815 Cultural Faith Based Empowerment (25-444-22-3437-01)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Mental Health
Agency Contact Barb Roberson DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title 815 Cultural Faith Based Empowerment
Funding Opportunity Number 25-444-22-3437-01
Application Posting Date July 29, 2024
Application Closing Date August 28, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-22-3437
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name 815 Cultural Faith Based Empowerment
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) NA
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) NA
Award Funding Source State
Estimated Total Program Funding $1,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards 1-4
Award Range $250,000 - $1,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: [Yes
Session Mandatory:  No
Date/Time: August 5, 2024, 2:30-3:30
Registration Link

A. Program Description

1.  Program Summary

  • The Grantee will provide outreach, engagement, training, and support to faith-based organizations serving communities that are underserved by mental and behavioral health resources. Furthermore, the Grantee will utilize all available resources to provide initial relationship building within community areas by delivering training to faith-based leadership and providing connection through personal stories from persons with lived expertise to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations.

2. Program Goals and Objectives

Project Description

The Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health shall contract with one or more community providers to provide outreach, engagement, training, and support to faith-based organizations serving communities that are underserved by mental and behavioral health resources. The Division shall identify the targeted communities. Under this program, the community providers shall utilize all available resources to provide initial relationship building within community areas by delivering training to faith-based leadership and providing connection through personal stories from persons with lived expertise to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations. The Division shall seek organizations that are providing services within targeted communities in awarding funding under the program.

The Division is seeking providers who can serve one or more of the following ZIP codes:

60409, 60411, 60419, 60426, 60428, 60458, 60469, 60472, 60473, 60608, 60609, 60612, 60615, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60627, 60628, 60636, 60637, 60639, 60643, 60644, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60653, 60827, 60901, 61832, 61833, 61834, 62002, 62024, 62201, 62202, 62203, 62204, 62205, 62206, 62207, 62208, 62626, 62801, 62832, 62896

Performance Requirements

The Grantee shall:

Build relationships with faith-based communities in the targeted communities and ensure that those organizations are aware of the behavioral health resources available.

Build relationships with local community mental health centers (CMHCs) and other behavioral health providers to help facilitate linkage to mental health services for people in targeted communities.

Support faith-based communities in advocating for community members who are affected by behavioral health conditions to access mental health treatment and recovery services that shall assist them in living healthy and productive lives.

Deliver mental health training to faith-based leadership and provide connection through personal stories from persons with lived expertise to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations.

Ensure that consumers in the program experience a warm handoff between the grantee and the CMHC or other service provider.

Assist consumers in navigating or bypassing wait lists and other barriers to accessing care to the greatest possible extent.

Provide information about the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential to interested individuals.

Use their relationships with CMHCs and service providers to support expansion of services when needed and where possible.

Expected Performance Goals, Indicators, Targets, Outcomes, Baseline Data, and Data Collection

Null

Performance Measures

  1. The number of faith-based community leaders contacted to offer training, outreach, engagement, or support during this reporting period.
  2. The number of relationships built with local community mental health centers (CMHCs) and/or other behavioral health providers.
  3. The number of faith-based community leaders who requested training, outreach, engagement, or support.
  4. The number of faith-based community leaders who received training, outreach, engagement, or support.
  5. The number of training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions provided to faith communities during this reporting period.
  6. The number of attendees at training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions during this reporting period.
  7. The number of attendees at training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions who completed post-session surveys.
  8. The number of attendees at training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions whose post-session surveys indicated improvement in knowledge and understanding of mental health needs and resources.
  9. The number of persons with lived expertise of recovery working specifically on this program.
  10. The number of personal stories from persons with lived expertise delivered to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations.
  11. The number of consumers who contacted the Grantee to request additional mental health services or referrals after attending a training, outreach, engagement, or support session.
  12. The number of consumers who were linked to additional mental health services or referrals after contacting the Grantee following a training, outreach, engagement, or support session.
  13. The number of consumers who contacted the Grantee to request information on the pathway to the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential after attending a training, outreach, engagement, or support session.
  14. The number of consumers who were provided information on the CRSS credential after contacting the Grantee following a training, outreach, engagement, or support session.

