510-RTLR Regions The Living Room (26-444-22-1484-01)

I. Basic Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Mental Health
Agency Contact

Rob Putnam

DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov
Announcement Type Non-Competitive/Renewal
Funding Opportunity Title 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room
Funding Opportunity Number 26-444-22-1484-01
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 444-22-1484
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) NA
Award Source State
Estimated Total Program Funding $25,653,541
Anticipated Number of Awards 20
Award Range $625,681 - $2,762,771
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No

A. Funding Details

1. Total Amount of Funding

  1. The Department expects to award approximately $25,653,541.
  2. The source of funding for this program is State funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

  1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 20 grant awards to provide this program.

3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards

  1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be between $625,681 and $2,762,771.

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

  1. Previous funding amounts per grant award on average was $1,283,677.

5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility

  1. This program will be awarded as a 12-month term agreement.
  2. This is the second renewal of two.
  3. 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

  1. 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 applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.

7. Funding Restrictions

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 03/11/2025

2. The Department must receive the Full Application Packet:

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

3. Anticipated Award Date

  1. 07/01/2025

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

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

C. Executive Summary

  1. The Living Room Program operates from the Crisis Now concept and is designed for individuals in need of a crisis-respite program with services and supports designed to proactively divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. Individuals experiencing psychiatric crises may self-refer or may be referred by first responders or other organizations with which an individual experiencing a crisis may come in contact. All guests seen at the Living Room must be served in some way by the Program; no person should be turned away at the door. Services include but are not limited to screening, linkage to another level of care, and on-site support. 

    Upon arrival at the Living Room a guest must be greeted by a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) who explains the program to the guest in simple terms. Services and supports will be designed and delivered by the RSS staff working with the guest and will focuses on practices including recovery orientation, trauma-informed care, a commitment to Zero Suicide, and community collaboration. Interventions should include non-traditional supports such as art, music, and other methods of expression; peer-to-peer support among guests serve; and other complementary and holistic supports. Participation in the Living Room will be voluntary and based on the individual guest's strengths and choice.

D. Agency Contact Information

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

  1. Rob Putnam
  2. Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

  1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:
    1. Nonprofit Organizations
    2. For-profit Organizations
  2. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification, and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
    1. Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee:
      1. Organization Name and Contact Information
      2. Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
      3. Unique Identity Number (UEI)
      4. Organization Type
    2. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed until applicant is prequalified. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List.
      4. Must not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List.
      5. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List.
  3. The Living Room Program must be staffed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  4. Applicant must be able to staff the living room with two people at all times, one of whom must be a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS). A RSS is an individual with personal lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges who has or is able to obtain either the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential within one year of date of hire.
  5. The Living Room Program staff must always have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), including ability to respond via phone or in person for consultation with Living Room Program staff, to ensure adequate and appropriate service and support provision to all guests.
  6. 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.
  7. See Section number I(A)(7) for funding restrictions.
  8. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include:
    1. Not Applicable.
  9. Limit on Number of Applications: More than one application per entity is not permitted.

B. Cost Sharing

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

III. Program Description

The Grantee will subcontract for or directly operate a Living Room Program, providing short-term crisis respite within a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere that offers non-clinical services provided by recovery support specialists, designed to proactively divert individuals in crisis from emergency departments and jails.

The Living Room Program is based on a philosophy that crises are an opportunity for growth and learning. The Living Room Program operates from the Crisis Now approach, designed to divert individuals in self-defined crises from emergency departments and jails by developing services that match people's needs. The Crisis Now approach promotes services built on recovery-oriented practices, trauma-informed care, significant use of recovery support staff, a commitment to Zero Suicide/Suicide Safer Care, strong commitments to safety for individuals served and staff providing services, and collaboration with law enforcement.

Although Living Rooms do not fulfill all necessary criteria to be considered Crisis Stabilization Centers according to SAMHSA's "National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care: Best Practice Toolkit," they serve as an important component of the crisis continuum in Illinois.

Program components and expectations

  1. Individuals served

    The Living Room Program serves individuals (herein after referred to as guests/potential guests) who are experiencing crises. Crisis is defined by the guest/potential guest, not by the program. Guests may self-refer (walk-in) to the program or may be referred by outside entities, including but not limited to other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams), first responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.), medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.), and other social service organizations. Under some circumstances guests may also be served remotely via phone or tele psych platforms. (i.e... pandemic management protocol, support via phone when a potential guest does not actually present in person)

  2. Physical Plant Requirements

    The physical environment provided throughout the Living Room will be designed to create a safe space for guests to calmly process a crisis event, learn and apply wellness strategies, give and receive peer support, and prevent future crisis events.

    The Living Room Program must establish policies that ensure the physical safety of the environment. This includes providing guests with a safe and comfortable setting that includes a supportive, physical staff presence.

