally, there are requirements related to internal controls to safeguard cash, which also apply to safeguarding of gift cards, which are essentially cash. The US Department of Labor (USDOL) has also clarified that incentives are not allowed for activities such as recruitment, submitting eligibility documentation, or just simply showing up for the program.
    5. Performance Measures 
      At the end of each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR). At the end of the year, successful applicants will submit a cumulative report. In addition to service data and activities, the PPRs will also include the following performance measures: 
      1. Number and Percent of total unduplicated participants served - Proposed vs Actual.
      2. Number and Percent of unduplicated participants served - by program component - Proposed vs Actual.
      3. Percent of participants served from the target population.
      4. Percent of participants that were safe from violence during program hours.
      5. Percent of enrolled participants that complete required civic engagement curriculum.
      6. Percent of enrolled participants that partially complete required civic engagement curriculum
      7. Percent of PPRs that include accurate data on all required outcomes under each program area for which services are proposed/provided. (Refer to Section A.4.b Program Design)
      8. Percent of RPSA Convener meetings attended. 
      9. Number of RPSA Convener coordinated community events participated in.
      10. Percent of Bureau/OFVP required trainings attended.
      11. Percent of PPRs that document the implementation of one or more elements of an organizational/program improvement plan that is the direct result of a self-assessment conducted utilizing an approved tool.
    6. Performance Standards 
      1. Participants Served
        1. Total Number and Percent of all unduplicated participants served.
          1. 100% of proposed participants to be served will be served.
          2. Acceptable performance is 90%.
        2. Number and Percent of unduplicated participants served by Program Component (This is a separate measure for each component.)
          1. 100% of proposed participants to be served in program component will be served.
          2. Acceptable performance is 90%.
      2. Target Population Served
        1. 100% of youth served will be from the target population. Considers all participants that meet one or more of the Risk Factors as identified in Section A.4.a "Target Population," above.
        2. Acceptable performance is 85%.
      3. Safe from Violence
        1. 100% of participants will be safe from violence. Considers the number of participants injured during program hours as a direct result of violence. Includes acts between participants and acts between participants and adults.
        2. Acceptable performance is 100%.
      4. Complete Civic Engagement Curriculum
        1. 100% of enrolled youth will complete required civic engagement curriculum.
        2. Acceptable performance is 75%.
      5. Partially Complete Civic Engagement Curriculum
        1. 100% of enrolled youth who do not complete Civic Engagement Curriculum will at a minimum partially complete the required Civic Engagement Curriculum.
        2. Acceptable performance is 100%.
      6. Program Area Outcomes
        1. 100% of PPRs will include accurate data on all required outcomes under each program area for which services are proposed/provided. (Refer to Section A.4.b Program Design)
        2. Acceptable performance is 100%.
      7. Convener Meetings
        1. 100% of RPSA Convener meetings will be attended.
        2. Acceptable performance is 85%. 
      8. Convener Community Events
        1. Provider will participate in 100% of RPSA Convener-coordinated community events.
        2. Acceptable performance is 85%.
      9. Trainings
        1. 100% of Bureau/OFVP required trainings will be attended.
        2. Acceptable performance is 90%.
      10. Organizational/Program Improvement
        1. Unless documented as complete in PPR, 50% of PPRs will document implementation of one or more elements of an organizational/program improvement plan that is the direct result of a self-assessment conducted utilizing an approved tool.
        2. Acceptable performance is 50% (unless documented as complete).
    7. Authorizing Statutes
      Statutory Authority: These programs are authorized by the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69/35) and implemented by Executive Order 2021-29. 
  2. Awarding and Funding Information
    1. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
    2. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to make an award.
    3. All applicants must submit an application consistent with all the requirements set forth in this notice by the application due date and time. Refer to Section C.1: Eligible Applicants for more information.
    4. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
    5. IDHS anticipates funding approximately between 65-85 grants to provide this program.
    6. Average award amount: $240,000 plus participant incentives @ up to $900 per participant in the civics program. Refer to Section A.4.b.v. Incentives.
    7. IDHS anticipates making approximately $23M available to fund grant awards under this opportunity. Award amounts will be based on approved budgets. Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation.
    8. This award will be funded with a combination of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, CFDA#: 21.027 and General Revenue Funds (GRF).
    9. This award does not require an in-kind or financial match.
    10. This grant does not have limitation on indirect costs. 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. Indirect costs charged to the grant may not exceed the approved rate or a maximum of 15%, whichever is less. Refer to Section C. 8.e. Indirect Cost Requirements & Restrictions for more information.
    11. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the Community Service Agreement Tracking System (CSA) system. Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us) for additional instructions for registering and completing budgets in the CSA system.
    12. The annual project period for this award will be October 1 to September 30.
    13. Subject to appropriation, the FY25 portion of the grant period will begin no sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 06/30/2025.
    14. The grant start date is estimated to be 10/01/2024.
    15. Successful applicants under this NOFO will receive an award for three quarters of FY25 (October 1, 2024-June 30, 2024, AND an award for the first quarter of FY26 (July 1 to September 30, 2025.) This award will span two state fiscal years.
    16. Successful applicants may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent one-year grant award term renewals for a total of three (3) full 12-month project periods. Renewals are at the discretion of IDHS and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
    17. Subrecipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by IDHS and on file with IDHS. Subrecipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant organization shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of the subrecipient.
    18. Pre-award costs will be allowed under the following conditions:
      The applicant must:
      1. have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA).
      2. have a current, approved budget in the CSA system for this award.
      3. have submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA.
      4. NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the start date of the grant agreement, anticipated to be October 1, 2024.
      5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.  
  3. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements
    1. Eligible Applicants
      This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below:
      1. Eligible applicants are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) that have an established physical presence in the eligible community area described in Section A2 above, at the time of application, for which they intend to provide youth development services programming described herein. In addition to the above non-profit community-based organizations, eligible applicants are inclusive of units of local government, public schools, districts, etc. that serve the eligible community area.
