Employment Barrier Reduction Fund (26-444-80-0689-01)

1. - Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)

Items 1(A) - 1(E) are in the CSFA Data Table Below:

Awarding Agency Name (1-A)	Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name	Family and Community Services Office of Workforce Development Bureau of Employment and Training
Agency Contact	Charles Hopkins DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov (217) 299-8295
Announcement Type (1-C)	Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B)	Employment Barrier Reduction Fund
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D)	26-444-80-0689
Application Posting Date	April 21, 2025
Application Closing Date	May 22, 2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-0689
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Employment Barrier Reduction Fund
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E)	93.558
Awarding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$3,000,000.00
Anticipated Number of Awards	1
Award Range	$3,000.000.00
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	No
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	No
Technical Assistance Session Offered	Yes May 15, 2025 @ 2:00 P.M. Meeting Link

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

6. Funding Details
   1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $3,000,000.00 
      2. The source of funding for this program is State funds.
   2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 1 grant award 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 $3,000,000.00. 
   4. Average Amount of Funding per Grant Award in previous years.
      1. Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years was $3,000,000.00.
   5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility
      1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.
      2. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on 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. Sub-Recipient Agreements
      1. Sub-Recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Sub-Recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the sub-recipient.
      2. At least 1 sub recipient must be identified in each IDHS:Region, outside of region 1.
      3. To ensure equitable access and a meaningful statewide footprint, applicants must work in close collaboration with the Department to identify focus communities which represent areas of high need, significant population centers, and strategic regional importance. The grantee will recruit sub-grantees and establish services in or near the focus areas. Focus areas may include but are not limited to the following (Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates: Table B19001.):
         1. Rockford (Winnebago County) - 65.1% of households making less than $25,000
         2. Freeport (Stephenson County) - 43.1% of households making less than $25,000
         3. Sterling (Whiteside County) - 42.3% of households making less than $25,000
         4. DeKalb (DeKalb County) - 65.9% of households making less than $25,000
         5. Davenport/Quad Cities area (Rock Island County and surrounding) - 63.5% of households making less than $25,000
         6. Galesburg (Knox County) - 44.7% of households making less than $25,000
         7. Peoria (Peoria County) - 52.8% of households making less than $25,000
         8. Macomb (McDonough County) - 71.3% of households making less than $25,000
         9. Quincy (Adams County) - 57.2% of households making less than $25,000
         10. Champaign (Champaign County) - 46.8% of households making less than $25,000
         11. Decatur (Macon County) - 49.0% of households making less than $25,000
         12. Kankakee (Kankakee County) - 42.2% of households making less than $25,000
         13. Springfield (Sangamon County) - 35.9% of households making less than $25,000
         14. St. Louis Metro East (St. Clair and Madison Counties - 56.4% of households making less than $25,000
         15. Coles County (including Charleston and Mattoon) - 36.7% of households making less than $25,000
         16. Marion County (including Centralia and Salem) - 39.6% of households making less than $25,000
         17. Carbondale (Jackson County) - 39.7% of households making less than $25,000
         18. Johnson County (Southern Illinois region) - 66.7% of households making less than $25,000
      4. Not all focus communities require immediate subcontract agreements to be included in the application. However, applicants must demonstrate capacity to serve all areas and a plan to recruit and establish subcontractors to ensure service availability in these areas by the quarter two (2) of the fiscal year.
      5. Focus area identification and distribution of services will be reviewed annually. To ensure service in high-need communities, IDHS will work collaboratively with the applicant to identify changes in geographic need using census or other reliable data sources to guide targeting and implementation
   7. Funding restrictions
      1. Pre-Award Costs
         1. Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS Uniform Grant Budget Narrative. Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award.
         2. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. 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).
   8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
7. Key Dates
   1. Application Posting Date:  April 21, 2025.
   2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.): Due on N/A at N/A CST.
   3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on May 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST.
   4. Anticipated Award Date: June 1, 2025.
   5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
      1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2025 and will continue through June 30, 2026.
8. Executive Summary:
   • The Employment Barrier Reduction Fund is a state-funded initiative administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support low-income individuals in overcoming financial and logistical obstacles to employment. The program provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) that offer services to individuals receiving SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid, helping them access essential resources to enter and sustain employment.
   • Additionally, the program seeks to prevent low-income individuals from experiencing financial emergencies or hardships that could push them further into poverty, making it more difficult to participate in employment and education activities. By addressing immediate financial barriers-such as transportation, childcare, and housing stability-the program ensures that individuals can focus on securing sustainable employment, gaining new skills, and improving their long-term economic stability.
   • Many individuals face challenges such as transportation costs, lack of work-appropriate attire, and childcare expenses, which prevent them from securing and maintaining employment. By funding supportive services, this program helps reduce reliance on public assistance while promoting long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency.
   • This program uses an intermediary model of service delivery in order to serve the entire state through sub-grantees. Agreements should be in place with all sub-grantees working with the grantee. Performance must conform to all program rules and guidelines. Agreements with sub-grantees are subject to review and approval by the Department.
9. Agency Contact Information.
   1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact the E&T NOFO mailbox at DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov
   2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 5 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.
10. Indirect Costs (for more information, refer to Indirect Costs)
    • Additional Information: The program originated as a pilot initiative and has now transitioned into a competitive grant program based on its effectiveness in reducing employment barriers. The goal of this award is to offer services across the state of Illinois in geographic areas where they are most needed. Therefore, the State is seeking to fund approximately one award in each IDHS region. A single grantee may apply and be awarded grants that serve multiple regions.
      

