Questions & Answers - Community Access & Workforce Readiness Initiative(26-444-80-2459-01)

4/22/2025

  1. Question: How flexible is the model in terms of innovative service delivery, for example mobile units, virtual services, or employer-led training?
    • Answer:  We encourage all external partners to bring your innovative ideas when writing their program plans.
  2. Question:  Are there any particular program models, partnership structures, or service delivery strategies that IDHS has found especially impactful or successful in the past?
    • Answer: At this time, we are in the process of gathering data and insights through ongoing implementation efforts. As this work progresses, we anticipate being able to identify and share successful practices that have demonstrated positive impact.
  3. Question: Does IDHS expect formal MOUs with partners at the time of submission, or is a plan for partnership development sufficient?
    • Answer: As partnerships are built during the course of the fiscal year, MOUs can and should be created and agreements signed upon collaboration of development
  4. Question:  Could you share how many applications were submitted versus awarded during the last funding cycle of the CAWR initiative? We'd like to better understand the level of competitiveness and ensure we're approaching the opportunity with appropriate scope and framing.
    • Answer:  This is the first competitive cycle for the CAWR initiative.
  5. Question:  For this funding opportunity, we are wondering 1) if there is a minimum number of participants required, 2) what is the expected cost per participant (if any), and 3) is there a required age range for participants? Thank you!
    • Answer: Participant eligibility for the program is equivalent to household SNAP eligibility or to be unemployed and have a current household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level, not by a required age range. There is no set minimum number to serve, although there is an expectation based on award amount requested and received. The expected cost per participant is $300 weekly for a minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 8 weeks.
    • 4/23/2025
  6. Question: For the narrative's "capacity" section, I see that IDHS is looking for attachments A, B and C. Are there specific forms for these attachments? Where should they be included in the application packet (after the narrative?)
    • Answer: There are no specific forms for Attachment A, B and C. Each applicant should create and provide supporting documentation on information requested and attach to the application packet
  7. Question: In addition, are there any specific formatting requirements for this application (spacing/font/page numbers/total pages, etc.?)
    • Answer: All proposal narrative responses should be single spaced, 12 pt font with one-inch margins. Page limitations are listed within the funding opportunity.
    • 4/25/2025
  8. Question:  Is funding limited to programs for adults or do youth/young adult employment programs also count?
    • Answer:  The CAWR program age requirement is 18 years of age and up.
  9. Question:  Are any personnel required to be hired as part of this grant?
    • Answer:  It is at the agency's discretion whether or not to hire personnel for the program.
  10. Question:  Can funding also go towards wages for participants in addition or in place of the stipend? and are there minimums or maximums for the number of participants served?
    • Answer: Yes, award amount requested goes towards, admin cost, wages for participants, and supportive services for participants.
  11. Question: I am writing on behalf of a Township Government. We recently reviewed the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the IDHS DCEO Workforce Development Grant and noted that eligibility is limited to not-for-profit (NFP) community-based organizations.
    • Given our interest in supporting workforce development initiatives, we wanted to inquire whether there might be flexibility for government entities to participate-either as subgrantees in partnership with an NFP organization that may not have the capacity to apply due to administrative restraints or eligibility or through an alternative application pathway to enhance our existing workforce programs.
    • Answer:  A governmental entity is not eligible to apply for this NOFO. However, a governmental entity could be a subgrantee of an NFP. Unfortunately at this time, IDHS is unable to facilitate collaborative partnerships.