      2. The applicant agency will not be considered eligible to apply if they are not registered in the GATA Grantee Portal and all GATA prequalification requirements are not met at/on the application due date and time. Further, Applications will not be considered eligible for consideration if the Mandatory Requirements of the Application are not met.
        1. GATA Registration and Prequalification
          1. Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, available here: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
          2. Registration and prequalification are required annually. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (state.il.us)pdf. Applicants must be prequalified; applications from entities that are not prequalified prior to and on the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
        2. Mandatory Requirements of the Application
          The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the application. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements. 
          1. The applicant must propose to begin providing services in year one within three (3) months following the contract start date. The applicant must provide a program Implementation Timeline as Attachment A5 demonstrating when it will begin to provide services as part of this application.
          2. The applicant must serve eligible youth as outlined in Section A.4.a Target Population and prioritize the first four eligibility criteria.
          3. The applicant must propose to implement programming and services in at least one of the identified optional service components.
          4. The applicant must include a statement agreeing to implement the mandatory Civics Engagement and Leadership Development program to be determined by the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention Services.
          5. The applicant must provide a clear statement of commitment to operating with a racial equity lens when providing program services; support activities and when creating or updating policies. The applicant statement of commitment must be included in the Executive Summary section of the application.
          6. Applications will only be considered for a single eligible service area.
            If an applicant is proposing to provide services in more than one RPSA eligible service area, the applicant must submit a separate application for each eligible area.
            No applicant will be granted more than one Reimagine Youth Development Services program grant award under this CSFA number (444-80-3416) for the same eligible RPSA service area. If an application is received to serve more than one eligible service area as defined in Section A.2. Eligible Service Areas, DHS staff will make one attempt to contact the applicant via the email addresses provided in the Uniform Grant Application form to determine which eligible service area the applicant would like DHS to consider. Absent a response within seven (7) calendar days or if we get a return/undeliverable email, DHS will make a service area selection on behalf of the applicant.
    2. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
      1. 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:
        1. Be registered in SAM.gov. Per M-21-20, entities can apply for funding without an active SAM.gov registration.  However, a state agency cannot award a grant to an entity without an active SAM.gov account.
        2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application; and
        3. 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.
        4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements and 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 an applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
    3. Registration in CSA
      1. The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and act on the proposed budget.
      2. Applicants must be registered in the CSA Tracking System to enable the applicant to submit a signed budget in CSA by the application due date. For instructions on registering in CSA, refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us).
      3. When submitting an application, the applicant entity's proposed budget must be entered into the CSA system. The Budget must be electronically signed by the Applicant's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. Refer to IDHS: Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority (state.il.us). 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.
      4. Successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System. Furthermore, if the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section.
      5. It may take several days to complete the registration process so do not wait until the application due date to begin the process. For more information about registering and submitting a budget in the CSA system, refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us).
      6. NOTE: If a grantee does not login the CSA for 114 days, the system will disable their account and the grantee must contact the DoIT helpdesk to reactivate their account (217) 524-3648, (312) 814-3648, 1-866-277-5669 or https://doit.illinois.gov/support/rap-step1.html. Once DoIT reactivates their external Illinois.gov account, they will need to change their password to access the CSA. Grantees should reset their password every three (3) months, so their account is not disabled.  Passwords can be reset at the following link: https://cmsapps.illinois.gov/adimprod/Reset/GatherIdentity.aspx.
    4. Pre-Award Requirements
      1. 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 Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. The Department may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY25 ICQ. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award.
      2. Applicants that have not completed an FY25 ICQ at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the ICQ prior to the application due date.
      3. These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois. 
    5. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements
      Providers are not required to provide in-kind and/or financial match. However, if a successful applicant proposes a voluntary match amount and the budget is approved, the total match amount incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.
    6. Grant Fund Use Requirements
      All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.
      Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.
      1. Allowable Costs
        Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the 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.
      2. Unallowable Costs
        1. Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
          1. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
          2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
          3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
          4. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445)
          5. Deposits for items, services, or space
          6. Out of State Travel
      3. Limitation of Use
        Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. A salary table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website: SALARY TABLE 2024-ES.
      4. Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions
        1. This grant does not have limitations on indirect costs.
        2. All grantees receiving awards from Illinois grant making agencies must enter State of Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Negotiation System (powered by the Crowe Review & Monitoring Platform (CRMP) via the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal to substantiate its organizations' election regarding indirect cost reimbursement.
        3. Grantees that wish to negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois will start their election process in the Grantee Portal and the case will then be sent to CARS to begin negotiation. View the CRMP User Manual for additional information.
        4. Grantees are expected to complete the indirect cost rate proposal process every fiscal year, based upon Grantee fiscal year-end (not State of Illinois fiscal year-end).
      5. Administrative Costs
        It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Program budgets and narratives will detail how all proposed expenditures are directly necessary for program implementation and will distinguish between Indirect/Direct Administrative and Direct Program expenses. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. At no time may the approved NICRA be exceeded under this agreement. Documentation will be required to verify the approved NICRA.
      6. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
        Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:
        1. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
        2. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
        3. That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.206 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
    7. Post Award Requirements of Applicant
      1. Program Services: Applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice, and the CSA agreement.
      2. Start Date: The selected provider must be in a position to begin providing services within 3 months following the contract start date.
      3. Technology: Organizations awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information:
        1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
        2. Email Capability
        3. Microsoft Excel
        4. Microsoft Word
        5. Adobe Reader
          The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.
      4. Collaboration with local Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs): Providers will maintain a collaborative working relationship with the local IDHS FCRCs. This will include outreach to FCRCs to develop awareness of this program, recruit potential participants, and participating in local FCRCs' service provider meetings as requested.
