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

Question: I have reviewed the NOFO and have a question regarding the narrative section - specifically: Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency & program Narrative: Quality. Are there prompted questions to answer with regards to these sections as there are listed in the Program Narrative: Need - Description of Need section? Also, for the Quality - is there a page limit?
Answer: Yes. The NOFO Program Narrative: Capacity & Program Narrative: Quality sections have been updated with required questions in the NOFO posting. There is a 9-page maximum for the Program Narrative: Quality section.
Question: In your outline of the narrative, you give no instructions for IV. Quality, a maximum page size or point total for that section. Instructions are not given for section III. Program Narrative - Capacity Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity.
Answer: The NOFO Program Narrative: Capacity & Program Narrative: Quality sections have been updated with instructions in the NOFO posting. There is a 9-page maximum for the Program Narrative: Quality section. Please refresh the webpage to see the updates.
Question: Is the total page limit the sum of the maximum sizes per section?
Answer: There is no total page limit. Please follow the listed page maximums of each section (Executive Summary - 1 page, Program Narrative: Need - 2 pages, Program Narrative: Capacity - 9 pages, Program Narrative: Quality - 9 pages). The budget PDF, attachments, and other required documents are not included in the section maximum page numbers.
Question: Your instructions on page five under 6. Required Format says, "the program narrative must be typed single/double spaced". Do you want it single spaced or double spaced?
Answer: Applicants can choose to submit their application narrative in single or double spaced. NOTE: If an applicant chooses to submit their application narrative double spaced, the listed page maximums still apply.
Question: I followed the link and have downloaded the provided attachments but cant seem to find the actual Program Plan Narrative document. Can you provide guidance on where to find that?
Answer: There is not an actual Program Plan Narrative document. Please use section 4. Application Content and Format as an outline for the content for your Program Narrative.
Question: I want to confirm that this is a competitive NOFO and not a continuation of the FY25 grant. Therefore, the budget submitted is to be a new budget based on anticipated costs for FY26 with a new total and not an update of the current budget based on that total.
Answer: This is a competitive NOFO and not a continuation of the FY25 grant award. The budget submitted should reflect anticipated costs for FY26 with the amount you are requesting for FY26.
Question: Can you tell me if the rollover in CSA still works with this budget as it would for a budget for a non-competitive grant?
Answer: For assistance with rolling over budgets in CSA, please reference page 44 of the GATA Budget Manual. You can find this manual under the "Help" tab in CSA.
Question: I wish to clarify the GATA ICQ deadline. We have submitted our 2025 in GATA. Do we need to submit the 2026 in GATA for the NOFO DVPI application or will 2025 suffice for the application?
Answer: The State FY2026 ICQ (Internal Controls Questionnaire) must be submitted prior to the NOFO closing date.
Question: Is this NOFO only for not-for-profit organizations?
Answer: Eligible applicants include not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agencies with experience in domestic violence services. This opportunity is limited to operational community-based domestic violence programs that demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement.
Question: Does the direct client assistance funding restriction apply to only the federal portion or the entire grant (state and federal sources)?
Answer: Direct cash assistance or payments to survivors is unallowed.
Question: Do you anticipate any changes to the contract terms and/or certifications passed down from the federal government for this NOFO?
Answer: We do not have any information at this time on any changes from the federal government. Our federal project officer has not heard of any changes at this moment. We will update providers if any changes occur.
Question: Should we budget the 25 percent match for the entire request & you will let us know, if approved, what it really is?
Answer: When we determine how much federal funding an agency has been allocated, we will let you know how much match is required.
Question: When will you know the federal funding portion?
Answer: Applicants will be notified of the federal funding portion on the Notice of State Award (NOSA). When an applicant receives the NOSA, it will identify the State and Federal funding portions, and the required match amount.
Question: Will we be receiving a copy of the slides?
Answer: Unfortunately, due to the accessibility requirements of the IDHS webpage, we cannot attach the PowerPoint slide deck. However, here is a link to the technical assistance session recording displaying the PowerPoint slides: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/ldr.php?RCID=55f9b8e91259ffd2932b4e6cefae6369
Question: If we don't know the Federal amount of the grant what should we enter for match amount?