2. - Eligibility

3. - Program Description

This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity.

1. Required Information:
   1. The general purpose of the funding is to support low-income individuals in overcoming financial and logistical obstacles to employment. The program provides funding to community-based organizations (CBOs) that offer services to individuals receiving SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid, helping them access essential resources to enter and sustain employment.
   2. The State agency's 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.
      2. IDHS intends to prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other services are not offered and/or are in high need areas, having a disproportionate amount of economic hardship or food insecurity.
      3. IDHS intends to prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other services are not offered and/or are in high need areas, having a disproportionate amount of economic hardship or food insecurity.
      4. IDHS is also focused on removing barriers that exist for Returning citizens/reentry programs that connect formerly incarcerated individuals with career pathways.
      5. IDHS will also prioritize funding programs that provide language access and cultural competence to meet the needs of all populations.
   3. Goals and objectives of the Program
      1. The EBRP will be used to break down employment barriers, empowering underserved, and vulnerable populations across Illinois. The goal for the program is to impact and strengthen partnerships and referrals from FCRC offices and leverage other funding sources to assist eligible households. Renewed funding is essential to expanding outreach and enabling more individuals and families to achieve economic independence and long-term stability.
   4. Program Deliverables
      1. Grantees are expected to provide services to customers starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
      2. The grantee will provide the following services and provisions; exceptions to these provisions must have the written approval of the Department:
         1. The grantee will develop a community outreach plan which includes a detailed description for notifying the community of the program, hours of operation, and eligibility requirements of the program(s)they administer for IDHS.
         2. The grantee will develop a partnership plan that provides a detailed overview of the local Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) within the region. The plan will outline a strategic approach to establishing and strengthening partnerships with these local offices to enhance program visibility and accessibility for participants. It will also include proposed mechanisms to facilitate ongoing coordination and communication, ensuring seamless collaboration to monitor and evaluate program impact.
         3. The grantee will obtain prior approval from IDHS on any publication and distribution of flyers, printed materials and brochures that are part of the IDHS funded program.
         4. The grantee will develop linkage agreements or memorandums of understanding with other community services agencies, IDHS FCRCs, and other outreach entities available for inspection by IDHS.
         5. The grantee will develop a referral process that assists program participants with enrollment into other public benefit programs such as TANF, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), medical and disability assistance, as well as other resources that address the needs of the population targeted for service.
         6. The grantee will verify the eligibility of customers either directly or through contact with an FCRC. No fees shall be imposed upon applicant(s) by the Community Partner.
         7. The grantee will issue payments according to the Supportive Service guidelines found in the Barrier Reduction Program Manual, Appendix A.
         8. The grantee will maintain a record of payments authorized for customer expenses for audit purposes. The record will include, at minimum, an application form, the applicant(s) name, type of employment expense(s) issued by the Partner, stated need and proof of need, the amount(s) of payment issued, entity payment was issued to (including address for which payment is intended if for household expense), and the date issued.
         9. The grantee will verify documentation and eligibility as well as reconcile the Barrier Reduction Ledger distributed prior to submitting to the Department by the 15th of the month following the month of service.
      3. If less than 50% of the funds have been utilized by January of the program year, then the Department may reduce the grant award at their sole discretion and by an amount determined by the Department.
   5. Performance Measures and Standards
      1. Number of customers that were linked to other services from IDHS or otherwise (for example Liheap or SNAP)
      2. Number of customers served and what services were received by category: i.e. Housing related assistance, transportation, clothing, education, etc. Reports must outline the top 10 categories of services issued determined by number of individuals who received that category of service,
      3. Number of individuals served by county and IDHS Region (1 through 5),
      4. Amount of supportive services issued by county and IDHS Region (1 through 5) as determined by dollar amount,
      5. Amount of supportive services issued and delineating at least the top 10 categories as determined by dollar amount issued in each category,
      6. Amount of referrals received from local FCRCs with the FCRCs location broken out and number of referrals received from each. As needed, Corrective Action Plans will be initiated to address unmet Performance Standards, which may result in a reduction or termination of funding.
      7. 100% timely submittal of all required PFRs and PPRs.
      8. Submittal of an outreach plan and any MOUs and/or linkage agreements for review by the Department by no later than the end of the second month of services.
      9. Full issuance of a minimum of 90% all supportive services by the end of the program year.
      10. 100% assurance that all individuals receiving assistance through this program mee the program's eligibility criteria.
   6.  For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have is (or is located) N/A.
   7. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following: N/A.
   8. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: meet TANF and/or SNAP eligibility criteria, i. e. under 200% of poverty level
   9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: 305 ILCS 5/Art. IV and 45 CFR 200.