      5. Site Visits
        The applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department or any designated individual/entity acting on behalf of the Department or the OFVP and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
      6. Presentations
        The applicant will be available as requested by the Department to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
      7. Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
      8. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Mandate
        Per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA, 325 ILCS 5/4), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have "reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child" (ANCRA Sec.4). This is done by calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE. Programs funded through this grant opportunity must review ANCRA and, where appropriate, have a written protocol for identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment.
      9. Hiring and Employment Policy
        It is the policy of the Department to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The Department philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider TANF clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience.
      10. State and Federal Laws and Regulations
        The agency awarded funds through this NOFO must agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
  4. Application and Submission Information
    1. Address to Request Application Package
      1. This Notice of Funding Opportunity is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and IDHS: Family & Community Services Grants - FY 2025 (state.il.us).
      2. Additional copies of the NOFO may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.
        Email Address: DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov
        Subject Line: RPSA 25-444-80-3416 Request
      3. 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 website as described later in this announcement. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that web site and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.
    2. Content and Form of Application Submission
      IMPORTANT
      : If an applicant is proposing to provide services in more than one RPSA eligible service area, the applicant must submit a separate application for each eligible area.
      The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of your application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application may receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.

      Program (proposal) Narrative Content
      Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period from 10/1/24 to 9/30/25 (12 months). Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to available funding and performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation.
      Applicants must submit a plan that contains the information outlined below. Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings listed below after each section number. The total application may not exceed 20 pages, single-spaced. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, Nofo Checklist, Executive Summary, other attachments, letters of intent and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation. 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. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below.
      If an applicant receives an award through this NOFO the proposal will become the local program plan and budget unless revisions are required. The application/plan will be the basis for monitoring compliance by DHS.
      Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points.
      1. Executive Summary: (5 points) (Not included in the page limits)
        The Executive Summary will serve multiple purposes. First, as a scored portion of this application and secondly, for successful applicants it will serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description.
        Applicants must complete the Executive Summary (available as an appendix) and include it at the beginning of your program narrative. Applicants do NOT have to complete a separate Executive Summary, only the Executive Summary appendix. Each of the following items must be answered/responded to on the Executive Summary form.
        1. List the name, address, FEIN, and website (if any) of applicant entity.
        2. List name, phone number, and email address for the organization's authorized representative and for the contact person for this application
        3. Indicate funding amount requested under this proposal.
        4. Indicate in which eligible geographic service area the applicant is proposing to provide youth development services under this application. Applications will only be considered for a single eligible service area.
        5. Indicate the site location(s) of where youth development services will be performed in this community; Indicate if the location is a sub-recipient location.
        6. Provide a brief description of the Youth Development Services your organization has provided in the past or is currently providing. Include outcomes/achievements of these services.
          1. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization has delivering youth development services consistent with the services described in this NOFO.
          2. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization (and sub-grantees) have delivering youth development services to individuals living in within the service area for which the applicant is applying.
          3. Indicate number of years of experience your organization has collaborating with other community agencies to achieve a common goal.
        7. Provide a brief overall description of the program and services your organization intends to provide under this award. Include anticipated start dates and anticipated outcomes.
        8. Indicate which Optional Youth Development Service(s) the applicant is proposing. Civic Engagement & Leadership Development is mandatory. For each Proposed Optional Service:
          1. Name the Optional Program Category (Example: Service-Learning)
          2. Enter projected # of youth to be served by age, race & Ethnicity.
          3. Enter a one-to-two sentence description of the service.
        9. Indicate the total unduplicated number of youths projected to be served by this program, broken down by race, ethnicity, age and gender.
        10. Provide the following statements of assurances of the mandatory requirements listed in Section C. Eligible Applicants:
          1. The applicant must provide a statement agreeing to implement the mandatory Civics Engagement and Leadership Development program to be determined by the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention Services.
          2. The applicant must provide a clear statement of commitment to operating with a racial equity lens when providing program services; support activities and when creating or updating policies.
        11. Provide a statement indicating agreement to comply with organization's Training and Technical Assistance plan outlined in Section A.4.r. Training and Technical Assistance.
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: (35 points)
        The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
        1. Overview:
          1. Give a brief overview of the applicant entity, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the existing or proposed council's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
          2. Describe the applicant's established physical presence in the community for which they are proposing to provide services; include the address(es) of physical locations; indicate how long the applicant has been in each location; briefly describe the services provided at the location(s), indicate if each location is for administration or direct services or both.
        2. Experience:
          1. Describe the applicant entity's experience providing the required services and programming listed in Section A.4 Required Services and Programming.
          2. Describe relevant major accomplishments and outcomes of those efforts.
          3. Describe your experience providing youth development services to communities at risk and specifically the eligible community that the organization proposes to serve. List the number of years of providing services, types of activities undertaken, successes and challenges, etc. Indicate where these services were provided.
          4. Describe the applicant agency's experience working with the highest risk youth as outlined in Section A.4.a. Target Population.
          5. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
        3. Fiscal Capacity:
          This section will be scored based on the thoroughness of the responses and on the level of capacity. The purpose of this section is intended to gauge the level of financial technical assistance that may needed to support the applicant.
          1. Organization:
            • Describe your agency accounting policies and systems/software used. Can your system track expenses by program area?
            • Describe your agency's experience creating budgets, applying cost allocation principles, etc.
            • What is the amount of your organization's overall budget? Overall budget includes all programs, administration, etc; include this grant request/amount.
          2. Program specific:
            • What is your budget for this program? If you anticipate additional sources of funding for this program besides this grant request/amount, please provide the sources/amounts.
