Domestic Violence Prevention & Intervention (26-444-80-0652-01)

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 Adult Services and Basic Supports
Agency Contact	Erica Koegler DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov (217)836-1020
Announcement Type (1-C)	Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B)	Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D)	26-444-80-0652-01
Application Posting Date	03/11/2025
Application Closing Date	04/11/2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-0652
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E)	93.667, 93.671
Awarding Source	State and Federal
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$70,077,955
Anticipated Number of Awards	55-65
Award Range	$150,000-$2,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	Yes
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	No
Technical Assistance Session Offered	Session Offered: Yes Session Mandatory: No Date/Time: Friday, March 14th, 10:00am - 11:30am Registration Link

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

6. Funding Details
   1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $70,077,955
      2. The source of funding for this program is State and Federal funds
   2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 55-65 grant awards to provide this program
   3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be $150,000-$2,000,000.
   4. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
      1. Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years: N/A
   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.
   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 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 03/11/2025.
   2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.): Not applicable
   3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on 04/11/2025 at 5:00PM CST
   4. Anticipated Award Date 07/01/2025
   5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
      1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than 07/01/2025 and will continue through.
8. Executive Summary: 
   1. Program Description
      1. The Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI) program provides safe, secure shelter to protect victims and their children from further abuse; to provide information, support, counseling and advocacy services to help victims become aware of and take advantage of their rights and options; to provide supportive services that help victims become self-sufficient and enable them to live in nonviolent homes; and to educate and inform the community that abusing a family member is a crime that will not be tolerated.
9.  Agency Contact Information.
   1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov.
   2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 2 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website. 

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 provide crisis intervention to victims of domestic violence and their vulnerable family members. Providers function as a safety net for victims and provide quality comprehensive, specialized, or legal specialized domestic violence services to victims and their vulnerable family members. The goal of service delivery is to prevent domestic violence by meeting the immediate crisis and long-term needs of victims and their vulnerable family members. It is expected to achieve that Providers' service delivery model shall encourage and support victims' efforts to regain control over and decrease the violence in their lives. Providers shall increase the safety of victims, their children, and vulnerable family members; respect and support the authority and autonomy of adult victims in directing their own lives, and hold perpetrators, not victims, responsible for the abusive behavior and for stopping the abuse. Victim safety shall be paramount in all operational policies and procedures including eligibility and shelter admission. Victims shall be encouraged to follow safety plans and seek assistance as often as it is necessary to keep their children, themselves, and vulnerable family members safe for the public good.
   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. Grant funds must be used to cover the costs of providing crisis intervention, shelter, outreach, prevention and related domestic violence services as defined in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The Department will provide funding to support and enhance existing programs, but will not provide full funding to any program, and startup programs will not be considered.
         • Funds are used to support operational domestic violence victim service programs that meet the guidelines established in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. This funding support's the Department's goals of health and safety.
         • Focus Areas of these grant funds include the three following types of domestic violence services:
           1. Comprehensive Domestic Violence Services
              1. Grantees provide a full menu of domestic violence services including shelter, 24- hour response to calls from the Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line, information and referral, counseling, advocacy, Illinois Domestic Violence Act advocacy, transportation, and community outreach and prevention services. Emergency shelter for survivors and their unsafe family members may be through program-operated, on-site facilities and/or off-site facilities such as hotels/motels or safe homes.
           2. Specialized Domestic Violence Services
              1. Grantees provide specific, limited domestic violence services but do not provide emergency shelter for survivors. Specialized services are required to provide referrals to shelter services, information and referral for other services, outreach, education, and prevention and at least one of the following services: counseling, advocacy, Illinois Domestic Violence Act advocacy.
           3. Specialized Legal Domestic Violence Services
              1. Grantees utilize attorneys, paralegals and other professionals to assist victims with legal advocacy and litigation. This may include providing victims with legal information and options, accompanying them through the legal system or advocating for them within the legal system. This can include advocacy and legal services related to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act or assistance with legal issues in systems such as DCFS, housing, the police, or the State's Attorney's office.
   3. Goals and objectives 
      1. The goals and objectives of this program are that grantees' service delivery model shall encourage and support victims' efforts to regain control over and decrease the violence in their lives. Grantees shall increase the safety of victims, their children, and vulnerable family members; respect and support the authority and autonomy of adult victims in directing their own lives, and hold perpetrators, not victims, responsible for the abusive behavior and for stopping the abuse. Victim safety shall be paramount in all operational policies and procedures including eligibility and shelter admission. Victims shall be encouraged to follow safety plans and seek assistance as often as it is necessary to keep their children, themselves, and vulnerable family members safe. Grantees must provide services in accordance with the IDHS/ICADV Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual.
   4. Program Deliverables
      • The award will contribute to achieving the program's goals and objectives by providing crisis intervention to victims of domestic violence and their vulnerable family members. Providers function as a safety net for victims and provide quality comprehensive, specialized, or legal specialized domestic violence services to victims and their vulnerable family members. The goal of service delivery is to prevent domestic violence by meeting the immediate crisis and long-term needs of victims and their vulnerable family members.
        1. Deliverables
           1. Number of clients that know more ways to plan for their safety as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           2. Number of clients that know more about resources in their community as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           3. Number of clients that feel safer from abuse by getting out of the abusive environment while in shelter as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           4. Number of clients that feel more hopeful about their future as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           5. Number of clients that have a better understanding of the effects of abuse on their life as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           6. Number of clients that have a better understanding of the effects of abuse on their children's lives as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           7. Number of clients that have an increased understanding of their legal rights as a domestic violence victim as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           8. Number of clients that know they can report violations of orders of protection as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
           9. Number of clients that feel better able to support themselves and their children as measured by client data entered quarterly into the InfoNet System.
   5. Performance Measures and Standards
      • The expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, data collection, and other outcomes the agency expects recipients to achieve are the following:
        1. 70% of clients surveyed will know more ways to plan for their safety.
        2. 70% of clients surveyed will know more about resources in their community.
        3. 70% of clients surveyed will feel safer from abuse while in shelter.
        4. 70% of clients surveyed will feel more hopeful about their future.
        5. 70% of clients surveyed will have a better understanding of the effects of abuse on their life.
        6. 70% of clients surveyed will have a better understanding of the effects of abuse on their children's lives.
        7. 70% of clients surveyed will have an increased understanding of their legal rights as a domestic violence victim.
        8. 70% of clients surveyed will know they can report violations of orders of protection.
        9. 70% of clients surveyed will feel better able to support themselves and their children.
        10. The following deliverables are required for all grantees funded under this grant award:
            1. Grantees must provide services for the entire funding period and notify the Department of changes to their Program plan or changes in personnel within 10 days.
            2. Grantees shall collect and report service outcomes via the InfoNet as directed by the Department. The collection and reporting of this data are essential in determining the outcomes of services provided to clients. The Provider shall submit outcomes on a quarterly basis, as specified by the Department, within 25 days after the end of each quarter. Within 60 days of the end of the agreement period, the Provider shall submit a report, as directed by the Department, detailing the results of the outcomes collected. The Providers InfoNet outcome data will be used by the Department to determine performance.
            3. Provide domestic violence services to clients who are or have been victims of or threatened with domestic violence or abuse, whether physical, sexual, or emotional. Persons eligible as clients are adults and minors and their vulnerable family members. Eligibility for service is based on the victim's self-reported current needs and ability to benefit from such service.
            4. Grantee must provide inclusive, and voluntary services. Participation in any service is voluntary and is not to be used as a condition for remaining in the program, including shelter. Services cannot be contingent upon participation in program activities or compliance with program rules, unless there is a safety reason for the rule. Grantees or subcontractors may not charge fees to victims or significant others seeking services for domestic violence. The Provider shall make no direct payments to victims or their dependents.
            5. It is a requirement that all DV providers serve survivors from any catchment area when the provider has the capacity.
            6. Grantees shall not discriminate in the provision of services on the basis of age, race, creed, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, the county of origin, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, spoken language, disability, or religion.
            7. All grantees must provide services in a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive manner. Grantees need to understand, acknowledge and respect the differences among victims of domestic violence in ethnicity, race, religion, age, gender, abilities, language and other characteristics, and provide services in a relevant, competent and appropriate manner in accordance with these differences. Programs should demonstrate an ability to adapt individual interventions, programs, and policies to fit the cultural context of the individual family or community. Grantees must have established partnerships with organizations that primarily serve underserved populations and have a written plan for referrals, coordinated or contracted services and confidentiality. Victims are to be given information on any applicable organization that primarily serve underserved populations, whereby victims have the option to choose the organization to receive services from.
            8. Grantees will be required to assure the health and safety of clients during all stages of service delivery. The safety of victims and their children must be paramount when determining operational policies and procedures, client eligibility and admission to services. Programs are required to have in place and follow written security and safety procedures designed to protect clients and staff from perpetrators of abuse, as applicable. Services must be provided in a secure environment, and Grantees that shelter clients on site are required to have staff present at the site whenever clients are present. Additional information on safety requirements can be found throughout the Illinois Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual on the ICADV website. All federal, state and local requirements related to health, safety and zoning must also be met.
            9. All information, records, and documents concerning persons served must remain confidential and be protected by the Grantee from unauthorized disclosure. Except as required by state or federal law, regulation or order; Grantees must agree not to disclose any information concerning a client without the informed, written and reasonably time-limited consent of the client. Such information must be limited to that which is necessary for the proper delivery of services to the client under the terms of the contract. Grantees will be required to have in place and follow written policies and procedures on client confidentiality and the release of client information. More information on confidentiality requirements can be found in the Confidentiality chapter of the Illinois Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual.
