COVID-19 Domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services (25-444-80-3467-01) Technical Assistance and Question & Answer

Technical Assistance

Question & Answers

  1. Question:  One idea we have been tossing around is trying to support providers down state with culturally specific groups.  Culturally specific entities can provide a virtual counseling session.  We would coordinate the connection and provide technical support.
    Answer:  Current DVPI providers already receive this funding, unless they are not already receiving DVPI funds from IDHS.
  2. Question:  The Bureau anticipates 1-2 awards: can you please explain?
    Answer:  For this NOFO you must be a domestic violence training grantee, we currently only have 2 grantees in the state that are training grantees. This NOFO is only available to them. If you have something you are interested in, but you are not currently a training grantee, please reach out to our program inbox at DHS.DVSAHT@Illinois.gov .
  3. Question:  Can you let me know if we can have an advance on these funds?
    Answer:  Similar to other contracts, there will be three forms of payment: reimbursement, advance pay, and working capital advance. IDHS: Grantee Payment Methods Notification (state.il.us)
  4. Question:  I am confirming this funding can be used for rental assistance.  Of particular interest, is assisting clients in transitioning out of shelter. Can the funds be utilized for back rent, security deposits, and future rent? Are there any restrictions?
    Answer: Back rent is not allowable.  Security deposits are allowable.  Temporary rental assistance is allowable in conjunction with supportive services as a result of and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant must have policy and procedure is place dictating how these funds are dispersed(no direct cash assistance is allowed to survivors).
    Funding Restrictions:  Unallowable Costs.  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. Direct payments to victims are an unallowable expense per the federal funding source.  Pre-Award Costs are not allowed. 
  5. Question:  I am reaching out because our office recently received a notice of funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations currently funded by IDHS under the Domestic Violence training Program.  I would like to gather a list of nonprofits in the 54th district that qualify for this program and send them a letter notifying them of the opportunity.  Would you or someone in your department be able to help me identify those nonprofits?
    Answer:  Please refer to the NOFO posting, Section 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 not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations currently funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) under the Domestic Violence Training Program offering Statewide Training to provide crisis intervention to victims of domestic violence and their vulnerable family members are eligible to apply for these funds. Providers not currently funded by IDHS are not eligible to apply. All providers receiving awards as a result of this notice of funding opportunity must already function as part of the state-wide safety net for victims and provide trauma informed, quality comprehensive domestic violence services to victims and their vulnerable family members.