            • Identify staff who will be responsible for completing and submitting financial reports to IDHS. Describe staff member's experience and/or credentials, if applicable. If your organization is contracting with an entity to manage fiscal responsibilities for this grant, provide name of the entity. Please explain your internal controls to ensure separation of duties related to approving invoices, accounting entries and payment authorizations for expenditures.
          3. Reminder to submit the fiscal Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). 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 25 ICQ. The ICQ can be accessed through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. The completed ICQ will not impact your application score. Applicant is strongly encouraged to submit the ICQ prior to the application due date.
        4. Agency Readiness:
          Provide a description of the applicant agency's readiness for service provision commencing on the contract start date, taking note of the following:
          1. Staffing: Describe the applicant agency's plan for staffing to carry out and execute this program.
            1. Complete the Program Contact Information Form (available as an Appendix) and include it as Attachment A2.
            2. Include an organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If subcontractors will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart. Please include this as Attachment A3: Organizational Chart.
            3. Submit job descriptions and resume for all positions to be funded by this grant as Attachment A4: Job Descriptions/Resumes. Indicate whether these positions will be full-time or part-time and if the staff are current employees or will be new hires.
          2. Physical Space: Discuss the applicant agency's readiness in terms of the physical space where program activities will be carried out.
        5. Training
          1. Describe the applicant agency's training staff have had and will receive to ensure their ongoing ability to successfully perform the duties of their position as outlined in Section A.4.o. Program Staff and Volunteers.
          2. Indicate participation in IDHS-approved training, technical assistance, and support (TTAS) as outlined in Section A.4.r.Training and Technical Assistance.
        6. Collaboration
          Describe the applicant agency's experience engaging the community and developing partnerships/relationships with community leaders, schools, law enforcement, residents, and other stakeholders within the intended community area the agency is proposing to serve. In the description identify the stakeholder groups that the applicant agency has worked with and in what capacity. Indicate if these partnerships/relationships are current.
          1. Describe how program will develop, maintain, and leverage strong relationships with community residents, other RPSA providers and members of the Convener/VPCC, to support local violence reduction strategies. Describe how the organization will engage in the RPSA Convener/VPCC coordinated community events.
          2. Provide a description of established or proposed linkages with other youth-serving resources within your community, and how your program will collaborate with those entities to provide services to youth.
        7. Trauma-Informed Status:
          Applicants must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to develop trauma informed capacity. Please describe current and planned capacity building activities designed to obtain or maintain Trauma Informed status.
        8. Subrecipients: If the applicant plans to use a Subrecipient to deliver services related to this program, describe your policy(ies) around selecting, monitoring and evaluating subrecipients. If you do not have existing policies, indicate how and when the policies will be created. Refer to Section D.2.j for a list of Subrecipient attachments that must be included with this application.
      3. Need - Description of Need: (10 points)
        The purpose of this section is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for proposed services within the targeted community and how the applicant will address these needs. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of the high-risk individuals impacted by violence.
        1. Provide evidence that the applicant understands the needs of the proposed community as it relates to addressing and responding to high-risk youth needs within their community. Reference research, studies, assessments, surveys etc. that were conducted and/or analyzed to assess community need as effected by firearm violence.
        2. Provide evidence that the applicant has thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of high-risk youth and families impacted by firearm violence in the proposed community.
        3. Describe how the proposed services meet the identified needs of highest risk youth and families impacted by firearm violence.
        4. Describe how the provision of youth development services will help to mitigate the negative effects of COVID and firearm violence on the community. Describe how these services will assist populations and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID and firearm violence.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice: (10 points)
        The purpose of this section is for the applicant to demonstrate understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on communities most impacted by firearm violence and to describe the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
        1. Describe the applicant's commitment and actions to address equity and racial justice. Examples of commitment and activities may include but are not limited to, having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have) a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/equity and racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have) an equity and racial justice training plan.
        2. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being practiced, describe the applicant's plan to implement those efforts, including a timeline of activities.
        3. Identify and describe some of the potential root causes of firearm violence within the targeted communities; address and/or include how historical factors have contributed to the conditions of the communities as appropriate. Include recommendations on how to address firearm violence and make the local community safer.
        4. Describe how the applicant will use an equity lens when creating and implementing programming. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes. Include applicant organization's written commitment to advancing equity and racial justice. If one is not yet written, please detail when and how such a statement will be institutionalized.
        5. Describe how the applicant will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of the program on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, people with disabilities, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
        6. Include demographic information of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the designated community(ies).
      5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services: (30 points)
        The purpose of this section(s) is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design and services. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout.
        The programming allowed under this NOFO is limited to the following:
        Civics Education and Leadership Development (mandatory); Life Skills Education (optional); Improving Academic Performance (optional); Recreational, Sports and Cultural/Artistic Activities (optional); Service-Learning Activities (optional); and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (optional)
        Civics Education and Leadership Development is a mandatory requirement of this NOFO. However, the specific curriculum to be offered has yet to be determined. Once the curriculum/parameters have been determined, all funded providers will be expected to implement that curriculum. This curriculum may include nominal financial incentives for program participants. Refer to Section A.4.s.v. Incentives for details. Therefore, it is not necessary for the mandatory Civics Education and Leadership Development programming to be described in this application. The only thing required as part of this application is that the applicant agree to implement as indicated in the Executive Summary and in the description of program design and services sections.
        Applicants may propose specific programming in more than one of the above optional program areas. At a minimum, at least one optional program area must be offered. For each separate program area being proposed in this application, answer all the questions/statements below.
        1. Program Category: Identify the program category. (Example: Service-Learning)
          1. Indicate whether you are adopting an established best or promising practice models (specifically name any such model), designing your own models or a combination thereof. Describe the basis/justification for your intended programming. If something other than a best or promising practice is proposed, provide the basis for the decision and programming.
          2. Describe the programming and activities that will be offered under this program category. Provide detailed information to paint a complete picture of the program model to be implemented. Refer to Section A.4.b Program Design.
