814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program (26-444-22-2690-01)

I. Basic 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	Non-Competitive/Renewal
Funding Opportunity Title	814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program
Funding Opportunity Number	26-444-22-2690-01
Application Posting Date	March 11, 2025
Application Closing Date	April 9, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-22-2690
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	NA
Award Funding Source	State

A. Funding Details

1. Total Amount of Funding

The Department expects to award approximately $10,916,782.
The source of funding for this program is State funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

The Department anticipates funding approximately 11 grant awards to provide this program.

3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards

The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be between $582,502 and $1,178,000.

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

Previous funding amounts per grant award on average was $992,435.

5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility

This program will be awarded as a 12-month term agreement.
Continued Funding of this Program is at the discretion of the Department and is based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to:
1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period.
2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department.
3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.).

6. Procurement Contract Allowability

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

7. Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs
1. Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award.
2. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
Indirect Costs
1. Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES).

B. Key Dates

1. Application Posting Date

03/11/2025

2. The Department must receive the Full Application Packet:

Due on 04/09/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time

3. Anticipated Award Date

07/01/2025

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

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

C. Executive Summary

The CRSS Success program will provide high-quality recovery support training, supervised practical experience, and wrap-around supports for individuals with lived expertise of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery. This program seeks to increase the number of individuals in Illinois who successfully obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB d/b/a IAODAPCA), as one mechanism to address the behavioral health workforce shortage. For the purposes of this program, the term recovery support specialist will be utilized when referencing individuals pursuing either credential, i.e., the CRSS or the CPRS.

D. Agency Contact Information

1. If you have questions about this funding opportunity, please contact:

Barb Roberson
Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:
1. Education Organizations
2. Nonprofit Organizations
3. For-profit Organizations
4. Small Businesses
The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification, and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee:
1. Education Organizations
2. Nonprofit Organizations
3. For-profit Organizations
4. Small Businesses
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. Items i) through v) below are the prequalification requirements.
1. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
  1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
  2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
  3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the awarding agency.
  4. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements.
  5. The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant or applicants.
Must be in "good standing" with the Illinois Secretary of State if the Illinois Secretary of State requires the entity's organization type to be registered.
Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List.
Must not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List.
Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List.
Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. Qualified status is re-verified nightly. If the entity's status changes, an email notice is sent to the designated entity representative with a link to the Grantee Portal.
See Section number I(A)(7) for funding restrictions.
Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include:
1. Not Applicable.
This funding opportunity is limited to those who currently have an award for this program.
Limit on Number of Applications: More than one application per entity is not permitted.

B. Cost Sharing

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

III. Program Description

The CRSS Success program will design and implement a training and education plan that includes the following:

Program components and expectations

All activities should follow the standards outlined in Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS (Accreditation Standards), issued by the Illinois Certification Board.

