Immigration Integration (26-444-80-1456-01)

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	Division of Family and Community Services (FCS), Office of Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services
Agency Contact	Karina Lopez Karina.Lopez@illinois.gov 312-848-4341
Announcement Type (1-C)	Competitive Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B)	Immigration Integration
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D)	26-444-80-1456
Application Posting Date	Monday, March 24, 2025
Application Closing Date	Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-1456
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Immigration Integration
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E)	N/A
Awarding Source	State Funded
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$38,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards	Anticipated Number of Awards based on coverage of services needed statewide
Award Range	To be determined based on whether the application is submitted by a single agency, or a consortium of agencies
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	No
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	See GATA rules and regulations
Technical Assistance Session Offered	Session Offered: Yes Session Mandatory: No Date/Time: Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST Meeting Link Join by Phone: 1-415-655-0002 US Toll Meeting number (access code): 2863 067 5569 RSVP to Delyris.Martinez@Illinois.gov and DHS.BRIS@Illinois.gov by Tuesday, April 8, 2025, no later than 12:00 pm CST.

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

Funding Details
1. Total Amount of Funding
  1. The Department expects to award approximately $ 38,000,000
  2. The source of funding for this program is State funds
2. Number of Grant Awards
  1. To be determined based on whether the application is for a single agency, or a consortium of agencies
3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
  1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be will be determined based on whether the application is for a single agency, or a consortium of agencies.
4. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
  1. Average funding amount for this grant award program years were in the range of $100,000 up to $29,300,000. The amounts will be determined based on whether the application is submitted by a single agency, or a consortium of agencies.
5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
  1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not 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.
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/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).
8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award
Key Dates
1. Application Posting Date Monday, March 24, 2025.
2. The Department encourages all applicants to submit a Letter of Intent: Due on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST.
3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
4. Anticipated Award Date July 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.
Executive Summary: The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is pleased to announce the Immigrant Integration Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), an initiative designed to enhance the self-sufficiency and successful integration of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees across Illinois. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen service delivery systems that support immigrant communities by addressing barriers to public benefits access and promoting pathways to citizenship. This initiative is structured into two key components:
1. Immigrant Integration Consortium
  - Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP)
  - New Americans Initiative Program (NAI)
  - Immigrant Family Assistance Hotline (IFAH/Hotline)
  1. Consortium Model Requirement for IFRP, NAI, and IFAH Funding - This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued to facilitate the provision of the Immigrant Integration Program to the community through an intermediary model with a prime grantee. The prime grantee must demonstrate a commitment to expanding services and capacity by collaborating with multiple sub-recipients/partners to ensure broad and effective service delivery. Aligned with this approach, the IFRP, NAI, and IFAH operate under a consortium-based model designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. Applicants seeking funding for any of these components are required to apply as part of a coordinated partnership, ensuring a strategic and integrated approach to service provision.
    1. The collaborative model is essential for:
      1. Comprehensive Service Delivery: Promoting seamless and holistic support for individuals and families by leveraging the strengths and expertise of multiple organizations.
      2. Enhanced Program Impact: Strengthening outcomes by fostering innovation, shared best practices, and data-driven decision-making among consortium partners
    2. Applicants must demonstrate a clear governance structure, defined roles, and a unified strategy to ensure the success and sustainability of services under this model. Priority consideration will be given to partnerships that illustrate strong coordination, capacity-building efforts, and a commitment to achieving measurable outcomes
2. Immigrant Integration Capacity Building:
  - Public Benefits & Language Access Technical Assistance
  - Citizenship Education Training and Technical Assistance
  1. This component focuses on strengthening service provider capacity through training and technical assistance. By equipping organizations with the tools to provide effective language access, public benefit training and citizenship education, IDHS ensures that immigrant-serving entities can deliver high-quality, culturally responsive programs.
    Through this initiative, IDHS seeks to increase access to essential public benefits and services for low-income, Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, ensuring equitable participation in programs that enhance economic stability and overall well-being. Additionally, the program prioritizes expanding naturalization efforts by providing targeted outreach, education, and legal assistance to eligible legal permanent residents, fostering civic engagement and long-term integration
    The target audience for this funding includes community-based organizations, nonprofit entities, and service providers with demonstrated expertise in supporting immigrant and refugee populations. Eligible recipients must have the capacity to deliver culturally and linguistically responsive services that address the diverse challenges faced by immigrant communities. Funded programs will provide comprehensive support, including benefits enrollment assistance, language access services, naturalization preparation, and community education.
    By investing in organizations committed to immigrant integration, IDHS aims to build a more inclusive and supportive infrastructure that empowers individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, access critical resources, and fully participate in society. This NOFO underscores Illinois' dedication to welcoming and supporting immigrant communities through strategic partnerships and evidence-based service models.
Agency Contact Information.
1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact Agata Fieske-Nesheiwat at agata.fieske-nesheiwat@illinois.gov and Adriana Cisneros at adriana.cisneros@illinois.gov
2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 7 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.
Indirect Costs (for more information refer to Indirect Costs)