          3. Describe the program schedule and location(s).
        2. Target Population: Describe the intended target population.
          1. Indicate the target and priority populations to be served as described in this NOFO.
          2. Indicate the number of youths to be served by age, race & ethnicity.
          3. Discuss how the programming offered will be age appropriate. If proposing to serve sub-populations of eligible youth 11-21, please describe the analysis that led to this decision.
          4. Describe how and why was this population chosen for this programming.
          5. Describe how this population will be recruited to participate in this program and how the applicant will reduce barriers to program participation.
          6. Describe the eligibility criteria to be imposed for service population planned, understanding that participants must meet at least one criterion listed in Section A.4.a. Target Population.
          7. Describe how you will prioritize participants who live within municipal blocks where more than 35% of all fatal and non-fatal firearm incidents occur in the proposed community.
        3. Program Impact: Describe how this service will impact and address firearm violence.
          1. Discuss how the planned programming will address the outcomes identified for the proposed service area.
          2. Describe how the program design and activities directly correlation to the needs identified in the previous section.
          3. Describe the intended impact on participants.
        4. Site Information: Include a Site Information Form for each site at which your organization is offering services as Attachment P1. Indicate if the site is a provider site or a subrecipient site.
        5. Transportation: Describe whether transportation will be provided to participating youth and families with program funds.
        6. Trauma Informed: Describe how programming is infused with trauma-informed principles as outlined in Section A.4.e. Trauma Informed Principles.
        7. Implementation Timeline: Applicants will submit an Implementation Timeline as Attachment A5, which will include program milestones, hiring staff, training, start dates, etc. For each deliverable:
          1. Indicate the staff who will be responsible to ensure each deliverable is completed.
          2. The estimated time per week spent on each deliverable.
          3. For each deliverable, record implementation dates, dates deliverables will be accomplished, etc.
          4. Include an implementation timeline with milestones and deliverables as Attachment A5: Implementation Timeline. The timeline should cover the entire program period, beginning October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. (12 months)
        8. Subrecipients: If the applicant plans to use a Subrecipient to deliver services related to this program,
          1. describe the role and responsibilities of the sub-contractor.
          2. describe how the applicant agency will monitor and evaluate the Subrecipient.
          3. Refer to Section D.2.j for a list of Subrecipient attachments that must be included with this application.
      6. Budget Narrative: (10 points)
        Budget Narrative: All program narratives must include a Budget Narrative for the grant period October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, in addition to the Budgets entered in CSA.
        In this section of the program (proposal) narrative, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals, and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. If you plan to use additional state or federal funds, or other funds to support the program, please also describe how these additional funds will be utilized to implement the program.
      7. Budget: Applicants must enter their budget(s) into CSA. (Refer to Section D.2.g.viii below if your organization is submitting applications for more than one service area.)
        The budgets for the full grant term must be submitted electronically in the CSA system (Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us). This will require 2 (two) separate budgets be entered into the CSA system. The first will be for the portion of the grant term that falls within state fiscal year 2025 (10/1/24 to 6/30/25) and the 2nd will be for the period of the grant term that falls within the state fiscal year 2026 (7/1/25 to 9/30/25). Both budgets must be entered into the CSA system as part of this application. They will combine to total the full 12-month grant term. This is the total amount being requested under this application.
        The Budgets entered into the CSA system will include a detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This description must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budgets (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan.
        1. The budgets must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
          • Reasonable and necessary
          • Allocable,
          • Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
        2. Submission in CSA:
          1. Refer to Section C.3 Registration in CSA and to Microsoft Word - GATA Budget Manual-5-16-24.docx (illinois.gov) for more information and detailed instructions.
          2. Grantees must follow CSA category instructions (providing their allocation, calculation process for all costs). This includes but is not limited to travel policy, occupancy allocation calculations, technology allocation calculations, etc.
          3. For any employee for whom 100% of their salary is NOT being charged to the grant, include a description of the allocation processes used by the grantee to ensure the time spent on grant activities are allocable and reasonable. Grantees should demonstrate their time reporting methodology. This is absolutely required when executive staff is in a budget. If an organization does not time keep and/or have a time allocation process in place that can be shared, the executive staff salary cannot be charged as a direct cost. In this circumstance, executive staff salary would be included as part of the organization's indirect cost allocation.
          4. Reminder: The cost of incentives for Civic Engagement and Leadership should be included in the applicant budget on the grant exclusive line item. Applicant should calculate the amount of incentives by multiplying the projected number of youths who will participate in the Civic Engagement and Leadership curriculum by the projected cost of incentives not to exceed a total cost of $900 per youth. Example: 40 youth X $900=$36,000. 
          5. Important: The "State of Illinois Awarding Agency and Project Detail Description" field must be filled out.
            Remember to include the community/community area for which you are applying. For this program enter the following:
            "The IDHS-Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is funding youth development organizations in specific community areas across Illinois that will provide structured and unstructured programming to community youth who are the highest risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of firearm violence. This program will be offered in the community/community area of [enter your proposed community here]."
          6. Budget requests must be for a whole dollar amount. If your budget calculations do not equal a whole dollar, please use the "Certify Budget Rounding feature" in CSA. For successful applicants, budgets that are not for a whole dollar amount will be returned for correction.
          7. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. Refer to IDHS: Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority (state.il.us). 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. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section of the application.
        3. PDF copies of the budgets should be included in the application as Attachment A6: Applicant FY25 9-month Uniform Grant Budget and Attachment A6a: Applicant FY26 3-month Uniform Grant Budget. These should be printed from the CSA system.
        4. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until their budget(s) have been submitted and approved through the CSA system.
        5. If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must submit a copy of their organization's approved NICRA as Attachment A7: Applicant NICRA
        6. The applicant must submit Federal Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) (irs.gov)pdf as Attachment A8: Applicant W-9
        7. Subrecipients
          1. If you plan to use subrecipients, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the subrecipients; include a budget narrative describing how subrecipient will use funds.