Accreditation
1. The program will apply for Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation with the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) within the first quarter of the fiscal year (July 1 - September 30).
2. The program will consult with ICB staff to ensure that they understand the standards and timelines for the accreditation process.
3. The program will supply a copy of the certificate of accreditation to the DMH program contact no later than the end of the third quarter of the fiscal year (March 31).
Advisory board
1. The program will establish an advisory board by the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year (September 30).
2. The advisory board shall include, at minimum, two current or former students, two CRSS or CPRS professionals currently working in the field of recovery support, and two representatives from entities that employ CRSS and/or CPRS professionals.
3. The advisory board shall be responsible for reviewing and commenting on the content and administration of the Peer Recovery Support Training Program.
Student enrollment, retention, and transfer
1. The program will develop an application process for interested students. The application will be designed to identify students who meet minimum requirements for participation (minimum 18 years of age; minimum high school diploma or GED; identify as a person in recovery from mental health, substance use, or cooccurring mental health and substance use challenges.)
2. The program shall not establish additional pre-requisites beyond those outlined in the ICB Accreditation Standards.
3. The program will have a clear enrollment and transfer policy, to include admission/enrollment and transfer procedures and requirements.
4. The program will ensure participants in the program have access to the full continuum of resources available to other students.
5. The admission procedures will include policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, criminal background, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
6. The program will develop a plan to ensure student retention is maintained at a minimum of 80%.
7. The program will have a clearly outlined grievance procedure.
Curriculum
1. The program will develop a curriculum which covers all the required education hours outlined in the ICB Accreditation Standards (40 hours recovery support specific including a minimum of 10 hours in each domain, 16 hours in professional ethics and responsibility, and 54 hours in the Core Functions including 5 hours specific to family and 5 hours specific to youth) with a total of a minimum 110 clock hours. As defined by the ICB, one clock hour is equal to 60 minutes of training/education; one college semester hour equals 15 clock hours; one college quarter hour equals 10 clock hours; one college trimester hour equals 12 clock hours.
2. The curriculum shall be developed with the input of different stakeholders including but not limited to CRSS and/or CPRS professionals, instructors, recovery community members, students, and advisory board members.
3. The curriculum shall include opportunities for students to increase in their knowledge, comprehension, and application of the material through use of case studies, role plays, etc.
4. The curriculum shall adhere to the core values outlined in the National Association of Peer Supporters' https://www.peersupportworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/National-Practice-Guidelines-for-Peer-Specialists-and-Supervisors-1.pdf
5. The curriculum shall align with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services.
Classroom component
1. The classroom component shall consist of a minimum of 110 clock hours of training as specified in section 4 (Curriculum) above.
2. The classroom component shall additionally include a minimum of 15 clock hours of workplace readiness training which includes job search, resume writing and application skills and interview skills.
3. The classroom component shall include, at minimum, 33% of on-site/face-to-face time in which the students and instructor are in the same physical location. The remaining hours can be conducted in virtual format/synchronous and must meet the requirements of the ICB Digital Learning Policy. Fully online/asynchronous and virtual/synchronous courses are not allowed. With the exception of workplace readiness training, all courses must have some form of face-to-face component at some point, at a minimum, a hybrid platform with a minimum of 33% face-to-face (minimum 1 of 3 classes per course must be in-person).
4. The program shall maintain specific and clear documentation that essential knowledge is covered and mastered during the classroom component by maintaining students' records that will be stored in a specified location by each program/Grantee.
Practical experience (internship) component
1. The program shall include a practical experience (internship) component to ensure students develop skills appropriate to meet the minimum recovery support specialist competencies.
2. The practical experience component will consist of no less than 300 contact hours and shall be no less than three months in length.
3. The program shall develop written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites. Students may complete the required hours at more than one site.
4. The program shall provide bi-monthly stipends for students throughout and upon completion of unpaid internships. Students completing paid internships will not be eligible for stipends during the practical experience component.
5. The program will ensure that practical experience sites provide on-site supervision for students throughout the completion of the internship component of the training.
6. The program will provide a minimum of monthly academic supervision for students throughout the practical experience component.
7. The program shall maintain specific and clear documentation that essential competencies are covered and mastered during the practical experience component.
Affiliate agreements
1. The program shall maintain linkages with the recovery support community, the education community, and other related professions. These linkages will serve as resources to enhance training opportunities for students.
Program staff
1. The program shall employ a program coordinator with responsibility to keep abreast of the advances and changes in the recovery support field and incorporate such changes into the curriculum. The coordinator will also maintain contact with ICB to ensure coordination between the accreditation and certification functions.
2. The program shall employ one or more instructors with a minimum of two years' experience in providing recovery support, substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use) services. Instructors shall, at minimum, be credentialed by ICB, preferably with either the CRSS or CPRS.
3. The program shall employ a student success coach with responsibility to help students identify barriers to success and identify resources for overcoming those barriers. The student success coach will engage students in person-centered, holistic conversations to help them articulate their goals, problem solve, develop action plans, and provide accountability to enhance their success.
4. The program coordinator, instructor(s) and success coach shall meet, at minimum, one hour per month to identify challenges and discuss strategies for improving students' experience in the program.
Non-faculty guest presenters
1. The program shall utilize the expertise of individuals currently working in the recovery support field to provide training in specialized areas, including but not limited to Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Honest, Open, Proud (HOP), and Trauma Informed Approaches to Peer Support.
2. Program staff shall be present during guest lecture presentations and shall evaluate the guest on educational effectiveness and adherence to the core values of peer support.
Program evaluation
1. The program shall supply students with a written statement of the minimum performance requirements the student is to have obtained by the completion of the program.
2. The program shall develop and implement methods for ongoing evaluation of the program by students and program staff, to be conducted a minimum of twice per cohort (mid-program and at the conclusion of the program).
3. The program shall assess student satisfaction utilizing a satisfaction survey designated by the IDHS/DMH.
4. The program evaluation and satisfaction survey data shall be utilized for continuous quality improvement, to identify challenges and implement solutions in a timely manner.
5. The program shall share evaluation and satisfaction data as requested by the IDHS/DMH.
Wrap-around supports
1. The program will develop an individualized process for identifying students' challenges and barriers to success and align wrap-around resources and supports with students' needs.
2. The student success coach will meet with students to facilitate access to identified resources and supports.
3. The program will provide wrap-around resources and supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation and success, including but not limited to:
  1. tuition, books, and fees;
  2. counseling, advising, and transfer services;
  3. technology necessary for program participation (e.g., laptops, tablets, hotspots, etc.).
  4. transportation and parking expenses;
  5. legal support to address barriers to employment related to criminal history or citizenship status (ex: waiver application for Health Care Workers);
  6. clothing for practical experience (internship) component (e.g., polo shirts, professional attire, etc.);
  7. ICB credentialing fees, including but not limited to initial application fee, exam fee, and proctor fee (if applicable);
  8. any other needs and/or accommodations essential for students to maintain participation in the program as approved by the DMH program contact.
Scholarship fund
1. The program will maintain and manage a $10,000 needs-based scholarship fund for Illinois residents who are CRSS and CPRS candidates or credentialed professionals.
2. The program will develop a process for aligning scholarship funds with applicant needs.
3. The scholarship funds will be made available to any qualified Illinois resident who is a CRSS or CPRS candidate or credentialed professional and will not be used for students enrolled in the CRSS Success program.
4. The program will dispense scholarship funds to cover, at a minimum, the following:
  1. Application fee
  2. Postal costs for mailing the application and associated documentation
  3. Exam fee
  4. Proctor fee
  5. Annual renewal fees
  6. Transportation costs to and from exam site
DMH Technical Assistance
1. A minimum of one representative from the program staff shall participate in the CRSS Success Program Learning Collaborative hosted by the IDHS/Division of Mental Health (monthly).
2. A minimum of one representative from the program staff shall attend and participate in the IDHS/Division of Mental Health CRSS Supervisor Training (quarterly).
Data collection and reporting
1. The program shall submit financial and program documentation to the IDHS/Division of Mental Health monthly.
2. The program shall submit performance documentation to the IDHS/Division of Mental Health monthly.
3. The program shall submit a fiscal year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report at the end of the fiscal year.
4. The program shall participate in program evaluation efforts as directed by the IDHS/Division of Mental Health and collect and report data accordingly.
5. The program shall supply evaluation data as requested by the IDHS/Division of Mental Health.

A. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

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

B. Performance Requirements

Grantee will apply for accreditation with the Illinois Certification Board and supply a copy of the certificate of accreditation to DMH.
Grantee will establish an Advisory Board that reviews and comments on the content and administration of the Peer Recovery Support Training Program.
Grantee will develop an application process for interested students designed to identify students who meet minimum requirements for participation.
Grantee will develop curricula for training recovery support specialists that meets the curriculum training standards as outlined in the Illinois Certification Board Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS and aligns with the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Specialists and Supervisors and the Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services.
Grantee will provide a minimum of 125 hours of education specific to recovery support specialists.
Grantee will provide a minimum of 10 hours of education in each of the Performance Domains (Advocacy, Mentoring/Education, Recovery/Wellness Support, Professional/Ethical Responsibility).
Grantee will provide minimum of 16 hours of education specific in professional ethics and responsibility with a focus on the CRSS/CPRS Code of Ethics.
Grantee will provide a minimum of 44 hours of education in the Core Functions.
Grantee will provide a minimum of 5 hours of education in the Core Functions specific to family and a minimum of 5 hours of education in the Core Functions specific to youth.
Grantee will provide a minimum of 15 additional hours of education specific to workplace readiness which includes job search, resume writing and application skills and interview skills.
Grantee will maintain written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites.
Grantee will have a practical experience (internship) component which ensures that students develop skills to meet minimum recovery support specialist competencies.
Grantee will maintain a list of affiliations with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance the training exposure of the student.
Grantee will employ program staff that includes a program coordinator, instructor(s), and a student success coach.
Grantee will provide stipends for students throughout the time they are participating in unpaid internships.
Grantee will develop an individualized process for identifying students' challenges and barriers to success.
Grantee will provide wrap-around services and supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation such as student tuition, books, and fees; counseling, advising, and transfer services; technology necessary for program participation; legal support to address barriers to employment; clothing for practical experience component; ICB credentialing fees; and any other needs and/or accommodations essential for students to maintain participation in the program as approved by the DMH program contact.
Grantee shall maintain a need-based scholarship fund for Illinois residents who are CRSS and CPRS candidates or credentialed professionals.
Grantee will have representation of the program staff participate in the monthly learning collaborative hosted by DMH.
Grantee will have representation of the program staff participate in the quarterly CRSS Supervisor Training conducted by DMH.