    The physical environment will be designed in a manner that contributes to soothing and supports emotional healing. Living Room Programs are expected to be equipped with comfortable furniture (e.g., recliners in common areas) and soft lighting. Walls are to be painted with soothing colors and include inspirational artwork or quotes reflective of the community served. There is to be an absence of excessive stimuli (e.g., televisions or sharp/bright lighting).

    Both private and common spaces will be provided. Guests will be provided private space to calm down, relax, or have a private conversation. Guests will also be provided communal areas for interaction in which all guests at the same time can receive support through the physical presence of staff members. Guests will also be encouraged to use common areas to participate in mutual learning and peer support. Snacks and beverages will always be available to guests.

    At no time is a Living Room Program to contain more than 16 beds. A Living Room Program cannot be created within any building, under one continuous roof, in which residential treatment is being provided, which in total would exceed 16 beds, including but not limited to, houses, apartment buildings, and duplexes.

    The Grantee will determine the maximum safe operating capacity for the program.

  3. Hours of Operations

    The Living Room Program must be staffed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  4. Staffing Requirements

    The Living Room must be staffed at all times by a minimum of two people, one of whom must be a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS). An RSS is an individual with personal lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges who has or is able to obtain either the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential within one year of date of hire.

    The demographics of the Living Room Program staff are expected to reflect the demographics of the guests, including race/ethnicity and sex/gender identity.

    The Living Room Program staff must always have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), including ability to respond via phone or in person for consultation with Living Room Program staff, to ensure adequate and appropriate service and support provision to all guests.

    All personnel costs for the Living Room Program should be billed to the 510-RTLR grant.

  5. Training Requirements 

    Any person working in the Living Room Program must complete a two-hour DMH video-based training and obtain a passing score prior to beginning work at the Living Room Program.

    Additionally, any person working in the Living Room Program must complete 16 hours of CRSS/CPRS training annually.

    Any person working in the Living Room Program must also follow the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors.

    The provider may also arrange for additional training through any of the DMH-Approved providers below:

    RI International

    Humannovations

    People, USA

    Emotional CPR

  6. Service Requirements

    All guests/potential guests who contact the Living Room must be served in some way by the Program; no person should be refused service by the Living Room Program. Services include but are not limited to screening, linkage to another level of care, and on-site support.

    Upon arrival at the Living Room a guest must be greeted by an RSS who provides a sense of welcome and explains the program in simple terms and describes what the guest can expect during their stay. Guests will then be screened for suicide and homicide risk. The screening will consider the suitability of the Living Room Program to the guest's needs, including the safety of the arriving guest, as well as other guests and staff occupying the Living Room. The Grantee is free to determine which assessment tools to use. Mental Health Professionals (MHP) can complete the risk assessments.

    Any guest who is determined not to be suitable for the Living Room Program will be served through linkage to another level of care.

    All services and supports provided by the Living Room Program are to follow principles of trauma-informed care and be versatile and adaptable, culturally responsive, and allow support to be provided in a way that meets the guest where they are, at that point in their recovery.

    On-site services and supports will include, at minimum, recovery education, information on whole health, wellness, local resources, and connection to natural supports. All services and supports should be based on the strengths of the guest and address whole health, wellness, and life in the community. Services provided should include non-traditional supports such as art, music, and other methods of expression; peer-to-peer support among guests served; and other complementary and holistic supports.

    Services and supports will be designed and delivered by the RSS staff who work in the Living Room Program. Services and supports must be designed in a manner that considers the cultural and linguistic needs of guests.

    Participation in any services and supports offered is to be voluntary and entirely based on the guest's choice. Guests should be supported in identifying natural supports in the community to prevent future crisis events and facilitate sustained recovery.

    Prior to the conclusion of any service-related contact, each guest/potential guest will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience with the Living Room, including but not limited to positive feedback and suggested areas for improvement.

  7. Outreach and Engagement

    The Living Room Program will develop and implement an outreach and engagement plan for (a) direct connection with guests from diverse communities who would benefit from access to the Program and (b) community awareness of the Program, by building and maintaining relationships with other social service organizations, including but not limited to other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams), first responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.), medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.).

    Outreach and engagement activities will include developing materials for marketing and promoting the Program.

  8. Policies and Procedures

    The provider and any subcontractors must develop standard operating policies and procedures that define the Living Room Program consistent with the model described above.

    The Living Room Program must develop a quality improvement policy and procedure that incorporates guest feedback.

    A minimum of one Living Room Program staff per site is expected to participate in the DMH-led Living Room Program (LRP) Learning Collaborative.