4. - Application Contents and Format.

This subsection must identify the required content of an application and the forms or formats an applicant must use. If any requirements are stated elsewhere, this section should refer to where those requirements may be found. This section also should include required forms or formats as part of the announcement or state where the applicant may obtain them.

1. Content and Format Requirements 
   1. Content and Form of Application Submission
      1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required 
      2. Required Content of Application
         1. Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding. Refer to Section 5 (iii)B for details.
      3. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments
         1. Program Narrative: IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a significantly reduced score the applicant organization will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
         2. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments: If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will consider content contained within that specific section. (Include program specific instructions/questions for the narrative portion of the application here; at a minimum, each nofo must include a section for need, capacity and program design.)
      4. Executive Summary (2 page maximum) - 5 points
         1. The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for the successful applicant that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of the funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description and provide an overview of the services proposed with these funds and the outcomes that will be achieved. The description should include:
            1. Agency history
            2. A brief overview of the services that will be delivered.
            3. Service area.
            4. Need for the services.
            5. Capacity to provide the services and
            6. Projected numbers to be served within each program component.
      5. Program Narrative: Need - Description of Need (2 pages maximum)- 10 points 
         1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services and benefits gained. State and describe the service area, the target population, and the need for services in your community. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
            1. Identification of service area. Include description and demographics of communities served.
            2. Description of accessibility and availability of services that reflect organizational and community needs.
            3. Identification of unserved, underserved or inadequately served populations and any special needs in the service area. Explain how they were identified.
            4. Describe current trends or issues, service gaps or unmet needs in the community or target population
      6. Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (9 pages maximum-attachments do not count toward page maximum) - 40 points.
         1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's capacity, qualifications, and ability to provide the program as described in this Funding Notice. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
            1. Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage both the grant and subcontractors. This should include experience, staffing patterns and qualifications to comply with GATA fiscal and administrative requirements. Highlight any recent changes in policies and procedures to improve fiscal, administrative, or programmatic capacity.
            2. An organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. Include the relationship with subcontractor organizations in the chart. (Label Attachment A).
            3. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their qualifications to implement the program deliverables.
            4. A description of your agency's current programs (remote and in person options) and activities relevant to the services described in this NOFO.
            5. Describe the capacity of your program to meet the needs of the target populations you will be serving and respond to emerging community needs using an equity lens. Describe your program's strategy to enhance services to unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations in the proposed service area.
            6. Identification of proposed or established partnerships with other agencies providing services to underserved populations. Describe the nature of the partnership, i.e., subawards, Memorandum of Understanding or linkage agreements and highlight collaborative efforts.
            7. Identify service locations, hours of operation, service type and staffing.
            8. Detail service provision numbers.
            9. Describe agency oversight by Board of Directors and available resources for fiscal, administrative and programmatic areas. 
            10. Describe the agency capacity to provide a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment, i.e.: the means by which the state and its sub-recipients will provide meaningful access for participants regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
            11. Contingency or service delivery plan for continuing operations in the event of another COVID- 19 resurgence or similar event. Explain to what extent program deliverables can be met remotely or that agency's capacity includes the ability to continue while keeping participants and staff safe.
      7. Program Narrative: Quality - Description of Program Design and Services (9 pages maximum) 35 points.
         1. The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing intermediary services to other organizations.
         2. Provide a description of each required service component that will be provided to subgrantees. Include your process for initiating subcontracts, eligibility criteria, identification of service needs and service planning.
         3. Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application. Include how your program provides culturally appropriate staffing, materials, outreach, etc. Include identification of the underserved populations that are being targeted for outreach and services that address their specific needs.
         4. Describe how the program provides support service administration assistance.
         5. Describe what strategies your organization employs to ensure quality programming. 
         6. Describe your program staff's qualifications and training. Include education and/or experience, initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, training budget, certifications, etc.
         7. Describe how sub grantee management will be accomplished and by who.
         8. Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. List any additional outcomes your program will target to achieve. Detail how participation in the program will result in industry recognized credentials, vocational or education gains, and or employment placement for participants. 
         9. Describe your relationships with community partners which may offer connections to reduce dependence on emergency assistance and the logic behind program offerings.
      8. Budget and Budget Narrative (10 points)
         1. Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system (Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System). The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan.
         2. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
         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
         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 herein and by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
      9. Required Forms
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf): is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. 
         2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure: is a required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization.
         3. W-9 form
      10. Required Format
          1. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined or points may be deducted.
          2. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.