Answer: When completing your budget for FY26 in CSA, please complete your state budget, the total state funding you are requesting. Applicants can omit the non-state funding portion of the budget until they receive a match amount. Once a required match amount is received and a Notice of State Award is received, providers that are awarded federal funding will be instructed to go back into CSA and create/modify the non-state (match) budget.
Question: Is shelter required to be part of the services, or can you just provide the assistive services?
Answer: There are three different types of DVPI providers: comprehensive, specialized, and specialized legal. If you are applying to be a comprehensive provider, then you must provide shelter services.
Question: All pages are to be numbered, so for example the organizational chart is to be included in Program Narrative, when we submit, is there one pdf document or several attached files?
Answer: One PDF is preferred, however, if it is too large to send, then applicants can send as a zip file or multiple attachments/emails.
Question: In the past there were forms for the required information for Attachments B & C. Are you saying that now we have to create our own and fill in the required information? Also in the past there was a cover page. Do we need to create one for this proposal?
Answer: Applicants can obtain a PDF copy of the NOFO posting, Attachments B&C, and the required documents in the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance. Search the program (444-80-0652), scroll to the bottom to the Notice of Funding Opportunity section, click "Details", scroll to the bottom of the details page to the Attachments section, and click "Opportunity.pdf". https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html There is no cover page required with this NOFO application.
Question: Back to budget match amount, can you clarify that we either account for 25% on the full amount or leave match blank because it is state dollars we are requesting, and then the NOSA will inform us of any federal portion that will require a CSA budget revision to add the match amount?
Answer: That is correct. Complete your CSA budget with state dollars requested. If federal funds are awarded and allocated to your agency, we will inform you of your required match amount and instruct you to enter in a non-state dollar budget at that time.
Question: Can you explain the advanced payment?
Answer: An applicant can choose between three options: Reimbursement, Advance & Reconcile, and Working Capital Advance. If you choose Working Capital you cannot ask for another advance for the remainder of the year. Advance and Reconcile option allows you to have rolling advances throughout the year and work them off throughout the fiscal year. These payment methodologies are detailed in Section 8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration, c. Payment Terms.
Question: Will the answers to these questions (from the technical assistance session) be posted on the Q & A?
Answer: All questions asked during the technical assistance session are recorded and answered above (on this page).
Question: I was wondering if I could schedule a time to speak to someone regarding the NOFO for the Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program? We are currently a non-funded program but are considering applying for the funded program if it will benefit us and those we serve.
Answer: All questions asked during the Notice of Funding Opportunity posting period must be posted and answered on this Q&A page. We cannot respond to questions privately or individually. We recommend reviewing the recorded technical assistance session for guidance on this NOFO. https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/ldr.php?RCID=55f9b8e91259ffd2932b4e6cefae6369
Question: Are the Standard Certifications and the Financial Disclosures forms required for submittal?
Answer: No, please reference the NOFO section 4. Application Contents and Format for all required forms.
Question: Can you tell me where I find the Uniform State Grant Application form and the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure form?
Answer: You can find links to these forms in the NOFO in section 4. Application Contents and Format, subsection 5. Required Forms. You can also find forms in a PDF copy of the NOFO in the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance. Search the program (444-80-0652), scroll to the bottom to the Notice of Funding Opportunity section, click "Details", scroll to the bottom of the details page to the Attachments section, and click "Opportunity.pdf". https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html
Question: To verify we supply our own Organization Chart pdf/form for Attachment A?
Answer: Yes, that is correct.
Question: What is the percent/amount for Match Dollars?
Answer: The required match amount is 25% of the federal funding portion that is awarded. Applicants will be notified of their specific federal funding portion and required match amount on the Notice of State Award (NOSA). When completing your budget for FY26 in CSA, please complete your state budget, applicants can omit the non-state funding portion of the budget until they receive a required match amount. Once a required match amount is received and a Notice of State Award is received, providers that are awarded federal funding will be instructed to go back into CSA and create/modify the non-state (match) budget.
Question: We are interested in applying for the DVPI funding (26-444-80-0652-01) and would like to confirm our eligibility. Based on the information available on your website, our agency appears to meet the stated requirements. However, as our organization was founded in 2024, we want to ensure that our founding date does not impact our eligibility?
Answer: For DVPI funding (26-444-80-0652-01), there is no specific founding date that determines eligibility for an applicant. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are not-for-profit agencies with experience in domestic violence services. This opportunity is limited to operational community-based domestic violence programs that demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity. Eligibility information is outlined in section 2. Eligibility.
Question: We would appreciate any guidance on grant opportunities available to new applicants. Many of the grants listed on your website are competitive, and we are unsure whether this means they are primarily intended for previously approved grantees or if new applicants are also encouraged to apply?
Answer: Each grant opportunity listed on the website should follow a similar format. Each Notice of Funding Opportunity has different program and eligibility requirements. Please refer to the Eligibility section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity that you are interested in applying for, for specific eligibility details.
Question: Is there a form for Attachment C - Service Provision Information? Or this is something we create?
Answer: Applicants can create their own Attachment C - Service Provision using the information provided on the NOFO (link in the right hand corner for Attachment C), or applicants can obtain a PDF copy of the NOFO posting, including Attachments B&C, in the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance. Search the program (444-80-0652), scroll to the bottom to the Notice of Funding Opportunity section, click "Details", scroll to the bottom of the details page to the Attachments section, and click "Opportunity.pdf". https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html
Question: If we elect to take the 15% indirect cost rate, does it have to be approved through the ICRES (Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System)?
Answer: All elections of de minimis for those current grantees whose fiscal year crosses the 10/1/2024 date have been automatically updated in the Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES) for the grantee and no action is required. New applicants should select the de minimis in the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System if they are choosing to use the de minimis. Please note: regarding the de minimis rate for your program, we are working to determine the correct rate for Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention and will respond to you as quickly as possible. DVPI contains federal funding that may have different implementation of the new de minimis rate.
Question: With regards to IV. Program Narrative-Quality; #3 - shelter policies - would you like those to be attached at the end of this section or as a separate attachment? Since it is a policy requested, is that similar to an attachment in previous sections with those pages will not be included in the total 9-maximum page count?
Answer: The shelter policies can be attached at the end of the application and referenced in the section with the attachment/document name. The policy itself will not be added into the page maximum for that section. However, the other part of that question, addressing how emergency shelter needs are met and a detailed description of beds/space available, should be in the text of the application and will be included in the page maximum.
Question: With regards to Attachment C - Service Provision - is this data requested for the current fiscal year to date; or FY24?
Answer: Attachment C - Service Provision information is requesting your agency's FY26 projections based off of your FY24 and FY25 data.
Question: For the FY26 grant cycle, grantees will need to verify with their IDHS division staff (see below) what rate is allowed to be entered in the specific grant budget template (per CSFA number). The rate range may vary from 10% to a maximum not to exceed of 15% (please note this rate will vary depending upon the Federal Funding source). Please let me know what my rate is so I can start working on my FY 26 budget.
Answer: Regarding the de minimis rate, we are working to determine the correct rate for Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention and will respond to you as quickly as possible. DVPI contains multiple federal funding sources that have different approaches to the implementation of the new de minimis rate. We will update this page as soon as we can and recommend utilizing 10% until we have further guidance.
Question: Is the FY26 NOFO that was recently sent out for new applicants or is it a renewal application for those already being funded?
Answer: The FY26 NOFO is a competitive opportunity that is available for new and existing applicants. This is an initial year, not a renewal year.
Question: Do I need to include the actual questions in my narratives? For example: If this is at the top of the page: Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity, do I need to add all the questions under it or can I just put 1. (my answer to question 1) 2. (my answer to question 2)?
Answer: Please include the questions per guidance in section 4. Application Contents and Format, subsection 6. Required Format, b. 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…
Question: Could you kindly confirm whether a completed audit is required for the submission of the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention grant?
Answer: The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity. Pre-qualification guidance can be found here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149873
Question: Will this grant be awarded for a duration of two fiscal years, or is it limited to only one fiscal year? Specifically, in FY27, will this grant require a new application or will it continue as a renewal with the same program plan of FY26?
Answer: This Notice of Funding Opportunity will be awarded for FY26. 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. The next NOFO for this program will be for FY29.
Question: I just noticed that this NOFO states competitive; is this correct? I was under the impression we were under a three year set budget and that would not be until applying in 2026 for FY27.
Answer: This Notice of Funding Opportunity is competitive. It will be awarded for FY26. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program in FY27 and FY28. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria. The next NOFO for this program will be in 2028 for FY29. The last NOFO for this program was for FY23 with renewals in FY24 and FY25.
Question: Was there training that went out about the NOFO via email?
Answer: The technical assistance session for this NOFO was held on Friday, March 14th. Here is the recording: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/ldr.php?RCID=55f9b8e91259ffd2932b4e6cefae6369
Question: I have an additional question-regarding Program Narrative-Capacity-Attachment B-can you clarify what "staffing" means?
Answer: For Attachment B, staffing means including employee names, titles, and average hours working (for each service location).
Question: I followed the instructions to access the templates for Attachments B & C as outlined in your response to Questions 18. Instructions for required information exist, but no templates exist here. Can you confirm if there is a required template IDHS will provide for Attachment B & C or if IDHS would like us to create our own? If there are required, existing templates for Attachment B & C, can you please provide them?
Answer: Applicants create their own Attachments B&C. There is not a template available. Applicants should follow the outline for what the attachments should include, provided both on the IDHS website and in the PDF.
Question: In the DVPI competitive NOFO, it says that award ranges are $150,000-$2,000,000. Are we able to ask for the amount that we are currently awarded?
Answer: Please ask/request an amount between the award range of $150,000-$2,000,000.
Question: For many years my organization, a well-established non-profit health system located in Illinois, has operated a program consistent with that of a Specialized Domestic Services Program. We could demonstrate in an application that our services can be in full compliance with the IL Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Are we eligible to apply?
Answer: Eligible applicants include not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agencies with experience in domestic violence services. This opportunity is limited to operational community-based domestic violence programs that demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement.
Question: I did not receive the new FY 26 DVPI Grant template. Can you assist me on where to get this?
Answer: There is not a FY26 DVPI Grant template. Applicants should include the questions per guidance in section 4. Application Contents and Format. If you are referencing the FY26 DVPI Program Plan template, those templates will be sent to applicants via email after the Bureau receives your agency's grant application. Please note: The Program Plans are not scored and are not a part of your application.
Question: I just wanted to confirm that you can submit an application to this opportunity for a single focus area or must you apply for all three?
Answer: Applicants should choose/apply as one of the following: comprehensive provider, specialized provider, or specialized legal provider.
Question: For the three focus areas in the DVPI NOFO, is an organization only able to select one focus area or a combination? For example, my organization would like to apply in one application for both comprehensive and specialized legal as we provide both. Is that allowed or do we have to choose just one?
Answer: Applicants should choose/apply as one of the following: comprehensive provider, specialized provider, or specialized legal provider. It is important to note that comprehensive providers are full menu providers that can provide legal services. If your agency provides legal services as part of your comprehensive program, include those in your application and budget. Specialized legal providers only provide specialized legal services and litigation to survivors.
Question: Thank you for the information regarding the end of the DV Health Services contracts. Could you please clarify which specific health services grants this decision will affect? Additionally, will there be any further guidance or alternatives provided to ensure that health services for survivors are adequately addressed moving forward?
Answer: The DV Health Services grant program that is ending in FY25 is a completely separate grant program from this posting. It does not affect specific health services you have historically provided within this program, the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI). You may continue to include immediate medical expenses for survivors of domestic violence in your DVPI budget.
Question: Will there be a separate Programmatic Risk Assessment required for this application? If so, when and where can we find it?
Answer: The Programmatic Risk Assessment that is required for this application is not completed by the applicant. The Programmatic Risk Assessment is completed by the awarding agency, IDHS, Bureau DVSAHT staff. There is a pre-qualification requirement for an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) that the applicant must complete. This is currently available and can be found in the Grantee Portal. Pre-Qualification information can be found here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149873
Question: The eligibility criteria on page 5 of the NOFO state, "This opportunity is limited to operational community-based domestic violence programs that demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement." The NOFO proceeds to state on page 7, "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." We have two follow-up questions. Can you define "existing programs"? Can you define "startup programs"?
Answer: Existing programs are community-based domestic violence programs that are already operational, knowledgeable, and compliant with the Domestic Services Guidelines Manual. Startup programs are agencies that are interested in becoming domestic violence service providers, but are not currently operational, cannot begin services/the program immediately, and do not have experience demonstrating compliance with the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. While startup agencies are not eligible for this award at this time, it is not a requirements that the applicant has to have been funded through this opportunity before. New applicants that are fully operational can apply.
Question: Currently our IDHS DVPI contract includes dollars for our agency's legal aid services along with a comprehensive DV program. Is it possible to include legal aid services in our comprehensive DVPI request for this new application?
Answer: Applicants should choose/apply as one of the following: comprehensive provider, specialized provider, or specialized legal provider. It is important to note that comprehensive providers are full menu providers that can provide legal or court advocacy services. If your agency provides legal services as part of your comprehensive program, include those in your application and budget. Specialized legal providers only provide specialized legal services and litigation to survivors.
Question: We received funding through the IDHS DV Health Services (444-80-3302) grant opportunity in January 2024. It is our understanding that these funds would not be extended beyond June 30, 2025, but would be allowable to include in our FY26 IDHS DVPI competitive renewal application. Can you confirm that this is correct and, if we would like to continue the partnership and funded services through our DV Health Services grant, we should incorporate them into our FY26 DVPI funding request?
Answer: For the FY26 DVPI competitive application, it is allowable to include DV-related service needs identified during client intake and as related to the emergency. This includes health-related partnerships, if applicable. It is NOT allowable to include other unmet health needs that are not directly connected to the presenting DV concern.
Question: I am the co-founder of an organization that has been around since 2016, and I have been working with Violence Prevention and IDHS. I deal with all types of abuse; I was awarded money through an agency to help me get started, we do assist with Battered women and children. Would I be a good candidate for this grant?
Answer: New candidates can apply. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agencies with experience in domestic violence services. This opportunity is limited to operational community-based domestic violence programs that demonstrate compliance with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement.
Question: During the technical assistance briefing on 3/14/25, you said that there was a 1-page max for the Executive Summary, a 2-page max for the statement of need, and a 9-page max for sections III and IV. That adds up to 21 pages. But you said there was a 19-page max for the entire document. Please advise.
Answer: There is no total page limit for the entire document. Please follow the listed page maximums for each section (Executive Summary - 1 page, Program Narrative: Need - 2 pages, Program Narrative: Capacity - 9 pages, Program Narrative: Quality - 9 pages). The budget PDF, attachments, and other required documents are not included in the section maximum page numbers.
Question: 2. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their qualifications to implement the program deliverables. Is this question only speaking in regards to individuals who are only funded by FY26 DVPI grant or all key staff positions responsible regardless if they're funded in this grant?
Answer: Applicants should include all key staff positions that will be responsible for the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Program activities. This should include all individuals who are funded by FY26 DVPI funds and those who are not but will be responsible for DVPI specific program activities. This demonstrates the agency's capacity for the program.
Question: We are unable to find the question in the DVPI FY26 Program Plan template cited in your email: "Does your agency support survivor's health related expenses due to the impact of COVID-19? If so, please describe." Please advise.
Answer: The program plan containing the referenced question, "Does your agency support survivor's health related expenses due to the impact of COVID-19? If so, please describe." will be sent to you as soon as a completed application has been received for the DVPI NOFO 26-444-80-0652. The Program Plan is not scored, therefore it will be sent separately.
Question: In the FAQs, question 40 states that Attachment B staffing means employee names, titles, and average hours working (for each service location). Does "average hours working" mean what hours each office is open or how many hours each staff member works in the office or both?
Answer: The question is referencing the average hours that each staff member works in the office. However, additional information about the service hours of the office would be helpful to include.
Question: I am confused about the difference in the FY26 DVPI Program Plan template and the FY26 DVPI Program Application?
Answer: The FY26 DVPI Program Plan template is an informational only document that you will receive once a full application packet is received. This is not required in the complete application packet and is not scored. The FY26 DVPI Program Application packet does not have a template. Your application for funding should include the questions per guidance in section 4. Application Contents and Format of the NOFO. Your application packet should contain: an Executive Summary - 1 page, Program Narrative: Need - 2 pages, Program Narrative: Capacity - 9 pages, Program Narrative: Quality - 9 pages, Attachment A - Organizational Chart, Attachment B - Service Information, Attachment C - Service Provision Numbers, the Uniform Grant Application (separate document), Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Attachment 4a. Budget PDF, Budget in the CSA system, a Federal W-9 Form, and an Advance Payment Cash Budget Form if requesting an advance payment.
Question: We are filling out the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance form and on page 3, number 45 we would like to enter To Be Announced (TBA) in the blank since we do not know that amount to enter for our match. The form, however, will not accept any text other than numbers. Should we leave that line blank?
Answer: On Page 3 of the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance form, number 45. is the Estimated Funding section. It states to include all that apply. The first box/line states "Amount Requested from the State", please check that box and enter in the amount you are requesting. The next box/line states "Applicant Contribution (eg. in kind, matching), you can leave that blank or enter $0.00 until your match amount is determined.
Question: I am writing to gain access to the CSA system in order to submit a proposal for the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention NOFO. Our organization has not received IDHS funding in the past and does not have a log on. The IDHS CSA tracking information site states " If you are a new IDHS grantee-provider or an existing IDHS grantee-provider, you will need to contact your IDHS division contact person or the IDHS contact person on the posted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to enter your organization's information in the CSA Tracking System before your registration will be approved. Do not register before contacting your IDHS division contact person to enter your organization's information in the CSA." I called the listed IDHS contact person on the NOFO and was instructed to submit a request via email.
Answer: New applicants should email the program inbox DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov with the following information: a copy of your W-9, FEIN, SAMS UEI, Taxpayer Certification Type, Legal Name [Should match W-9 & ILSOS], Common Name, Address Type, Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, Zip, Director First Name, Director Last Name, Primary Email [Valid email for communication], Business Number, External IL ID. Once this information is received at the email address provided, our Bureau will add your organization to the CSA system and send you an invitation code for your agency.
Question: Is there a difference between a sub-awardee and a sub-recipient?
Answer: In general for programs with federal funding such as DVPI, the State of Illinois is the sub-recipient, and agencies that are awarded a grant passed through the State are sub-awardees. For the purpose of the questions to answer within this NOFO, if you are planning to contract with another agency/entity to provide services, these are subawards, and the relationship should be clearly outlined in the NOFO Application including the Budget and Budget Narrative. The Department will need to approve these partnerships.
Question: When reviewing Questions & Answers for the DHS DVPI FY26 application, we had noted that grantees were informed that they would receive notification of what indirect cost rate to utilize for this application. Can you clarify, at this time, whether we should budget for the 10% or 15% de minimis rate?
Answer: At this time, please utilize 10% as the de minimis rate for state fiscal year 2026 Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Program award opportunity. These awards are anticipated to have federal fiscal year 2024 funding blended with state funding. The guidance states that the 15% de minimis rate is effective only on awards funded after 10/01/2024. The federal funding in this opportunity was awarded before 10/01/2024, which means that the 15% de minimis rate will not be applicable this state fiscal year.
Question: In section G subsection 1 of the NOFO, there is the following language: "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." Can you please clarify what would constitute inappropriate or excessive administrative costs? Likewise, could you provide a threshold (either % or $ amount) that grantees should not exceed when budgeting for administrative expenses (both direct and indirect)?
Answer: When budgeting for this specific program, an inappropriate or excessive amount of administrative costs would include administrative costs that are not reasonable, necessary, or allocable for the program. In general, the administrative costs should correlate to the program needs. The amount of personnel should relate to the number of programs and services provided and survivors served. For this award there is not an administrative cap or threshold. For indirect costs, you should utilize your negotiated indirect cost rate or the de minimis rate as a guideline/threshold. For example, if an agency chooses the de minimis rate of 10%, they can only budget/charge 10% modified total direct cost (MTDC). Please utilize the 2CFR200 when budgeting and for allowable cost guidelines: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1
Question: When filling out the GATA Budget in the GATA portal, there is a line asking for the NOFO Suffix (enter the unique NoFo Suffix (up to 15 Character) provided by the Program Administrator). Is this information something we need to fill in? If so, where do we find the Suffix information to use?
Answer: When filling out the GATA Budget in the CSA System, please enter 26-444-80-0652-01 as the NOFO Number and leave the NOFO Suffix blank.
Question: The NOFO states that Comprehensive Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs shall provide services identified below and as outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual: I. 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. Because this is siting the DV Services Guide Manual, the highlighted portion is referencing the agency's operating budget and is not in reference to our FY26 proposed DVPI budget, correct? If we apply for Comprehensive DVPI funding, is it a requirement that we earmark a portion of requested funds to survivor emergency hoteling?
Answer: Correct, the highlighted portion is siting the Domestic Services Guidelines Manual. If an agency is applying to be a comprehensive DVPI provider, the provider is required to respond to the emergency needs of survivors and their families. In terms of budgeting, hotel placement costs may be included in the DVPI budget or in the agency's overall operating budget. Please note: While it is not a requirement to earmark a portion of requested funds to survivor emergency hoteling, this program has federal funding blended with state funding. The federal funding portion is dedicated to shelter and supportive services, so in general your budget should include items that support shelter and supportive services. Examples include: shelter supplies, household items for survivors, food, clothing, gas cards, hotel vouchers, counseling services, interpretation/translation services, legal fees for survivors related to DV legal issues, utility assistance, transportation, payments to third parties like landlords (temporary rental assistance only), utility companies, and hotels.
Question: I have a question about how to complete the FY24 ICQ packet? Would you be able to guide me where I can find the Uniform Application For Grant Assistance (pdf), Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form and what is CSA? Is a portal? I need to register? 1. a. FY24 Budget must be entered into CSA by application due date. I created an account and completed GATA. I signed in GATA and I couldn't find the application package. a. Applicant organizations must complete the FY24 ICQ before an award can be made. (Accessed through the Grantee Portal.) b. Applicant organizations must submit a complete FY24 Application Packet to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov by April 24th @ 12pm. Include "CSFA# 444-80-0652" on the subject line.
Answer: For this opportunity, 26-444-80-0652-01, you will need to completed the FY26 ICQ. You can find the FY26 ICQ in the GATA GOMB Portal at https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/. The Uniform Application For Grant Assistance (pdf) and Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form can be found on the NOFO webpage, at the very bottom in section 9. Other Information: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=171446. CSA is the system/portal for budgets and contracts. All applicants must register in CSA and submit a budget to be considered for the opportunity. The CSA link can be found in the NOFO section 4. Application Contents and Format, subsection 4. Budget and Budget Narrative. Applicants can obtain a PDF copy of the NOFO posting, Attachments B&C, and the required documents in the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance. Search the program (444-80-0652), scroll to the bottom to the Notice of Funding Opportunity section, click "Details", scroll to the bottom of the details page to the Attachments section, and click "Opportunity.pdf". https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html. For the Program Narrative portion, there are not templates. This will need to be created on a document utilizing the questions outlined in the NOFO.
Question: Are we able to use 15% Indirect Cost for the FY26 PAIP Budget in our application if we have both PAIP and DVPI?
Answer: For this opportunity, 26-444-80-0652-01, applicants will need to use the 10% de minimis rate. The FY26 DVPI awards will have funding from federal awards blended within them which were awarded prior to 10/01/2024 when the de minimis rate was increased. If your agency has other awards with out Bureau or other Bureaus/Divisions, the 15% de minimis rate will apply to all awards except those that have federal funding with additional restrictions or federal funds that were awarded prior to 10/01/2024.
Question: We are trying to figure out whether we should request the same amount as last year for DVPI or if we should increase our request to offset some of the staff we are moving from the DHS-Health grant. Can you advise as to the more prudent choice at this time?
Answer: We recommend requesting the funds needed for your staff and services for this program. An applicant can request funds in the following range: $150,000 - $2,000,000.
Question: Are you only asking for 6 numbers? Number of Unduplicated Clients Served (Adult, Children, Total) Number of Direct Service Hours (Adult, Children, Total)? Or are you asking for a projections for each service category, and then separated by children and adult services? Are we to use FY25 "to date" figures? Or are we to estimate 4th quarter numbers and use those when doing projections?
Answer: For service projections, we are only asking for 6 numbers. When completing the projections, we recommend that applicants estimate their FY26 projections utilizing prior years actual data. For example, applicants can look at FY24 actual data and FY25 actual data for the first three quarters and estimate how many clients they are expecting to serve next fiscal year.
Question: We completed the entry of our budget on the CSA site and submitted for Executive Signature. Can you provide information about this step and how we go about completing it?
Answer: Each agency's Executive Director should have GATA Budget Signoff Authority. If no one in your agency has Executive Signature GATA Budget Signoff Authority, please email DHS.CSA.Support@illinois.gov requesting GATA Budget Signoff Authority. Please include the following in your email: Name of organization, FEIN, the name and job title of the organization's employee requesting the access for the Executive Director, the name and External Illinois.gov ID of the Executive Director (or equivalent) who will be approving budgets for the provider. DHS OCA team will respond to the email when GATA Budget Signoff Authority is approved.
Question: In CSA, the Standard Certifications Form, and the Financial Disclosures & Conflicts of Interest Form is a word document. It appears to be a "fill in" document but I am unable to use the boxes where check marks or an X would be entered. Should I complete the form with the fields that it will take, print, fill in the boxes, and scan it?
Answer: The Standard Certifications Form, and the Financial Disclosures & Conflicts of Interest Forms are found in CSA in the "FORMS" tab. These should open in a Word document. You should be able to edit the documents in Word. These documents are not required to be submitted to Bureau DVSAHT for the NOFO. However, these are required to be submitted to DHS OCA prior to your award/contract being executed and signed, so the sooner you submit those, the better. If you have questions, please refer to the CSA User Manual - Provider in CSA under the "HELP" tab. Please note: This Financial Disclosures & Conflict of Interest form in CSA is separate from the Conflict of Interest form that is required within the NOFO as a PDF. That form is required with the NOFO.
Question: I completed the prequalification. The next step will be emailing the package and that's it? or is there any other procedure I need to do?
Answer: Your agency should complete the prequalification process, including the FY26 Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ), submit all required documents including your budget in the CSA system. You should follow sections 4. Application Contents and Format and 5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines in the posted NOFO.
Question: In reviewing the TA recording, a slide says that a PDF of the budget and budget narrative should be included in the application packet. It does not specify that requirement in the NOFO. Please advise.
Answer: Please include a PDF of your budget, and your budget must also be entered into CSA by the deadline. This is listed in the NOFO in section 4. Application Contents and Format, subsection 6. Required Format, f. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below, viii. Attachment 4a. - Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (PDF of Budget), a. Budget must also be entered into CSA by deadline.
Question: We are completing the conflict of interest disclosure form and do not have enough room in the form to answer the question. Is it appropriate to use another attachment, and write out in the form "See Attachment E"?
Answer: Yes, you can add a word document/another attachment to the end of the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form to continue the answer.
Question: How do I obtain an external IL ID number?
Answer: Instructions for obtaining an external IL ID are in the "How to Register for the CSA Tracking System" at this link: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069.
Question: Where can I Find the CSA system?
Answer: The CSA System can be found here: https://csa.dhs.illinois.gov/gtpsecure/gtp and instructions with the link can be found here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069.
Question: Given the federal government's long list of words that trigger grants to be flagged and eliminated, how do we effectively answer the questions in the narrative referencing underserved, unserved populations, and culturally appropriate/linguistic services, knowing that DVPI is partially funded with federal money?
Answer: The majority of the funding for the Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention program is state general revenue funds. The Bureau encourages applicants to utilize language like the language used within the NOFO questions including underserved populations, unserved populations, culturally-appropriate services, linguistic and language services, all individuals, all communities, and any language that aligns with the IDHS Mission, Vision, and Values:
- Our Mission calls us to action: We respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives.
- Our Vision is the future we are shaping: Dignity and well-being for everyone in Illinois.
- Our Values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities:
  - Compassion drives the way we work with each other and those we serve - meeting people where they are with empathy and care.
  - Accessibility is a priority in all the services and programs we provide.
  - Responsibility is how we approach each task and priority; we are accountable for our actions.
  - Equity is a crucial quality for all we do - ensuring our approach is fair and just.