Performance Standards

  1. Ten or more faith-based community leaders contacted during each reporting period.
  2. Three or more relationships built with local community mental health centers (CMHCs) and/or other behavioral health providers.
  3. 100% of faith-based community leaders who requested training, outreach, engagement, or support received it.
  4. Eight or more training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions provided to faith communities during each reporting period.
  5. 100% of attendees at training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions complete post-session surveys.
  6. 100% of attendees at training, outreach, engagement, or support sessions who completed post-session surveys had surveys indicate improvement in knowledge and understanding of mental health needs and resources.
  7. Two or more persons with lived expertise working specifically on this program.
  8. Ten or more personal stories from persons with lived expertise delivered to the leadership of faith communities or their congregations.
  9. 100% of consumers who contacted the Grantee to request additional mental health services or referrals after attending a training, outreach, engagement, or support session received such services or referrals.
  10. 100% of consumers who contacted the Grantee to request information on the CRSS credential after attending a training, outreach, engagement, or support session received such information.

3.  Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

  • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

4.  Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

  • 59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g
  • Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))
  • Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act

B. Funding Information

1. Total Amount of Funding

  • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $1,000,000 in funding.
  • The source of funding for this program is State funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

  • The Department anticipates funding approximately 1-4 grant awards to provide this program.

3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Awards

  • The Department anticipates that grant awards will be between $250,000 and $1,000,000.

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

Not applicable.

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

  • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than October 1, 2024, and will continue through June 30, 2025.
  • The Period of Performance is expected to be October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

6. Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

  • Applications for renewal of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.
  • Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.

7. Type of Assistance Instrument

  • This is a competitive grant award funding opportunity.

8. Procurement Contract Allowability

  • Subcontract Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the Subcontractor.
  • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

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

  • The types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:  Nonprofit Organizations
  • Applicants must be able serve one or more of the following ZIP codes: 60409, 60411, 60419, 60426, 60428, 60458, 60469, 60472, 60473, 60608, 60609, 60612, 60615, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60627, 60628, 60636, 60637, 60639, 60643, 60644, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60653, 60827, 60901, 61832, 61833, 61834, 62002, 62024, 62201, 62202, 62203, 62204, 62205, 62206, 62207, 62208, 62626, 62801, 62832, 62896
  • Applicants must be a Community Mental Health Center
  • The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity

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

    Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met.

Prequalification

  • Applicant entities will not be eligible to apply for a grant award until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment or the Illinois Debarred and Suspended List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., inactive UEI, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.
  • Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
  • The following information is required to complete registration.
    • Organization's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI); For additional information on UEI, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) below;
    • Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);
    • Organization type;
    • Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations);
    • Organization's name;
    • Organization's mailing address;
    • Organization's primary email address;
    • Organization's primary phone number;
    • Organization's fiscal year-end date
  • Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. See Section D for more information.
  • Funding Restrictions - See Section D for funding restriction impacting eligibility.

Pre-Award Requirements

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

Funding restrictions

  • See Section D 5.

2. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

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

 3. Limit on Number of Applications

  • More than one application per entity is not permitted.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

  • The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and IDHS Grants.
  • Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website 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 website and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Content

  • Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all of the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding.
  • All Application Materials should be submitted in one email (size permitting), as separate pdf documents. The Application Packet consists of the following:
    • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
    • Program Narrative
    • Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure
    • Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable
    • Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form, if applicable

Program Narrative

  • IMPORTANT: Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative makes up the bulk of the application. If the Program Narrative is missing from your application package, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.

Program Narrative Content and Attachments

  • If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then they must 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.
  • Label each section of the Program Narrative utilizing the format provided below. Information must be provided in the section in which it is requested. If it is not in this format and section in which it is requested the application may not be sent for merit review.
  • The maximum possible score is 100 points. All submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and based on the Criteria listed below.
  • To be successful in the application process, applicants must submit the following information as part of the grant application process. Please provide a complete response to the following sections:
    • Executive Summary (not to exceed 1 page) - Not Scored

      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to describe their ability to provide outreach, engagement, training, and support to faith-based organizations serving communities that are underserved by mental and behavioral health resources. The applicant should describe the organization's mission, history, achievements, services, equity advancement, financial overview, and future plans on working with faith-based organizations serving the community.