C. Performance Measures

Number of clock hours of recovery support specific training provided.
Number of clock hours of training provided in professional ethics and responsibility.
Number of clock hours of training provided in the Core Functions.
Number of clock hours of training provided in the Core Functions specific to family.
Number of clock hours of training provided in the Core Functions specific to youth.
Number of clock hours of training provided specific to workplace readiness.
Number of written agreements with practical experience (internship) sites.
Number of affiliations with the recovery support community and other resources for students.
Number of students applied for the program.
Number of students enrolled in the program.
Number of students successfully completed 110 classroom hours.
Number of students satisfied with classroom experience.
Number of students completed 300 hours practical experience (internship).
Number of students received internship stipends.
Number of students' ICB application fees paid.
Number of students' ICB exam fees paid.
Number of students passed ICB exam on their first or second attempt.
Average number of days between date of students' program completion and date of exam.
Number of students employed in the recovery support field.
Number of students employed outside of the recovery support field but within behavioral health.
Number of individuals applied for assistance through the scholarship fund.
Number of individuals provided support through the scholarship fund.
Number of program staff participated in CRSS Success Learning Collaborative.
Number of program staff participated in CRSS Supervisor Training.

D. Performance Standards

Minimum 40 clock hours of recovery support specific training.
Minimum of 16 clock hours of training in professional ethics and responsibility.
Minimum 44 clock hours training in the Core Functions.
Minimum 5 clock hours training in the Core Functions specific to family.
Minimum 5 clock hours training in the Core Functions specific to youth.
Minimum 15 clock hours specific to workforce readiness.
Minimum of 4 written agreements with practical experience sites.
Minimum of 5 affiliations with the recovery support community and other resources for students.
Minimum of 20 students applied for the program.
Minimum of 15 students enrolled in program.
Minimum of 80% of students complete 110 classroom hours.
Minimum of 75% of students satisfied with classroom experience.
Minimum of 80% of students completed 300 hours practical experience (internship).
Minimum of 12 ICB application fees paid.
Minimum of 12 ICB exam fees paid.
Minimum of 80% of students whose ICB exam fees were paid, passed the ICB exam with a maximum of 2 attempts.
Maximum average 180 days between date of students' program completion and date of exam.
Minimum of 75% of students who completed 300 hours of practical experience (internship) are employed in recovery support field.
Minimum of one program staff participated in CRSS Success Learning Collaborative.
Minimum of one program staff participated in CRSS Supervisor Training.

E. Cooperative Agreements

Not Applicable.

F. Unallowable Costs

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.
Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the scope of work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.

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

Not Applicable.

H. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

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

IV. Application Contents and Format

A. Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Required Content of Application

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

2. Project Narrative Content and Attachments

The Project Narrative is required to support the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (GA) for non-competitive grants. The purpose of the Project Narrative is to describe the organization's program activities and design for implementing and administering the program for the upcoming State Fiscal Year (SFY). This Project Narrative will include information that is specific to your organization's proposed program services and be considered part of your grant agreement. Submission of this Project Narrative is required to fulfill contractual obligations.

3. Budget and Budget Narrative

Applicants must enter a FY26 budget electronically in the CSA Tracking System.
Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA Tracking System. Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA at IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us). A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet.
The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
1. Reasonable and necessary
2. Allocable, and
3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
A Budget Template can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System.
NOTE: The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is now disabling external Illinois.gov IDs if they have not been used for 114 days. If you receive the error "HPDIA0309W This account is disabled," your ID has been disabled and cannot be re-activated by changing your password. You need to contact the DoIT HelpDesk at [217-524-DoIT (3648) or 312-814-DoIT (3648)] or their website at Report A Problem. Request that they create an incident to re-enable your external ID. You will need to provide your external ID (firstname.lastname@external.illinois.gov) and the error message (this account is disabled). Please be sure to Reset Your Password every 3 months so your account is not disabled.
There is space when preparing the budget on each line item for the budget narrative. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The Budget narrative (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities within each line item. The budget should be prepared to reflect 12 months.
Instructions for the Budget Template
Subcontractor budget(s), If applicable
1. If applicant is planning to use a subcontractor, a pdf copy of the subcontractor budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the other application materials. Subcontractor budgets must be submitted for each application submitted as outlined above.
2. Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the GATA Uniform Grant Budget Template (GOMBGATU-3002).
3. For more information see Section I(A)(6)

4. Required Forms

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

V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. Address to Request Application Package

The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the Mental Health Grants - FY26.
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 in this announcement (Section I(D)(2). It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO.
A PDF copy may be obtained by emailing the Division of Mental Health at DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov.

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

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

C. Submission Instructions

Actions needed prior to applying:
1. Applicants must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (pdf)
2. Registration in CSA is required. The IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us) is the system the IDHS utilizes for approving budgets and issuing grant awards. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA. Successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System.
The Methods for submitting the application:
1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application packet which includes the following attachments as separate pdf documents:
  1. Project Narrative
  2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
  3. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
  4. Budget (entered into the CSA Tracking System as described in section (IV)(A)(3)
  5. Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable
  6. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form, if applicable
2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will not be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive.
3. Include the following in the subject line:
  1. Your Agency Name
  2. 814 CRSS Success Program
4. Documents must NOT include a password.
5. Software or Electronic Capabilities
  1. Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding this funding opportunity and materials necessary for submission.
Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows:
1. Not Applicable.
If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
1. Name: Barb Roberson
2. Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov

D. Submission Dates and Times

Full applications are due on 04/09/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time.
Missed Deadlines
1. IDHS cannot guarantee a start date of July 1, 2025, if application submissions are received after the due date referenced in the Program Summary above.
2. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent.

E. Intergovernmental Review

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

VI. Application Review Information

A. Responsiveness Review

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

B. Risk Review

IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued.
1. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) is to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal prior to the deadline listed below. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic risk in the following categories:
  1. Quality of Management Systems
  2. Financial and Programmatic Reporting
  3. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements
  4. Awardee Audits
2. The deadline to submit the FY26 ICQ is April 16, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
3. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment conducted by the awarding agency to evaluate the following categories:
  1. Programmatic financial stability
  2. Management systems and standards that would affect the program.
  3. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings
  4. Ability to effectively implement program requirements.
  5. External partnerships
  6. Programmatic reporting
4. Risk assessments are not intended to be punitive in nature, rather they are conducted in order to evaluate the support, technical assistance, and training that may be needed for the awardee and the level of monitoring that is needed for the award.
  1. Risk assessments may result in Specific Conditions being placed on the award to include more frequent monitoring or the implementation of a corrective action plan.
Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
1. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive an award over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (as defined in 48 CFR part2, subpart 2.1; the dollar amount set by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), currently at $250,000 (with some exceptions)). Potential grantees under this notice of funding opportunity may receive an award in excess $250,000. Therefore, the grantee is subject to the simplified acquisition threshold and related requirements.
  1. Prior to making an award with a total amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, IDHS 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 a State or Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.
  3. 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 applicants' integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under State and Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206.

VII. Award Notices

A. State Award Notices

Applicants recommended for funding under this Non-Competitive funding opportunity will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
1. Grant award amount
2. The terms and conditions of the award
3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review.
Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved FY26 budget entered into the CSA Tracking System. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
The NOSA is NOT an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance).
The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA Tracking System. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@Illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system.
Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will be notified that they are ineligible for consideration when their application is processed.

VIII. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

A. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all State and Federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
You can find a sample of the grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
Payment Terms
1. It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (Procedures implementing the Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury State Agreement (TSA)) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
2. Grantees selecting the Advance Payment Method, or the Working Capital Advance Payment Method must complete the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template as described in the procedures above. In addition, please note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application materials as a separate document.
3. The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all 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.
4. Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
5. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
6. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@Illinois.gov
Payment Forms
1. Monthly Invoice (IL444-5257)
2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) Only if requesting an advance payment

B. Reporting

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

IX. Other Information

A. Program Websites
B. Mandatory Forms and Submissions

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