2. - Eligibility

Eligible Applicants.
1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award must meet the following requirements:
  - Be a nonprofit organization subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3) in good standing with the State of Illinois.
  - Have experience and a successful track record in providing immigrant and refugee services.
  - Have prior experience or knowledge of the Immigrant Integration program model.
  - Have knowledge and expertise in working with federal and state policies regarding immigrant and refugee status.
  - Demonstrate an understanding of the ethnic diversity of the immigrant and refugee populations and the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services unique to this program.
  - Can meet the program goals described in this NOFO.
  - Have at least five years of successful experience managing direct service sub-grants, including training, monitoring and service evaluation (this does not apply to the Immigrant Integration Capacity Building portion).
  - The capacity to manage system planning and program operation.
  - The capacity to provide technical assistance, collect service data, and generate program reports using the data provided by the direct service providers (this does not apply to the Immigrant Integration Capacity Building portion).
  - The capacity to provide program and fiscal monitoring (this does not apply to the Immigrant Integration Capacity Building portion).
    1. Applicants interested in applying for the Immigrant Integration Capacity Building MUST meet the criteria outlined above in Section 2 (i) as well as the following additional requirement
      1. Must be a:
        
        Nonprofit organization
        
        Community based organizations, or
        
        Public agency with relevant expertise
      2. Have experience in providing technical assistance and training to:
        
        organizations delivering citizenship instruction (a minimum of 1 year of experience with in the past 3 years required) or
        
        organizations delivering social services to immigrant and refugee population
      3. Have knowledge of USCIS naturalization policies and procedures, including recent testing and application requirements changes and/or,
      4. Have knowledge of Public Benefits policy and application process
      5. Can conduct outreach and maintain updated resource directories for citizenship education programs
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 and on the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding. Items a) through e) 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. Additional Mandatory Requirements
    1. N/A
3. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any.
  1. N/A
4. Successful 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.
5. See Section number 1(F) for funding restrictions, if applicable.
6. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include:
  1. N/A
7. Limit on number of applications.
  1. Applicants are limited to submitting 5 applications for this funding opportunity.
Cost Sharing:
1. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

3. - Program Description

Required Information:
1. The general purpose of the funding is an initiative designed to enhance the self-sufficiency and successful integration of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees across Illinois. This initiative prioritizes access to public benefits for low-income, Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals to increase naturalization rates, and public awareness of social services offered by empowering individuals and families.
  Consortium Model Requirement for IFRP, NAI, and IFAH Funding This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued to facilitate the provision of the Immigrant Integration Program to the community through an intermediary model with a prime grantee. The prime grantee must demonstrate a commitment to expanding services and capacity by collaborating with multiple sub-recipients/partners to ensure broad and effective service delivery. Aligned with this approach, the IFRP, NAI, and IFAH operate under a consortium-based model designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. Applicants seeking funding for any of these components are required to apply as part of a coordinated partnership, ensuring a strategic and integrated approach to service provision. This collaborative model is essential for:
  1. Comprehensive Service Delivery: Promoting seamless and holistic support for individuals and families by leveraging the strengths and expertise of multiple organizations.
  2. Enhanced Program Impact: Strengthening outcomes by fostering innovation, shared best practices, and data-driven decision-making among consortium partners
    Applicants must demonstrate a clear governance structure, defined roles, and a unified strategy to ensure the success and sustainability of services under this model. Priority consideration will be given to partnerships that illustrate strong coordination, capacity-building efforts, and a commitment to achieving measurable outcomes.
  3. Program Components - This program includes two components: Immigrant Integration Consortium and Immigrant Integration Capacity Building. Eligible applicants may apply for funding under one or both components.
    - Immigrant Integration Consortium:
      1. Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP)
      2. New Americans Initiative Program (NAI)
      3. Immigrant Family Assistance Hotline (IFAH/Hotline)
    - Components I, II, and III (IFRP, NAI, and IFAH) are designed to be implemented as a consortium model. Applicants seeking funding for these components must apply as part of a coordinated partnership
    1. Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) IFRP is designed to overcome language barriers and information gaps that prevent immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees from accessing public benefits and essential services. IDHS aims to ensure that Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals are aware of available public benefits and receive the necessary assistance to apply for and maintain them. IDHS has implemented significant improvements to the benefits application process. Eligible individuals and families can now apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid online or have an approved representative assist them. The Integrated Eligibility System (IES) - Phase II has introduced additional online functionalities, allowing individuals to submit applications electronically and update personal information (such as income, address, household composition, and work status) efficiently. These changes reduce paperwork and time spent at Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs), ensuring quicker access to essential services for low-income LEP immigrants and refugees. However, LEP individuals receiving TANF or SNAP risk losing benefits if they fail to meet work participation requirements. It is crucial that they fully understand these requirements and receive the necessary support to achieve self-sufficiency.
      1. Services eligible for funding under this area include:
        