    • Community Identification and Need (not to exceed 2 pages) - 20 points:

      The purpose of this section is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for outreach, engagement, and training to faith-based organizations serving the identified underserved communities. This section will describe the impact that these proposed program-related services would have on eligible consumers living in the identified zip codes. Include the following in your response:

      • Identify what zip codes the applicant is proposing to serve.
      • Within this Program Narrative, provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for program-related services within the zip codes.
    • Capacity/Agency Qualifications (not to exceed 2 pages) - 30 points:

      The purpose of this section is to demonstrate if the applicant can implement and execute outreach, engagement, and training to faith-based organizations serving the identified zip codes. The applicant should present an accurate picture of their ability to meet service requirements. Include the following in your response:

      • Within this Program Narrative, provide descriptions of key staff responsible for program related services, including those overseeing the program. Include qualifications for key staff.
      • Describe ability to provide and execute outreach, engagement, and training to faith-based organizations serving the identified zip codes.
      • Describe what resources and other knowledge, skills and/or abilities, the applicant has to make their cultural faith-based empowerment program a successful one.
    • Quality - Description of Program Services (not to exceed 2 pages) - 30 points:

      The purpose of this section is to provide a detailed, clear, and accurate picture of the intended outreach, engagement, and training to faith-based organizations serving the identified underserved communities. Include the following in your response:

      • Describe how the applicant will measure program performance of this program and, if needed, adjust to ensure the success of the program.
      • Within this Program Narrative, provide goals and expected outcomes of this program that align with DMH expected goals and outcomes.
      • Describe the quality assurance process for this program that will assist with the program's purpose and achievements.
    • Data Collection, Evaluation and Reporting Criteria (not to exceed 1 page) - 10 Points

      The purpose of this section is to ensure the applicant is collecting and reporting data that will aid to the success of their cultural faith-based empowerment program. Data will ensure that the applicant and DMH are carrying out the most effective programming possible. Include the following in your response:

      • Define a plan of how data will be collected and used for program implementation.
      • Explain if and how outcome data will be collected and shared with DMH to improve program performance.
    • Resource Availability (not to exceed 1 page) - 10 points:

      Describe what resources and other knowledge, skill, and abilities in addition to those specific to the duration of the funding cycle the applicant possesses or will budget for to support the objective of their cultural faith-based empowerment program. Include applicant's means of travel to visit and provide outreach and engagement to faith-based organizations in the identified zip codes.

Required Format

  • The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined in the previous section (Program Narrative Content and Attachments). If it is not in this format and section in which it is requested the application may not be sent for merit review.
    • The Program Narrative shall not exceed 9 pages. If there are more than 9 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed or scored.
    • All documents must be typed using Times New Roman 12-point type, 100% magnification and use black typeface on a white background, Except for letterhead.
    • For charts and tables only, Times New Roman 10-point with color may be used.
    • The Program Narrative must be typed, single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
    • The submission must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size using pdf.
 

 Budget and Budget Narrative

  • Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
  • Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or 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 narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budget (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.
  • 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.
  • IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA
  • The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
    • Reasonable and necessary
    • Allocable, and
    • Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
  • A Budget Template can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA System.
  • Instructions for the Budget Template

Subcontractor budget(s)

  • If applicant is planning to use a subcontractor, a pdf copy of the subcontractor budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document as part of the Application Packet.
  • Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the Uniform Grant Budget Template (GOMBGATU-3002).

Required Forms

Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance

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

  • Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page one. The correct application must be used.
  • On Page three, applicants will need to include the amount for which they are applying, use the project dates of October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. and sign.
  • The applicant's submission email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure

The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization. Examples of Grantee Conflicts of Interest can be found in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Website Resource Library.

3. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

  • Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
    •  Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
    • Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application
    • Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
  • The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
  • The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date and Time:

  • The Department must receive the Full Application:
    • Due on August 28, 2024, at Noon Central Time.
  • Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments.
  • Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
  • Include the following in the subject line:
    • The Name of your Entity
    • 815 Cultural Faith Based Empowerment
  • Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will NOT be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk or thumb drive.
  • Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received. Applications and Program Narratives received after the due date and time listed in the NOFO Summary above will NOT be considered for review or funding. There will be no exceptions.
  • Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify the Department within 48 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 48 hours. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.

Missed Deadlines

  • Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.  For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
  • IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.

5. Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs

  • Pre-award costs are not allowable.
  • IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
  • 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.

Indirect Costs

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

Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions

  • In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
  • Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System, including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.
  • Indirect Cost Rate Election:
    • Federally Negotiated Rate: Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA and submit an Indirect Cost Rate Proposal in the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.
    • State Negotiated Rate: The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate and would like to negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois.
    • De Minimis Rate: An organization may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC)**. Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. If programs elect to use the De Minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.