5. -  Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

1. Address to Request Application Package.
   1. Actions Needed Prior to Applying:
      1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of Financial Assistance and the IDHS Grants Website Page located: IDHS: Grant Funded Programs (state.il.us)
      2. 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 1 - Alpha section I). It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO.
2. Unique entity identifier 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 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.
      4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
      5. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
   2. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b).
   3. If the agency exempts any applicants from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d), a statement to that effect.
3.  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: Pre-Award Requirements
   2. The methods for submitting the application:
      1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order:
         1. Program Narrative
         2. Uniform-Application-for-State-Grant-Assistance(pdf)
         3. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
         4. Budget (entered into the CSA system as described in section (4)(A)
         5. W-9 form
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: NOFO number and your agency name. 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. Documents must include the following password: N/A
      4. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows: : internet access, preferably high-speed, and browser software meeting the following criteria:  Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11 or newer.
      5. Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, if they did not receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and does not notify the Department within 48 hours, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after the 48 hours. In the event of a dispute the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above (and that the budget was submitted into the CSA system on time).
   3. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows: N/A
   4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
      1. Name: Charles Hopkins
      2. Phone: (217) 299-8295
      3. Email: DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov
4. Submission Dates and Times.
   1. Full applications are due on the following date May 22, 2025 at the following time 11:59 PM (CST). 
   2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date N/A.
   3. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application) include: N/A.
   4. Missed Deadlines:
      1. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      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. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
      3. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.
5. Intergovernmental Review. 
   1. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs"

6. - Application Review Information.

7. - Award Notices.

1. This section must address what a successful applicant can expect to receive following selection. 
   1. State Award Notices
      1. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
         1. Grant award amoun
         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. 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 notice 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. Note: The Department cannot issue an Agreement until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system
      5. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will receive a Notice of Ineligibility prior to the Merit Based Review.
      6. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit Review process will receive a Notice of Denial/Non Selection.

8. - Post-Award Requirements and Administration.

1. 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. Sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement
   3. Start Date: Applicants must be in a position to begin offering services on July 1, 2026.
   4. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice should have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information: 
      1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
      2. Browser software meeting the following criteria: Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11 or newer
      3. Email capability
      4. Microsoft Excel
      5. Microsoft Word
      6. Adobe Reader
      7. Printer/scanner
   5. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits/quality reviews as requested by the Department.
   6. Emergency Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written emergency (including pandemic) policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Center for Disease Control.
   7. Hiring and Employment Policy: It is the policy of the Department to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The Department philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider TANF clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience.
   8. Publication of Studies, Reports or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for the Department under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of the Department and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the Department.
   9. Trauma Informed: The provider may demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization as this is a best practice emerging in Human Services. The provider can demonstrate this commitment by providing upon request, a list of trauma-informed trainings attended by staff, copies of trauma-informed policies, practices and procedures adopted by the organization, documentation of trauma-informed technical assistance received, etc.
   10. Equity and Racial Justice: Services provided under this NOFO must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and ability. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective off the community/population being served. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being pursued, the organization can indicate their intention to develop and implement, including a timeline of activities.
   11. 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. 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. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subcontractor(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department. 
      2. The Grantee is expected to report the following on a monthly basis via submission of the GATA required Periodic Performance Report (PPR's). a. All metrics outlined in the Performance Standards and Measures section above.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
      6. 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.
      7. 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. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List

9. - Other Information - Optional

1. Additional Information 
   1. Mandatory Forms and Submission
      1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
      2. Proposal Narrative
      3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
      4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      5. W-9 form