          2. Subrecipient budgets must be pre-approved, and therefore must be submitted with this application. Subrecipient budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Subrecipient budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template (state.il.us)pdf. This PDF template should only be used for Subrecipient budgets.
          3. Only one Subrecipient budget is required per subrecipient. It should cover the full 12-month project period (Oct 1-September 30.)
          4. Refer to Section D.2.j for a list of additional Subrecipient attachments that must be included with this application.
        8. For applicants submitting more than one application under this NOFO to serve separate eligible community areas, a separate set of CSA budgets must be entered for each separate community area application. In the Narrative section on the summary page of each CSA budget please identify the eligible service area for which each budget is intended.
      8. Other Mandatory Forms
        1. FY25 RYDS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
          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. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is available as a link and must be included at the beginning of this application.
        2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
          The Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf form must be completed, signed, and submitted with your grant application materials as Attachment A9. If no actual or potential conflicts exist, the applicant should indicate "no conflicts." For conflicts that arise after application submission, submit this form to your designated grant program point of contact within 7 calendar days after the conflict has been identified. Refer to the Disclosure form for examples of potential conflicts.
          Grantee must ensure that all subrecipients also complete and sign the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf. Include the Subrecipient's Grantee Conflict of Disclosure as Attachment S6.
      9. Attachments to Your Application Narrative (Not included in page limits)
        Although this section is not scored individually, points will be deducted in the above sections if these items are not included as directed. The attachments should be labeled accordingly. If any attachments are not applicable, a page labeled with the attachment number should be submitted and should include a statement explaining why the attachment was not applicable.
      10. Order of Application
        The order of Sections and Attachments may also be found on RYDS NOFO Checklist (available as an appendix,) which must be completed and attached to this application as Attachment A1.
        ALL Applications MUST include the following sections and mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
        1. FY25 RYDS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
        2. Program Narrative
          1. Executive Summary (available as an appendix)
          2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
          3. Need - Description of Need
          4. Equity and Racial Justice
          5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
          6. Budget Narrative (Narrative should cover the entire 12-month grant award period, 10/1/24 to 9/30/25)
          7. Attachments to Your Application
            1. Administrative Attachments
              • Attachment A1 NOFO Checklist (available as an appendix)
              • Attachment A2 Program Contact Information (available as an appendix)
              • Attachment A3 Organizational Chart
              • Attachment A4 Job Description(s)/Resume(s)
              • Attachment A5 Implementation Timeline
              • Attachment A6 Applicant FY25 9-month Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
              • Attachment A6a Applicant FY26 3-month Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
              • Attachment A7 Applicant NICRA (if applicable)
              • Attachment A8 Applicant Federal Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) (irs.gov)pdf
              • Attachment A9 Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
            2. Program Specific Attachments
              • Attachment P1 Site Information Form (available as an appendix)
            3. Sub recipient Attachments (If subrecipients will be used, include the following Attachments for each subrecipient)
    3. Application Submission Dates and Times
      1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order, with the signed FY25 RYDS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf) on top.
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, 8/7/2024.

        The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. IDHS will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: [Applicant Organization Name] RYDS 444-80-3416.
        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.
        THE ELECTRONIC COPY MUST BE A COMPLETE SINGLE PDF FILE. If applicant is unable to send the application in a single pdf file, applicant must label each document and submit all the documents in a compressed (ZIP) file.
      3. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received within 48 hours of the application due date and time. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by the Department; it is not a confirmation of applicant's eligibility; pre-qualifications, timeliness of submission, etc. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements for more information on applicant's eligibility.
        Applicants are required to notify the Department within 4 day (96 hours) of the application 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 (96 hours), 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 the 4 days (96 hours).
        For disputes received within the 4 days (96 hours), the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.
      4. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be ineligible, non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      5. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
      6. 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 DHS 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.
    4. Other Submission Requirements
      Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order and in a single PDF file or a compressed (zip) file to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov. Include Subject Line "RYSE 25-444-80-2531 Applicant agency acronym"
      All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letter(s) of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified in the Section D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission. Items included as attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
      Applications will ONLY be accepted as described herein. Faxed copies, hard copies, links to separate electronic file, etc. will not be accepted. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
    5. Unique Entity Identifiers (SAM Registration)
      Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements for information on required registration. Also refer to SAM.gov.
    6. Intergovernmental Review
      This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
    7. Funding Restrictions
      The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section A. Program Description and in accordance with Section C.6. Grant Funds Use Requirements.
  5. Application Review Information
    All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.
    1. Eligibility Review
      1. Program Staff will conduct an initial eligibility review to determine if an application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and will advance to the merit-based the review process.
        An application is compliant if the applicant:
        1. is an eligible organization as defined in Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements.
        2. has met the mandatory requirements
        3. is GATA prequalified,
        4. submitted an application by the submission deadline,
          Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are advanced to the merit-based review. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.
          All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
    2. Review and Selection Process
      1. Merit-Based Review
        1. The Merit Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by the Department, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic institution. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by the Department, who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest with their assigned applications.
        2. The review teams will be provided with a Merit Based Review Committee Member Orientation Session.
        3. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
        4. The Bureau Chief or designee will conduct a quality assurance review which must include the following:
          1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies,
          2. Determine whether reviewers properly applied Merit Based Review steps as instructed,
          3. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review process.
          4. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all section of the MBR Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments,
          5. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and consistently applied by reviewers.
        5. After individual scores have been completed, a post-merit-based review committee meeting will be held. The review committee meeting is required for all competitive merit-based reviews and will be facilitated by the Bureau Chief or designee. The following apply:
          1. Each review team assigned application will be discussed by team members, including application highlights, concerns, application mandates / requirements etc.