        Case Management Services
        
        Offer personalized case management to help individuals overcome barriers to accessing public benefits and other social services
        
        Interpretation and Translation Assistance
        
        Interpretation assistance for Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs) assists immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees with public benefits applications and other social service programs.
        
        Translations of key IDHS documents into primary languages spoken by low-income, Limited English-proficient (LEP) populations, beyond Spanish, to ensure equitable access to information.
        
        Assistance for individuals to navigate TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, childcare benefits, and other social service programs as needed
        
        Information and Referral
        
        Ensure clients are informed about services available to them and facilitate connections with organizations that provide those services. If a specific program is not available within an organization, assist clients in identifying alternative resources to meet their needs.
        
        Community Education and Public Awareness
        
        Conduct outreach and community education initiatives to:
        
        Inform LEP communities about available public benefits and self-sufficiency programs.
        
        Provide clarity on state and federal public benefits eligibility policies based on immigration status.
        
        Ensure information is linguistically and culturally appropriate for specific immigrant groups
        
        Multimedia Outreach Campaign
        
        Develop linguistically and culturally tailored outreach campaigns in multiple languages to educate diverse immigrant communities on:
        
        IDHS programs such as Medicaid, SNAP and TANF, including work participation requirements.
        
        The IES online system for applying for public benefits and managing case information.
        
        Federal policy updates that may impact eligibility for public benefits
    2. New Americans Initiative (NAI)
      For nearly two decades, IDHS has supported eligible legal permanent residents in navigating the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens. Additionally, assistance is available for individuals eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Services are prioritized for low-income, (LEP) immigrants, refugees, seniors, women, and youth with special needs. The initiative provides targeted support to ensure eligible individuals receive comprehensive assistance throughout the citizenship process
      1. Services eligible for funding under this area include:
        
        Application Assistance and Legal Guidance
        
        Provide direct support preparing and submitting applications for:
        
        U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization process N-400)
        
        Application for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
        
        DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
      2. Citizenship and Civic Educations
      3. Offer short term citizenship training classes to prepare eligible immigrants for naturalization test, including:
        
        U.S. history and government (as required for the citizenship exam).
        
        Civic responsibilities and constitutional rights.
        
        Basic English language instruction relevant to the naturalization process
      4. Community Education and Outreach
      5. Conduct linguistically and culturally appropriate outreach efforts to:
        
        Raise awareness about the benefits and requirements of naturalization and DACA.
        
        Inform immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees about available programs and services.
        
        Encourage eligible individuals to initiate the citizenship process.
    3. Immigrant Family Assistance Hotline
      IDHS is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to operate statewide. This hotline will serve as a vital resource to help immigrants and refugees understand their rights, locate nearby human services organizations, and report urgent family reunification needs.
      1. The Hotline will:
        
        Provide confidential, multilingual support to immigrants across Illinois.
        
        Connect callers with trusted organizations offering services that may include but are not limited to housing, healthcare, education, and legal aid assistance.
        
        Offer Know Your Rights information and guidance on available services.
        
        Support rapid response efforts to address family separation and other emergencies affecting immigrant families
      2. Services eligible for funding under this area include:
        
        Family Support Services -the funded agency will operate a hotline to assist immigrant families and individuals in accessing critical resources. The hotline should be widely publicized and accessible through various outreach methods, including informational flyers, ethnic media, and partnerships with community-based organizations. The hotline must be:
        
        Available in multiple languages, allowing organizations, individuals, and families to access services easily.
        
        Linguistically inclusive in order to foster a more supportive environment.
        
        Staffed by trained full-time personnel who can provide referrals that may include but are not limited to healthcare access, education, public benefits, immigration legal aid, workplace rights, and mental health support.
        
        Integrated with an advanced hotline platform to produce real- time reports and track call trends.
        
        Equipped to handle a high volume of calls with the ability to scale services based on demand.
        
        Able to provide live operator support for urgent deportation defense and support rapid response efforts to address family separation or emergencies affecting immigrant families
        
        Know Your Rights (KYR) Presentations -will conduct Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations to educate immigrant and refugee communities about their constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status
        
        Presentations MUST be accessible in multiple languages and include interpretation services as needed to ensure effective communication and inclusivity for all participants.
        
        KYR materials must reflect new immigration policies and executive orders.
        
        Must provide train-the-trainer programs for community leaders
        
        Rapid Response Teams - the funded agency will establish and coordinate Rapid Response Teams to assist communities facing heightened risks of family separation due to immigration-related enforcement activities
        
        Teams must operate in strategic locations across Illinois based on community needs.
        
        Volunteers must be trained to observe, document, and verify activities that may lead to family separation while coordinating legal and community support.
        
        Teams must work to combat misinformation and reduce panic in impacted communities.
        
        Agency must provide ongoing training, technical assistance, and support to Rapid Response Team members
  4. Immigrant Integration Capacity Building Components:
    1. Aim to strengthen the capacity of public and community agencies through specialized training, technical assistance, and language access services
      1. Public Benefits & Language Access Technical Assistance
      2. II. Citizenship Education Training and Technical Assistance
    2. Capacity building stands alone and can be applied independently of the consortium.
      1. Public Benefits & Language Access Technical Assistance: IDHS is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to public benefits and services by equipping frontline organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively serve diverse immigrant and refugee communities, including migrants, asylum-seekers, parolees, and other new arrivals. Services eligible for funding under this area include:
        
        Public Benefits Training & Technical Assistance. Providing education and capacity-building for community-based organizations, public agencies, and other service providers to ensure effective navigation of public benefits and resources available
        
        Develop and deliver training sessions for community-based organizations and public agencies on public benefits and services available to immigrants and refugees.
        
        Provide ongoing technical assistance to service providers to improve their capacity to support immigrants and refugees effectively.
        
        Capacity Building & Language Access Services. Expanding interpretation and translation services, including in-person, virtual, and telephonic interpretation, to remove linguistic barriers for individuals with LEP. Offering interpreter training, proficiency assessments, and professional development opportunities for language access practitioners to improve the quality of interpretation and translation services in community settings
        
        Conduct language proficiency assessments for interpreters and bilingual staff to ensure quality of interpretation services.
        
        Deliver interpreter training to enhance service quality, including introductory interpretation courses and professional development workshops.
        
        Provide interpretation services (in-person, virtual, and telephonic) to support community agencies in serving LEP individuals
        
        Annual Cross-Sector Forum. Convening an annual forum that brings together stakeholders from across the region to foster partnerships, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to increasing access and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities
        
        Organize and facilitate an annual convening of community-based organizations, public sector representatives, and other stakeholders to share best practices and strengthen coordination in serving immigrant and refugee populations
  5. Citizenship Education Training and Technical Assistance
    1. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive training and technical assistance (TA) to community-based organizations that deliver citizenship education programs. These programs emphasize civics education and English language instruction, thoughtfully designed to assist eligible immigrants in successfully navigating the naturalization process. It will enhance the quality and accessibility of citizenship education at community-based organizations throughout the state. Additionally, it will promote the availability of citizenship education programs for eligible immigrants through outreach and referral services. Services eligible for funding under this area include:
      1. Strengthening Citizenship Education Programs
        
        Provide high-quality technical assistance and professional development activities to increase the capacity of New Americans Initiative (NAI) citizenship education programs.
        
        Ensure training aligns with best practices and current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) testing protocols.
        
        Offer guidance on effective instructional strategies tailored for diverse learning formats, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid instruction
      2. Program Quality and Learner Outcomes
        
        Conduct a comprehensive review of NAI citizenship education programs to assess program quality and improve learner success rates.
        
        Provide recommendations and targeted support to strengthen curriculum, instructional methodologies, and student engagement strategies
      3. Outreach, Referral, and Resource Enhancement
        
        Update the Illinois Adult Education hotline directory to include all IDHS-funded NAI citizenship education agencies.
        
        Facilitate outreach efforts to connect potential citizenship students with appropriate educational programs.
        
        Develop and expand referral services for individuals seeking citizenship education opportunities, including recruiting volunteers to support instructional programs
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.
3. Goals and objectives of the Program.
  1. To raise awareness and improve access for LEPs to public benefit programs; increase rates of naturalization for Illinois legal permanent residents; and provide access to a resource hotline.
4. Program Deliverables
  1. Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) Deliverables
    1. Case management services
    2. Interpretation and Translation Services
    3. Information and Referral
    4. Community Education and Public Awareness
    5. Multi-media awareness campaign in multiple languages
    6. Document Translation Services
  2. New Americans Initiative (NAI) Deliverables
    1. Application Assistance and Legal guidance
    2. Citizenship and Civic Education
    3. Outreach
  3. Immigrant Family Assistance Hotline (IFAH) Deliverables
    1. Multicultural Media Campaign b
    2. Persons reached via multi-media campaign
    3. Information and referrals projected
    4. Know your Rights (KYR presentations)
    5. KYR train-the-trainer presentations
    6. Rapid response teams
    7. Call volume and response times
  4. Capacity Building Technical Assistance (CBTA) Deliverables
    1. Organizations and staff impacted and/or served by initiative
    2. Group trainings conducted
    3. Individual consultations completed
    4. Materials created and distributed
    5. Technical Assistance sessions
5. Performance Measures and Standards
  1. The expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, data collection, and other outcomes the agency expects recipients to achieve are the following: at least 80% of performance measure
6. For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are (or are 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: N/A.
9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: N/A.

4. - Application Contents and Format.

This subsection MUST specifically address content and form or format requirements for:
1. Content and Form of Application Submission
  1. Letters of intent are encouraged.
  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 Sections: Please provide a complete response to the following sections. 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 only consider content contained within that specific section
      1. Immigrant Integration Consortium Rubric
        
        The maximum possible score is 100 points. All applications will be reviewed, evaluated, and rated based on the following criteria:
        
        Executive Summary - 5 points The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. It will also be scored for completion. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description.
        
        Community Identification and Description of Need - 15 points Applicants must clearly define and justify the need for services within the communities they propose to serve. Evaluation will be based on how well the applicant:
        
        Identifies the geographic area and target population to be served.
        
        Demonstrate a strong connection to the community, illustrating how the organization is embedded within and trusted by the population it seeks support.
        
        Effectively describes existing service needs and barriers faced by the community, using data or qualitative insights to support the identified needs
        
        Agency Qualifications and Organizational Capacity- 25 points Applicants must demonstrate their organizational strength and ability to implement and manage the proposed program effectively. Evaluation will be based on the extent to which the applicant:
        
        Demonstrates strong management, supervision, and well-organized internal organizational structure to ensure effective program/service delivery and sound fiscal management.
        
        Demonstrates successful history of working with immigrants, refugees and other LEP communities, including having the expertise and capacity to deliver the services procured in the NOFO, such as: language and cultural competency, track record of providing effective services for low-income LEP immigrants/refugees, delivering successful and measurable program outcomes.
        
        Has a proven ability to provide timely submission of fiscal reports and required data to evaluate the program performance.
        
        Presents a comprehensive implementation plan, including staffing structure, physical space, and training strategies
        
        Program Quality, Design, and Implementation- 30 points The overall program design should effectively address the specific needs of the proposed client population. Applications will be evaluated on:
        
        Strong management, strong program oversight, and a well-organized internal organizational structure to ensure effective program/service delivery.
        
        The ability to submit fiscal reports and program specific data in a timely manner for program evaluation and compliance
        
        Successful history of working with immigrant, refugee and other LEP communities including having the expertise and capacity to provide subgrantee overside and services procured in the NOFO, such as: language and cultural competency, track record of strong program overside, specific measurable outcomes and delivering successful program outcomes.
        
        Methods and strategies to provide technical assistance, education/skill-building, program evaluation. A well-established plan for program monitoring, reporting and evaluating to ensure continuous service improvement
        
        Equity and Racial Justice Commitment- 10 points The extent to which the applicant demonstrates understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on immigrant, refugee and other LEP communities and describes the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process
        
        Budget & Costs Justification- 15 points The proposed budget should be reasonable, well-justified, and aligned with program goals. Applicants will be evaluated based on:
        
        A clear justification for all proposed line-item expenditures.
        
        Ensuring that all expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable.
        
        Proposed staffing is sufficient to address participant projections and participant language needs.
        
        Identification of supplemental or companion funding sources, where applicable, to enhance program sustainability. Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified.
        
        Budget Narrative is clear and provides context. In this section provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals, and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. If you plan to use additional state or federal funds, or other funds to support the program, please also describe how these additional funds will be utilized to implement the program
      2. Capacity Building, Training and Technical Assistance Rubric
        
        The maximum possible score is 100 points. All applications will be reviewed, evaluated, and rated based on the following criteria:
        
        Executive Summary - 5 points The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. It will also be scored for completion. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description
        
        Community Identification and Description of Need - 15 points Applicants must provide a clear and well-supported description of the needs within the Immigrant Integration Program and explain how partner organizations will benefit from the proposed services. Strong applications will:
        
        Clearly define the geographic area and communities they intend to serve.
        
        Demonstrate a deep understanding of community challenges and service gaps.
        
        Provide data or qualitative insights on how the proposed capacity-building efforts will enhance service delivery for immigrant-serving organizations
        
        Agency Qualifications and Organizational Capacity- 25 points Applicants must demonstrate their organizational strength, experience, and ability to deliver high-quality services. This section will be evaluated based on:
        
        A strong organizational structure, competencies, management, supervision, and well-organized internal procedures to ensure effective service delivery and sound fiscal management.
        
        A proven history of working with immigrant and refugee serving organizations, along with the capacity to provide capacity- building, technical service, and training as outline in the NOFO.
        
        Evidence of experience conducting needs assessments, engaging stakeholders, and delivering training and/or technical assistance to immigrant and refugee serving organizations. Applicants should highlight major accomplishments and successful outcomes.
        
        The ability to submit fiscal reports and required program data in a timely manner for program evaluation and compliance.
        
        A comprehensive implementation plan that discusses staffing, physical space, and training
        
        Program Quality, Design, and Implementation- 30 points The applicant's program design should clearly and effectively address the organizational needs that impact the stability and efficiency of the Immigrant Integration Program. Strong applications will include;
        
        Demonstrated qualifications to serve as a training and advising partner, describe linkages that are already in place with other community stakeholders.
        
        Effective methods and strategies to provide technical assistance, organizational development, education/skill-building, or program evaluation.
        
        A structured approach to working with partner agencies to develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) goals.
        
        A defined process for data collection and reporting to measure progress toward SMART goals.
        
        A comprehensive report of activities, lessons learned, goal attainment, and recommendations for future improvement
        
        Equity and Racial Justice Commitment- 10 points The extent to which the applicant demonstrates understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on immigrant, refugee and other LEP communities and describes the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
        
        Budget & Costs Justification- 15 points The proposed budget should be reasonable, well-justified, and aligned with program goals. Applicants will be evaluated based on:
        
        A clear justification for all proposed line-item expenditures.
        
        Ensuring that all expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable.
        
        Proposed staffing is sufficient to address participant projections and participant language needs.
        
        Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified.
        
        Budget Narrative is clear and provides context. In this section provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals, and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. If you plan to use additional state or federal funds, or other funds to support the program, please also describe how these additional funds will be utilized to implement the program
  4. Budget and Budget Narrative
    1. Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system and attach a copy with the application. 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 and attached with the application. 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 (state.il.us). If technical assistance is required regarding the CSA, contact Guillermina Valdez at Guillermina.Valdez@illinois.gov .
    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.
    5. Additional information for entering a Uniform Grant Budget can be found at Budget Template and Budget Template Instructions . Be sure to follow instructions on website on how to download the template.
  5. 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. 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 - The 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.
  6. 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.
Within each of the categories above, this subsection MUST include, where relevant:
1. The total application may not exceed 25 pages, single-spaced. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, attachments, and Uniform Budget Template are not included in the page limitation.
2. Electronic submission is required and should be submitted to Adriana Cisneros at adriana.cisneros@illinois.gov and DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov with the subject line: NOFO number and your agency name.
3. The application must be submitted as one document.
4. The application must follow the sequence listed under section 6. Application Review Information, ii. Review Criteria.

5. - Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

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.
Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This subsection must state the requirements for unique entity identifiers and registration in SAM.gov. It must include the following:
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.
Submission Instructions. This subsection addresses how the applicant will submit the application.
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)
  2. Applications must be sent electronically to Adriana.cisneros@illinois.gov and DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov . The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to Adriana.Cisneros@illinois.gov and DHS.BRIS@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 and Adobe Acrobat.
  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 electronically to Adriana.Cisneros@illinois.gov and DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov
4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
  1. Adriana Cisneros
  2. 773-909-7260
  3. Adriana.cisneros@illinois.gov
Submission Dates and Times.
1. Full applications are due on the following date Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the following time 5:00 PM (CST).
2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the following time 5:00 PM (CST)
3. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application) include: N/A
4. If the funding opportunity is a general announcement that is open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications, this section should say so.
5. 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.
Intergovernmental Review. This section must include the following:
1. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs".

6. - Application Review Information.

Eligibility Review.
1. Applications that are received will be reviewed on/between May 2, 2025 and May 6, 2025 to ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the criteria in paragraph B below will be rejected and not entered into the Merit Review process.
2. 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 (DHFS Provider Sanctions) List.
  8. Program specific eligibility restrictions include: N/A
3. Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
4. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
Review Criteria.
1. Review Criteria- Maximum Total 100 Points
  1. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The review criterion and sub-criterion include the following: (list the individual criterion and sub-criterion).
    1. Applications will be evaluated based applicant's response to the program narrative described in Section 4.i.3 Program Narrative and Contents. Each section will be weighted as described below
  2. Criteria and weighting of each criterion
    1. The maximum possible score is 100 points.
    2. All applications will be reviewed, evaluated, and rated based on the following criteria
      1. Executive Summary - 5 points.
      2. Community Identification and Description of Need - 15 points
      3. Agency Qualifications and Organizational Capacity- 25 points
      4. Program Quality, Design, and Implementation- 30 points
      5. Equity and Racial Justice Commitment- 10points
      6. Budget & Costs Justification- 15 points
  3. Statutory, regulatory, or other preferences: N/A
  4. Cost Sharing will not be considered in the review process.
  5. Information regarding Applicant-nominated reviewers: N/A.
2. Additional Information :
  1. Merit Reviewers
    1. Grant applications received will be reviewed by IDHS staff, including staff from the Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services; persons with expertise on immigrant issues may also be included
  2. The number of evaluators on a review panel will be determined by the volume of applications received. All panel members undergo comprehensive training before participating in the evaluation process to ensure consistency, fairness, and adherence to funding criteria.
Review and Selection Process.
1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:
2. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider any factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a State of Illinois grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
3. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one or more of the following options:
  1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
  2. Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
  3. Not fund any of the tied applications. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
4. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates TBD
5. Merit Based Review Appeal Process
  1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only be evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
    1. Submission of Appeal
      1. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
        
        Contact Name: Karina Lopez
        
        Email address: Karina.lopez@illinois.gov
        
        Email Subject Line: Appeal Immigrant Integration 26-444-80-1456
      2. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
      3. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
      4. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
        
        Name and address of the appealing party
        
        Identification of the grant; and
        
        Statement of the reasons for the appeal
        
        Supporting documentation, if applicable
    2. Response to appeal
      1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
        
        IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
        
        The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request
    3. Resolution
      1. The ARO will make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
      2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
      3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
      4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
      5. Review of the appeal;
      6. Appeal determination; and
      7. Rationale for the determination.
Risk Review.
1. This section must include the following:
  1. IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued.
    1. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal. 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. 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
    3. 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.
    4. 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. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive an award over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ( as defined in 48 CFR part2, subpart 2.1.: Potential grantees under this notice of funding opportunity may receive an award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. 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

7. - Award Notices.

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 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. 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.

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. 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.
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. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List

9. - Other Information - Optional

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

Immigration Integration (26-444-80-1456-01)

1. - Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

2. - Eligibility

3. - Program Description

4. - Application Contents and Format.

5. - Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

6. - Application Review Information.

7. - Award Notices.

8. - Post-Award Requirements and Administration.

9. - Other Information - Optional

Links