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

    • No Rate: Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into the Indirect Cost Rate Election System.
    • State Funded Universities/Institutions: Maximum reimbursement for indirect costs is restricted to 10% Off Campus and 20% On Campus with MTDC base.
  • The Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate or complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above). Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.
  • Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification. If the organization elects to submit a Federally Negotiated Rate or a State Negotiated Rate, they will receive an invitation to submit their proposal in the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.
  • Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election and would like to continue with a Federal or State Negotiated Rate must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
  • Organizations that do not make a submission inside the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
  • For more information, see:

Centralized Indirect Cost Rate User Manual

GATA

6. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission

  • Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov 
  • Documents must NOT include a password nor be encrypted.
  • Contact DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov in the event of technical difficulties.
  • IDHS/DMH is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.

7. Questions

  • IDHS encourages inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions from applicants. Questions and IDHS/DMH Responses "Q&A" will be posted to the Mental Health Grants - FY 2025 website and updated periodically.
  • Questions about this NOFO, must be sent via email to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
  • The subject line of the email MUST state:
    • 815 Cultural Faith Based Empowerment - Questions.
  • Questions will ONLY be accepted electronically. Deadline for Questions is August 21, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

  • All competitive grant applications are subject to merit review.
  • Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
  • Applications must follow the instructions in Section D "Application and Submission Information." All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the Grantee GATA Portal and will identify the reason for disqualification.
  • Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 IL Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:
  • Cost sharing will not be considered in the evaluation.

2. Review and Selection Process

  • The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:
    • IDHS/DMH staff familiar with the requirements of the program will score and review the application package.
    • Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate application packages independently.
    • The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state awardee, etc.
    • While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
  • In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
    • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
    • Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
    • Not fund any of the tied applications.
  • The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate IDHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the Department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

3.  Merit-Based Review Appeal Process

  • Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).

Submission of Appeal

  • Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
    • Name of Agency contact for appeals: Barb Roberson
    • Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov  
    • Email Subject Line: Applicant Name - 815 Cultural Faith Based Empowerment - Appeal
  • An appeal must be submitted in writing to the appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send it to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
  • An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
  • The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
    • Name and address of the appealing party
    • Identification of the grant
    • Statement of reasons for the appeal
    • Supporting documentation, if applicable

Response to Appeal

  • IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
  • IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
  • The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.

Resolution of Appeal

  • The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
  • In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
  • The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
  • The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
    • Review of the appeal;
    • Appeal determination; and
    • Rationale for the determination.
  • The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
  • In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
  • The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
  • The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
    • Review of the appeal.
    • Appeal determination.
    • Rationale for the determination.Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards and State Awards

4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State Awards

  • It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive over $250,000. 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 200.1 Definitions). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold and related requirements.
    • IDHS prior to making an award with a total amount 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);
    • 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 a State or Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM
    • IDHS 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 State and Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in § 200.206.

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

  • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than October 1, 2024, and will continue through June 30, 2025.

F. Award Administration Information

1. State Award Notices

  • Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO, following the above review and selection process, will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). This notification is sent to the main contact listed in the Grantee Portal; therefore, it is important to keep contact information in the Grantee Portal updated. The NOSA shall include:
    • Grant award amount
    • The terms and conditions of the award
    • Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ) and merit-based review.
  • Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be Accepted or Declined by the grants officer (or equivalent). This acceptance of the NOSA effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This accepted NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing a grant agreement. The NOSA must be Accepted or Declined through the Grantee Portal. A hard copy is not required.
  • The NOSA 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).
  • After the Uniform Grant Agreement is published in the CSA Tracking System, it must be signed, and the signature page submitted to the Office of Contract Administration at DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@illinois.gov.
  • An award is NOT considered to be fully executed until both parties have signed the grant agreement. IDHS/DMH is not obligated to reimburse applicants for expenses or services incurred prior to the complete and final execution of the grant agreement and filing with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.
  • A written Notice of Non-Selection 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.

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:
    • Periodic Financial Reports.
    • Close-out Reports.
    • Periodic Performance Reports.
    • Close-out Performance Reports.
    • 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.
    • If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
  • Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).
  • Grantee shall submit these reports) to the appropriate email address listed below. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the UGA to be reimbursable.
  • DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website.

4. Payment Terms

  • It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three different award payment method exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
  • Grantees selecting the Advance Payment Method, or the Working Capital Advance Payment Method must complete the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template as described in the procedures above. In addition, please note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application materials as a separate document.
  • The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all DMH programs and submitted no later than 15 days after the end of the month. All invoices shall be HIIPA compliant and encrypted utilizing DHS approved encryption software and emailed to DMH at the email address listed above.
  • Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov
  • Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
  • Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov  

Payment Forms

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

H. Other Information

I. Mandatory Forms