          2. Scoring disparities will be identified, addressed and resolved. For each application, if a significant disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set formula), review team members will collectively examine the application and discuss comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have identified including application mandates / requirements etc. Application highlights and concerns will also be discussed.
          3. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer determines that they have missed information or made errors in scoring the application.
          4. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
        6. Once the post merit-based review meeting has been held and individual scores have been revised and resubmitted (as necessary), the Review Team member scores will be updated, compiled and averaged on the Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
        7. At any time during the merit-based review or post-review process:
          1. If it is determined that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for removal,
          2. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review task. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
        8. After the updated Review Scores have been compiled and averaged, The Bureau Chief will present the scores, summary comments and reviewer recommendations to the Associate Director for the Office of Community & Positive Youth Development (OCPYD). The Associate Director may consider other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A.3. Funding Priorities.
        9. The recommendations will be presented by the OCPYD Associate Director to the Director of the Division of Family and Community Services, or designee for approval.
        10. Upon approval from the Director, recommendations will be presented to the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention for consideration and final award determination. In making a final funding determination, the Assistant Secretary may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A.3. Funding Priorities.
      2. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria
        1. Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Application Narratives will be evaluated on the following criteria:
          SECTION POINTS
          Executive Summary 5 Points
          Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity 35 Points
          Need - Description of Need 10 Points
          Equity and Racial Justice 10 Points
          Quality - Description of Program Design and Services 30 Points
          Budget Narrative* 10 Points
          TOTAL 100 Points
        2. Cost Sharing/Matching:
          This award is not subject to Cost Sharing/Matching Selection Process
        3. As described in the Criteria section above, scoring will be done by committee on a 100-point scale. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. and other factors identified under Section A.3. Funding Priorities.
        4. While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
        5. In the event of a tie, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
          • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
          • Partially fund each of the tied applications
          • Not fund any of the tied applications or
          • Assign a new 3-person review team to review and score both applications to break the tie.
            The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
    3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
      1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
      2. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
        Name of Agency contact for appeals: Reshma Desai
        Email of Agency contact for appeals DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov
        Email Subject Line: "agency name RYDS 444-80-3416 @Appeal Reshma"
      3. Submission of Appeal.
        1. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
        2. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
        3. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
          1. Name and address of the appealing party;
          2. Identification of the grant; and
          3. Statement of reasons for the appeal.
          4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
      4. Response to Appeal.
        1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
        2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
        3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
      5. Resolution
        1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
        2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
        3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
        4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
          1. Review of the appeal;
          2. Appeal determination; and
          3. Rationale for the determination.
    4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
      Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section C.6. Grant Funds Use Requirements for more information.
  6. 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). 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 internal controls questionnaire (ICQ) and merit-based review.
        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.
        Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to Grants.Illinois.gov. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.
    2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
      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 current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, refer to IDHS: Contracts (state.il.us)
      The organization awarded funds through this Funding Notice must further agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.). Additional terms and conditions may apply.
    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:
      1. Forms
        1. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
          1. The Provider will submit monthly expenditure documentation and certification forms (EDCFs), quarterly and final Periodic Financial Reports (PFRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
          2. These monthly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month by email.
          3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (October 1- December 31st) is due - January 15th, and Quarter 2 (January 1st -March 31st) is due - April 15th), Quarter 3 (April 1 - June 30) is due July 15th; Quarter 4 (July 1-September 30th) is due - October 15th,
          4. The final cumulative fiscal year Periodic Financial Report is due July 15th.
          5. The final cumulative grant term Periodic Financial Report is due October 15th.
        2. Periodic Performance Report (PPR)
          1. The provider will provide monthly status reports to the Department in the format prescribed by the Department.
          2. The Provider will submit quarterly and final Periodic Performance Reports (PPRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
          3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (October 1- December 31st) is due - January 15th, and Quarter 2 (January 1st -March 31st) is due - April 15th), Quarter 3 (April 1 - June 30) is due July 15th; Quarter 4 (July 1-September 30th) is due - October 15th,
          4. The final cumulative fiscal year Periodic Performance Report is due July 15th.
          5. The final cumulative grant term Periodic Performance Report is due October 15th.
        3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
        4. 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 2CFR200.
        5. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).
      2. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
      3. Recordkeeping Requirements.
        The Provider is required to maintain until June 30, 2032, adequate books, all financial records and supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or make available all records related to this grant upon request.
    4. Payment Terms
      The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) payment policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods).
      Grantees will receive payment by one of the three payment methodologies (Advance Payment, Reimbursement or Working Capital Advance).
      1. Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)
        1. Because IDHS is subject to the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, IDHS is required by 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 to remit Award payments via advance payment when Awardees meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments), and other requirements as described in this Directive.
        2. Awardees may request advance payment for each Award issued by IDHS. Requests must be submitted to the respective Award Program Manager by the method prescribed in the Grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) - Program Listing. A separate request must be submitted for each IDHS Grant program application.
        3. Requests for advance payment must be accompanied by an IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget.pdf for each Award. Cash Budgets must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies that their entity complies with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A) (Advance Payments). The Cash Budget must demonstrate the estimated monthly cash requirements for each month of program Award operation. Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the Awardee in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Awardee for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. Additionally, the Awardee entity must make timely payments to sub-recipients and contractors.
        4. Upon program approval for advance payment, an initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the submitted Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form.
        5. Awardees must submit monthly invoices on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of Award operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Awardee. For Awards that have Awardee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
        6. Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted to the Award program and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
        7. Awardees 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 Award budget, must return the funds or be subject to Grant funds recovery.
        8. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
        9. Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.