A.  Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

  1. 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

  1. The physical environment of the Living Room will be designed in a manner that is safe, welcoming, and inviting, with both private and common spaces for guests.
  2. The Living Room must be staffed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  3. The Living Room must be always staffed by a minimum of two people, one of whom must be a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS).
  4. The Living Room Program staff must always have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
  5. Any person working in the Living Room Program must complete a two-hour DMH video-based training prior to beginning work in the Living Room Program.
  6. Any person working in the Living Room Program must complete 16 hours of CRSS/CPRS training within one year of date of hire and annually.
  7. Any person working in the Living Room Program must follow the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors.
  8. All guests/potential guests who contact the Living Room will be served by the Program.
  9. All guests/potential guests will be screened for suicide and homicide risk.
  10. Services and supports will be based on the strengths of the guest served and address whole health, wellness, and life in the community.
  11. Services and supports will be designed and delivered by the Recovery Support Specialist staff who work in the Living Room Program.
  12. Participation in any services and supports offered is to be voluntary and entirely based on the guest's choice.
  13. All guests/potential guests will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience at the conclusion of the service contact.
  14. The Grantee and any subcontractor will develop and implement an outreach and engagement plan for direct connection with guests who would benefit from access to the Living Room Program.
  15. The Grantee and any subcontractor will build and maintain relationships with other social service organizations, including but not limited to other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams), first responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.), medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.).
  16. The Grantee and any subcontractors must develop standard operating principles and procedures that define the Living Room Program.
  17. The Living Room Program must develop a quality improvement policy and procedure that incorporates guest feedback.
  18. A minimum of one Living Room Program staff per site is expected to participate in the DMH-led Living Room Program (LRP) Learning Collaborative.

C. Performance Measures

  1. Number of potential guests provided services remotely (phone or tele psych) who do not present in person at the physical Living Room Program site.
  2. Number of unduplicated guests referred.
  3. Number of unduplicated guest walk-ins to the Living Room.
  4. Number of unduplicated guests referred, or who walk-in to the Living Room.
  5. Number of unduplicated guests screened for suicide and homicide risk.
  6. Number of unduplicated guests linked to another level of care.
  7. Number of unduplicated guests provided on-site support.
  8. Number of unduplicated guests who completed a guest feedback survey.
  9. Number of unduplicated guests with a prior Living Room experience.
  10. Total number of guests (referrals and walk-ins) to the Living Room. (Each visit by a guest must be counted towards this minimum requirement).
  11. Total number of guests (referrals and walk-ins) seen by a Recovery Support Specialists.
  12. Number of outreach and engagement activities conducted.
  13. Number of Living Room Program staff who participated in DMH-led LRP Learning Collaborative.

D. Performance Standards

  1. Minimum of 25 unduplicated guests referred, or who walk-in to the Living Room.
  2. Minimum of 50 total guests referred, or who walk-in to the Living Room. (Each visit by a guest must be counted towards this minimum requirement).
  3. 100% of the total number of guests (referrals and walk-ins) were seen by a Recovery Support Specialist.
  4. Minimum of 1 outreach and engagement activity.
  5. Minimum of 1 Living Room Program staff participated in DMH-led LRP Learning Collaborative.

E. Cooperative Agreements

  1. Not Applicable.

F. Unallowable Costs

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Not Applicable.

H. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

  1. 59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g
  2. Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))
  3. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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

  1. Applicants must enter a FY26 budget electronically in the CSA system.
  2. Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Instructions for the Budget Template
  10. 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.
    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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. The complete application package is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the Mental Health Grants - FY26 website.
  2. Each Applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding this funding opportunity and materials necessary for submission. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to this funding opportunity.
  3. 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)

  1. 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.
  2. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied with all UEI and SAM Requirements.
  3. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b).
  4. 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

  1. 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. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System.
  2. 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 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. 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room
    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.
  3. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows:
    1. Not Applicable.
  4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
    1. Name: Rob Putnam
    2. Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov

D. Submission Dates and Times

  1. Full applications are due on 04/09/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time.
  2. 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

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

VI. Application Review Information

A.  Responsiveness Review

  1. 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. The Living Room Program must be staffed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
      2. Applicant must be able to staff the living room with two people at all times, one of whom must be a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS). A RSS is an individual with personal lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges who has or is able to obtain either the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential within one year of date of hire.
      3. The Living Room Program staff must always have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), including ability to respond via phone or in person for consultation with Living Room Program staff, to ensure adequate and appropriate service and support provision to all guests.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
    1. a. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive an award over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (as defined in 48 CFR part 2, 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 of the simplified acquisition threshold of $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

  1. 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.
  2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved FY26 budget entered into the CSA 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. You can find a sample of the grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
  3. 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
  4. Payment Forms
    1. Monthly Invoice (IL444-5257)
    2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) Only if requesting an advance payment

B. Reporting

  1. 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

  1. Mental Health Grants - FY26
  2. IDHS Grants
  3. IDHS website

B.  Mandatory Forms and Submissions

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