            10. Grantees will be required to document service delivery and maintain accurate and complete service records for each client. As directed by the Department, Grantees will be required to submit quarterly data by the 25th day following the close of the quarter and progress reports to the Department as requested. The InfoNet documentation system, operated by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, is the required documentation system for all domestic violence programs funded through the Department.
            11. Cooperate and participate in any research and survey efforts which have been approved by the Department. Cooperate and participate in the Departments' program evaluation and strategic plan initiatives. The Department agrees to consider requests for waiver or modifications of a research participation mandate from individual providers.
            12. All program sites and services must be ADA compliant, to include having procedures in place to provide reasonable accommodations to clients that require such. This may include accommodating clients with service provision at other locations. Programs must be responsive to the needs of victims with disabilities and Deaf victims.
            13. Grantee must participate in monitoring activities and receive consultation and technical assistance from the Department or its authorized representatives. Grantee staff will be required to be in attendance at monitoring activities. Programs may be required to attend meetings and training as provided by the Department or a subcontractor of the Department. Grantees shall ensure representation at mandatory program meetings, management and program trainings convened by or on behalf of the Department. Providers will be notified of any such meetings and required staffing levels. Grantees are required to work with the IDHS training and technical partners and respond to requests for information, scheduling of site visits or other technical assistance efforts.
            14. Obtain approval from the Department for all materials produced pursuant to this Agreement. If materials are produced by the Provider without prior approval by the Department, production costs may be disallowed.
            15. Grantee will establish and maintain collaborative relationships with PAIP providers and be knowledgeable of available services.
        11. In addition to the deliverables cited above for all grantees, Comprehensive Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs shall provide services identified below and as outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual:
            1. Grantees must respond to the emergency shelter needs of victims and their families, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. An active connection to emergency shelter is required which may include, but not be limited to, admission to grantee's onsite shelter, calling a shelter program and coordinating admission and transportation to shelter, making hotel or community arrangements for safe shelter. Hotel placement costs must be included in the budget. Supportive services must be provided to all onsite and offsite shelter clients.
            2. Grantees are required to work with the Domestic Violence Helpline including providing shelter bed counts as requested (DVPI onsite shelters), responding timely to calls from staff to connect victims to local programs for services (all DVPI grantees) and other coordination activities to promote access to services.
               1. It is the expectation of the Department that onsite shelter programs do not significantly decrease the number of beds/space described by the grantee in the Program Narrative.
            3. In order to comply with the confidentiality clause of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/227.), any person, employee or volunteer, who provides domestic violence services to victims either through face-to-face contact or via remote services or the crisis hotline, must complete at a minimum 40 hours of training in domestic violence advocacy, crisis intervention and related areas. All Grantees will be required to keep on file documentation that appropriate staff and volunteers meet all training requirements. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act is available on the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence website .  In addition, all supervisors, coordinators, directors and other program leaders are strongly encouraged to have Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) certification.
            4. Grantees must have trained staff and/or trained volunteers available to answer calls directly from the statewide hotline and others for information and referral and crisis intervention. These services must be provided by staff/volunteers who meet the 40-hour training requirements.
            5. Grantees must help each victim and vulnerable family member identify their immediate crisis and long -term needs and develop an individualized service plan to meet the identified needs.
            6. Grantees must provide individual and/or group counseling which includes emotional support, guidance, education, problem solving, listening, IDVA advocacy, discussion of rights and options, safety planning, service planning and related services. These services must be provided by staff/volunteers who meet the 40-hour training requirements.
            7. Grantees must provide Illinois Domestic Violence Act advocacy - an explanation of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and how to obtain a civil or criminal Order of Protection (OP) and assistance in obtaining an OP, including intervention/contact on the victim's behalf with representatives of the civil or criminal justice system and law enforcement personnel.
            8. Grantees must provide advocacy services which may include legal, medical and other efforts by a staff/volunteer with a third party on behalf of a victim. These services must be provided by staff/volunteers who meet the 40-hour training requirements.
            9. Grantees must provide transportation assistance or provide direct transportation for victims.
            10. Grantees are required to provide outreach and prevention services to the community.
            11. Grantees may choose to provide or purchase supplemental services - episodic childcare, child visitation, educational assistance, emergency medical care, employment assistance, housing assistance, mental health counseling, and substance abuse counseling, for those receiving comprehensive domestic violence services.
        12. In addition to the deliverables cited above for all grantees, Specialized Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs shall provide services identified below and as outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual:
            1. In order to comply with the confidentiality clause of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/227.), any person, employee or volunteer, who provides domestic violence services to victims either through face-to-face contact or via remote services or the crisis hotline, must complete at a minimum 40 hours of training in domestic violence advocacy, crisis intervention and related areas. All Grantees will be required to keep on file documentation that appropriate staff and volunteers meet all training requirements. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act is available on the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence website at: https://www.ilcadv.org/. In addition, all supervisors, coordinators, directors and other program leaders are strongly encouraged to have Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP) certification.
            2. Grantees are required to provide referrals to shelter services, information and referral for other services, and at least one of the following services and associated deliverables: counseling, advocacy, Illinois Domestic Violence Act advocacy.
            3. Grantees must help each victim and vulnerable family member identify their immediate crisis and long-term needs and develop an individualized service plan to meet the identified needs.
            4. Grantees, who provide individual and/or group counseling, must include emotional support, guidance, education, problem solving, listening, IDVA advocacy which includes discussion of rights and options, safety planning, service planning and related services. These services must be provided by staff/volunteers who meet the 40-hour training requirements.
            5. Grantees, who provide Illinois Domestic Violence Act advocacy, must include an explanation of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and how to obtain a civil or criminal Order of Protection (OP) and assistance in obtaining an OP, including intervention/contact on the victim's behalf with representatives of the civil or criminal justice system and law enforcement personnel.
            6. Grantees, who provide advocacy services must ensure that these services be provided by staff/volunteers who meet the 40-hour training requirements. Advocacy services may include legal, medical and other efforts by a staff/volunteer with a third party on behalf of a victim.
        13. In addition to the deliverables cited above for all grantees, Specialized Legal Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs shall provide services identified below and as outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual:
            1. Grantee will utilize attorneys, paralegals and other professionals to assist clients with navigating the legal system including, but not limited to, obtaining criminal or civil orders of protection, obtaining or defending divorce proceedings, and other child-related proceedings.
            2. Any staff supported through the Specialized Domestic Violence Legal Services who provide domestic violence services to victims either through face-to-face contact or via remote services must complete at a minimum 40 hours of training. Grantees must develop a training and supervision plan for volunteers providing legal services.
            3. Grantee will integrate safety planning into legal services as appropriate and have staff trained in domestic violence and safety planning.
            4. Grantee will establish and maintain relationships with and provide education to court personnel and other key allies to enhance advocacy and legal efforts on behalf of victims.
            5. Grantees will establish and maintain collaborative relationships with comprehensive domestic violence prevention and intervention programs and be knowledgeable of available services.
            6. Grantees will establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other entities to provide advocacy and address victim's basic needs outside of legal issues, which may include, but is not limited to comprehensive domestic violence services, housing, employment, substance use, mental health and employment.
   6.  For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are:
      1. Not Applicable
   7. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following:
      • All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of any federal awards.
        1. Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
        2. Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
        3. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
        4. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
        5. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
        6. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
        7. Deposits for items, services, or space.
   8. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: 
      • Eligible participants must be people who state that they are or have been victims of or threatened with domestic violence, or if they are not able to state this, are referred with information and details that indicate domestic violence dynamics. Services may be provided to adults and/or their unsafe family or household members, and minors who are or have been involved in dating or engagement relationships and/or their unsafe family or household members.
   9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: I. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: The Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention grant award is authorized by a direct appropriation utilizing state and federal funds. 

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 
   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.)
            1. Executive Summary (1 - 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.
               2. 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 and how projections were compiled.
            2. Program Narrative: Need - Description of Need (2 - page 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.
               2. The description should include:
                  1. Identification of catchment area. Include description and demographics of communities served. Include how you will address survivors needs that are not in your catchment area. It is a requirement that all DV providers serve survivors from any catchment area when the provider has the capacity.
                  2. Description of accessibility and availability of services that reflect your client and communities' needs.
                  3. Identification of unserved, underserved or inadequately served populations and any special needs in the catchment area. Explain how they were identified.
                  4. 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.
                  5. Describe current trends or issues, service gaps or unmet needs in the community or target population.
            3. Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (9-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 grant. This should include experience, staffing patterns and qualifications to comply with GATA fiscal and administrative requirements and the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. 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. If subawards will be used, include the relationship with those 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 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. Describe your program's strategy to enhance services to unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations. At a minimum, staffing and linkage/working agreements or collaborations with community partners that primarily serve these populations and the leadership role played by those representing and serving the identified underserved populations
                  6. Identify service locations, hours of operation, service type and staffing. (Attachment B)
                  7. Describe the trauma-informed approach to delivery of services. Including how are staff trained on trauma-informed practices, changes the agency has made to be more trauma-informed and how the agency ensures that trauma-informed practices are being implemented.
                  8. Detail service provision numbers. (Attachment C)
                  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.
                      1. the means by which the state and its sub-recipients will provide meaningful access for limited English proficient individuals.
                      2. the means by which the state and its sub-recipients will provide meaningful access and effective communication for individuals with disabilities
                  11. Describe Services for children exposed to family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence including age-appropriate counseling, supportive services, and services for the non-abusing parent that support that parent's role as a caregiver.
            4. Program Narrative: Quality - Description of Program Design and Services (9-page maximum) - 40 points
               1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear and accurate picture of its intended program design. At a minimum, the proposal must address each of the following components in the order below:
                  1. Provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing domestic violence services.
                  2. Describe how agency provides shelter services. Off-site programs must address how emergency shelter needs are met, i.e. All comprehensive domestic violence programs (on-site and off-site) must submit off-site policies. On-site shelter programs must also submit shelter policies and a detailed description of beds/space available.
                  3. For comprehensive DV providers only: Describe outreach, education, prevention, systems advocacy efforts and community partnerships. a description of the outreach plan to underserved populations, including training to be provided related to domestic violence services and prevention.
                  4. 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 and/or linguistic services, staffing, materials. Include identification of the underserved populations that are being targeted for services.
                  5. For comprehensive DV providers only: Describe how the program provides with transportation assistance.
                  6. Describe what resources and other knowledge, skills, or abilities are available to implement quality programming.
                  7. Describe your program staff's qualifications and training. Include education and/or experience, initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, training budget, certifications.
                  8. Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. List any additional outcomes your program will target to achieve.
      4. Budget and Budget Narrative

         Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). 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.

         1. 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.
         2. 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
         3. 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. Required Forms
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf): 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.
         3. Federal Form W-9 (pdf)
         4. Attachment A - Organizational Chart
         5. Attachment B - Service Information
         6. Attachment C - Service Provision Numbers
         7. Attachment 4a -Applicant Uniform Grant Budget
      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.
         3. All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings that correspond to the headings in bold type listed above in the Narrative Content and Form section. For example, Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity, then 1. Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant. Then fill in response…
         4. The entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single/double-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified in the "Content and Form of Application Submission" section including the Executive Summary. Items included as Attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
         5. The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below.
         6. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below:
            1. Executive Summary
            2. Program Plan Narrative
               1. Need - Description of Need
               2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
               3. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
            3. Attachment A - Organizational Chart
            4. Attachment B - Service Information
            5. Attachment C - Service Provision Numbers
            6. Uniform State Grant Application - separate document (PDF)
            7. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
            8. Attachment 4a. - Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (PDF of Budget)
               1. Budget must also be entered into CSA by deadline
            9. Federal Form W-9
         7. Application emails should be sent with the following subject line: 26-444-80-0652-01_Name of Agency
         8. Files within the email should be named similarly including the NOFO number, type of document, and agency name (Ex. 26-444-80-0652-01_Agency Name_Attachment A)
            1. Applications will be accepted electronically to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov as described herein. Faxed copies, hard paper copies, etc. will not be accepted. Applications that are inconsistent with the instructions herein will be subject to denial. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.

5. -  Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

1. Address to Request Application Package. This subsection MUST include the following:
   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). 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.
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. Executive Summary
         2. Program Narrative
         3. Attachment A
         4. Attachment B 
         5. Attachment C
         6. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance(pdf)
         7. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
         8. Budget (entered into the CSA system as described in section (4)(A)
         9. Federal Form W-9 (pdf)
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov.  Include the following in the subject line: NOFO number and your agency name. (Ex. 26-444-80-0652-01_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.
         1. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by the Department; if it is not at 5:00PM of applicant's eligibility; pre-qualifications, etc. Refer to Section 2. Eligibility for more information on applicant's eligibility.
      3. Documents must include the following password: Not Applicable
      4. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows: please see post-award requirements for software capabilities and requirements. 
      5. Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, by emailing DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov 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: Not Applicable
   4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
      1. Name: Erica Koegler
      2. Phone: (217) 836-1020
      3. Email: DHS.DVSAHT@Illinois.gov
4. Submission Dates and Times
   1. Full applications are due on the following date 04/11/2025 at the following time 5:00PM (CST).
   2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date: Not Applicable
   3. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application): Not Applicable.
   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. 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.

7. - Award Notices.

1. Award Notices 
   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 amount
         2. The terms and conditions of the awar
         3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review
      2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
      3. The 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. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving an award following the Merit Review process.

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 (pdf).
   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. A description of the three different award payment methods can be found here: IDHS: Grantee Payment Methods Notification.
   4. Payment Forms
      1. Periodic Financial Report Template (monthly and quarterly) will be received upon contract execution
      2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) (pdf)
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. 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 submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA. Reports must be submitted no later than 60 days after the agreement end of the period of performance or termination.
      4. Financial Reports (Monthly Periodic Financial Reports) submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA. Reports must be submitted no later than 25 days after the month ends.
      5. 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.
      6. 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
   2. 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. Email capability
      3. Microsoft Excel
      4. Microsoft Word
      5. Adobe Reader
         1. The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.
   3. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits/quality reviews as requested by the Department.
   4.  Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
   5. 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.
   6. 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. - Other Information

1. Additional Information 
   1. Mandatory Forms and Submission:
      1. Executive Summary
      2. Program Narrative
      3. Attachment A - Organizational Chart
      4. Attachment B - Service Information
      5. Attachment C - Service Provision Numbers
      6. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
      7. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
      8. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      9. Federal Form W-9 (pdf)