      2. Reimbursement Method
        1. Awardees will be paid via the reimbursement method when they do not meet the requirements of 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(2), or upon an Awardee's request to use the reimbursement method of payment, or as stipulated in a specific condition. Awardees that have specific conditions noted in their Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibit language for any of the following items must be paid using the reimbursement method:
          1. Fiscal and administrative high risk (weak internal controls).
          2. Have a history of failure to comply with general or specific terms and conditions of Awards.
          3. Fail to meet expected performance goals as described in 2 CFR 200.211 or their program deliverables as stated in their applicable Uniform Grant Agreement.
          4. Or otherwise not responsible.
        2. IDHS will disburse payments to the Awardee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
        3. Awardees must submit monthly invoices on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term.
        4. Invoices will be submitted to the respective Award program points of contact on or before the 15th day following the end of any respective monthly invoice period. (Award Program Managers may amend the due date from the 15th day of the month to facilitate program and Awardee requirements.)
        5. Awardees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
      3. Working Capital Advance Method
        1. For Awardees that cannot meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(1)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments), and other requirements as described in this Directive, if the Award Program Manager determines that reimbursement is not feasible because the Awardee lacks sufficient working capital, the Award program may, in its sole discretion, provide a working capital advance to the Awardee.
        2. Awardees may request separate working capital advance payments for each Award issued by IDHS at any point in the current grant term.
        3. Requests must be submitted on the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget) to the respective Award Program Manager in the method prescribed in the Award program NOFO or the CSFA - Program Listing. The Cash Budget must include monthly cash requirements for an amount not to exceed two months of forecasted cash needs. A separate request must be submitted for each IDHS Award program application. Requests must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or the Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies the cash requirements are actual expected costs.
        4. IDHS Award Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the Awardee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of Award expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Award Program Managers to be allowable.
        5. Awardees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the format and method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of Award operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Awardee. For Award programs that have Awardee 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.
        6. Awardees shall be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the respective Award Program Manager .
        7. Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
        8. Following the initial period, the Award Program Managers must reimburse the Awardee for its actual cash disbursements as described in section II of this Administrative Directive , or via advance payment methodology if requirements stated in Section I Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile) are met.
      4. Final Payment
        The final payment from the Department under this Agreement shall be made upon the Department's determination that all requirements under this Agreement have been completed, which determination shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such final payment will be subject to adjustment after the completion of a review of the Applicant's records as provided in the Agreement.
      5. Stop Payment
        The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) protects the quality of grant programs by limiting fraud, waste and abuse. GATA specifically requires the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to maintain a "list of individuals and entities that are ineligible, either temporarily or permanently, to receive an award of grant funds from the State." 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(8). In response to this requirement, the State of Illinois has set policy known as the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System (GCES) based on established federal law and supporting guidance. The system, Stop Pay List Tracking System (SPLTS), will only be used to track non-compliance of grantees. Non-compliance issues are classified as follows:
        1. Temporary Stop Payment Status:
          1. Late performance or expense reporting
          2. Failure to clear fiscal/administrative monitoring issue(s)
          3. Failure to submit a timely audit report
          4. Failure to respond to audit report or monitoring review corrective action for deficiencies and material weaknesses
          5. Failure to submit a required refund payment or a payment missing from the payment plan; or
          6. Factually based discretionary issue documented by the leadership within the awarding agency.
        2. Permanent Stop Payment Status
          1. Facts documented by the applicable state agency including but not limited to:
            1. Conviction of or civil judgment for commission of fraud or a criminal offense, violation of federal or state antitrust statutes, commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, tax evasion, or commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects present responsibility.
            2. Violation of grant terms or a transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of the program such as a willful failure to perform in accordance with grant terms, a history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance, or a willful violation of statutory or regulatory provisions or requirements application to a grant.
            3. Any other cause so serious or compelling in nature that it affects present responsibilities.
          2. Fraud documented by the Office of the Executive Inspector General and/or other Governmental entity's investigation.
      6. Repayment
        In the event payments made by the Department to the Applicant exceed the total amount of Applicant reported and Department authorized expenditures, the Applicant will be required to issue a repayment to the Department in an amount equal to the overpayment.
      7. Pre-Award Costs
        Pre-Award costs prior to the execution of the agreement will be allowed under the following conditions:
        1. The Provider must have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA) AND,
        2. Submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA; AND
        3. May NOT incur pre-award costs prior to agreement start date.
      8. Payment Forms
        1. Expenditure Documentation & Certification Form (will be provided to you by program manager.)
        2. IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget.pdf Form
      9. Grantees will automatically be paid via Reimbursement Method unless a request for Advance Payment Method or Working Capital Advance Method is made using the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget.pdf Form.
  7. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
    1. Point of Contact
      Name:  Reshma Desai
      Email Address: DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov
    2. Questions and Answers
      If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.Violencepreventionservices@illinois.gov with "RYDS" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 48 hours after the NOFO is posted, Questions and Answers will be posted. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.
      The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Wednesday; 7/31/2024. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Friday, 8/2/2024.
  8. Other Information, if applicable
    1. Technical Assistance Conference Information.
      One Web-based Technical Assistance (TA) Conference will be provided for potential applicants. Refer to the Q&A page for date, time and registration details. Attendance is NOT a requirement of the application although it is strongly encouraged. During this session, IDHS staff will provide an overview of the program and expectations of the grant. I DHS staff will devote a significant amount of time responding to questions from potential applicants. Potential applicants are asked to review the Funding notice and associated Appendices in detail in advance of the TA Conference. Questions should be prepared and submitted in ADVANCE of the scheduled TA session. Although we will still take questions during the TA session, to ensure your question is addressed, please submit your questions as directed below.
    2. List of Available Appendices
      1. RYDS Executive Summary
      2. RYDS Nofo Checklist
      3. Program Contact Information form
      4. Service Delivery Site form
  9. Mandatory Forms
    1. FY25 RYDS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
    2. Project Narrative and Attachments
    3. Uniform Grant Budgets
    4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf