Dignity in Pay NOFO Questions and Answers
Dignity In Pay NOFO Technical Assistance Presentation Q & A
1) Q: I am writing to verify that eligibility for this grant includes a current or pending 14c certificate holder. This grant is not available to CDS providers who have already given up the 14c certificate in the past few years and have started the transition.
A: To be eligible to apply for a Dignity in Pay Program Grant, the agency must hold an active or pending Section 14(c) Certificate through either or both the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and/or the Federal Department of Labor (DOL).
2) Q: We are a smaller agency that received the CIE grant and started paying client's minimum wage. We have since lost a number of contracts since the pricing to the vendor increased to cover the minimum wage. Our 14c is in pending status. At first glance it looks as though our key indicators would be 0, thereby making us ineligible to apply.
A: An application that ends with a funding tier of 0, is separate from the merit-based review of the application itself. It is the quality and content that is on the application itself that will result in a funding recommendation. I don't believe it should sway you from applying to the grant.
3) Q: Is the slide show available to download?
A: This slide deck will be sent to everyone's email box who was registered whether they attended or not.
4) Q: Is this grant reimbursable or paid-up front?
A: In the NOFO posting, refer to Basic NOFO Information Section, F (7) for Funding Restrictions.
5) Q: Is the uniform grant application for state assistance included in page count?
A: It is not included in the page count.
6) Q: If an agency is part of the SWITCIE project, are they eligible or not eligible to apply?
A: Agencies who are apart of another project in Illinois such as NEON, DRS, or SWITCIE aren't precluded from applying for the DIP NOFO, however there would need to be clear delineation of what is supporting what.
7) Q: Does an agency with an expired 14c need to reapply?
A: If your 14C has expired you would no longer be able to pay subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities. To meet the eligibility requirements for the NOFO you would need to have an active certificate by the deadline.
8) Q: We recently received a DHS DDD SEP approval but did not have billing last year. Would we still report 0 hours billed?
A: Yes. You would report the actual number of SEP numbers billed in FY24 and report that. If you are currently serving someone in DDD SEC, you would include that in the executive summary. Include that you had 0 points from FY24, but you are currently serving individuals.
9) Q: Are there any restrictions on allowable costs that are unique to this grant?
A: For allowable and unallowable costs, refer to the NOFO posting Section II Eligibility, F (1 through 4).
10) Q: If we received another grant for 14c such as SWTCIE grant would we still be eligible for this grant
A: Yes, you are, please delineate what is covered by what.
11) Q: Is there a specific invitation key to enter the CSFA system for this grant?
A: You should be able to access the grant materials of the CSFA with the link provided in the slide deck.
12) Q: Do you anticipate any other types of grants in the future?
A: Future grant programs are at the discretion of the Department of Human Services and subject to appropriation.
Questions received by email:
1) Section G of the Executive Summary section requests "data regarding previous work completed with the agency". Does "work" refer specifically to Supported Employment activities within our agency, or should I include a general overview of each of our services?
A: This question is not exclusive to the Dignity in Pay NOFO, nor should responses be limited specifically to Supported Employment. Responses should address relevant work competed with and for the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
2) Q: Agency X is interested in learning more about the Dignity in Pay Program Opportunity and is reviewing the RFP for potential support of our Employment Development Services program which prepares those with I/DD for employment, and the works with our Employment First team to place those individuals ready for employment. The TA session held on 2/21/25-I was unable to attend. Is there a video/copy of a deck/etc. I can review.
A: Slides presented during the Dignity in Pay Technical Assistance session held on 2/21/25 were shared with all registered attendees.
3) Q: The Dignity in Pay Transition Grant Technical Assistance Session (02.21.25) and the Dignity in Pay NOFO Summary Information indicates the following under III - Program Description, item 1, section b "the points system addresses 4 key areas, the details of which must be included in the Executive Summary portion of the application". Under section IV - Application Contents and Format, the term "Executive Summary portion" does not appear nor does it appear in the Grant Program Narrative Template. Can you define what an Executive Summary is? Where, how, and in what format do I include the executive summary in the application?
A: Applications will be scored across 5 areas (with corresponding maximum points):
- "Need" (25 Points)
- "Capacity" (25 Points)
- "Quality" (25 Points)
- "Executive Summary" (15 Points)
- "Budget" (10 Points)
The Executive Summary serves as a stand-alone document for successful applicants that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description. Information in this section should include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Identify the amount being requested under this proposal.
b. Identify target service areas/communities.
c. Identify the number of individuals with I/DD who are projected to participate.
d. Briefly describe agency experience in providing services and supports to individuals with I/DD and their families.
e. Provide an overview of the Dignity in Pay Program services to be provided.
f. Describe how the program will address the Program Goals across the State of Illinois.
g. Share data regarding previous work completed with the agency, as applicable.
h. Funding Tier assignment data ( Current SMW census, current capacity in Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, current authorization for Division of Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP), utilization of Division of Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP)
The ideal applicant will:
a. Demonstrate an understanding of the Dignity in Pay Program needs, in the State of Illinois, and present a plan to address these needs in a logical manner. The applicants plan will address appropriate services resources required to meet the level of need.
b. Clearly define the target audience and area of operations for services. The plan to meet the needs of target audience and full service in area operations must be realistic. Additional consideration will be provided for those that provide services across a broader geographic area.
c. Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating that the proposal supports the grant program purpose.
d. Describe supports and services to be provided that will meet the program goals.
e. Provide all relevant data related to the Funding Tier Assignment
4) Q: Would you happen to know how payment is going to be handled with this grant? Is it evenly distributed by month, lump sum, benchmark attainment, quarterly, etc.?
A: Payment reimbursement for this grant would be issued monthly based subject to the completion on the Monthly Grant invoices. In the NOFO posting, please refer to VIII Post-Award Requirements and Administration, C - Payment Terms for additional information.
5) Q: It appears that the grant covers two fiscal years, FY26 and FY27. And, I see that it provides up to $225K annually. So, if our agency is awarded a grant of, say $150K, then we will receive a total of $300K spread across two years, correct?
A: The amount of Dignity in Pay Program Grants funding will be determined based on assignment to Funding Tiers.
Funding Tier assignment will be determined, during the application process, using a points system which gauges the applicant's current status and capacity. The points system addresses 4 key areas, the details of which must be included in the Executive Summary portion of the application.
The 4 keys areas are:
- Current SMW census
- Current capacity in Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services
- Current authorization for Division of Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP)
- Utilization of Division of Developmental Disabilities Supported Employment Program (DDD SEP)
Based on the total cumulative points in the 4 areas above, Dignity in Pay Grantees will be assigned to 1 of 3 funding Tiers.
- Tier 1: no more than $75,000 annually
- Tier 2: more than $75,000 but less than $150,000 annually
- Tier 3: more than $150,000 but no more than $225,000 annually
So, for example, an applicant assigned to Funding Tier 2 who has requested $100,000 annually and who is awarded the grant at that amount would have a 2 year total of $200,000 ($100,000 annually across FY26 and 27).
6) Q: I see we missed the Technical Assistance Session - is there a link to the recording I could watch?
Also, can you clarify, if this is only for organizations who already have participants receiving Subminimum Wage - or can it apply to new programming with new I/DD participants?
A: The Division is attempting to post the recording of the Technical Assistance session to the Grants webpage.
7) Q: Can you confirm xx has met this eligibility requirement? If not, can you direct me to where I need to enter that information?
A: Once the NOFO application is received, a review of application completion as well as any NOFO requirements and pre-qualification requirements will be conducted. A response will be sent to the applicant within 48 hours advising if the application is complete or incomplete, via email. Incomplete applications will also receive a document in writing, through the USPS.
8) Q: CSA Registration cannot be accepted as this External Email account XX@external.illinois.gov ' is already registered in the system.
A: Try to use another username, such as, add your middle initial to it. There is likely another user with the same name in our system already.
9) Q: For the Grant Program Narrative Template for the Dignity in Pay Grant, under "I. Description" there is a bullet point for "Government planning office" with bullet points for Local, Regional, State, and local university (if applicable). Can you clarify what office this refers to and what information we should include in our proposal narrative regarding government planning offices for the Dignity in Pay grant?
A: Please follow the format provided in the NOFO. The template is a guide for what the narrative should entail, not a definitive instruction.
10) Q: Where do I enter information for "Organization type" in the GATA portal?
A: Please chose from GATA drop down menu. The choices are as follows: Corporation - For Profit, Corporation - Not For Profit, Limited Liability Company, All Limited Partnerships, Agriculture Cooperative, Government Entity, School District, Sole Proprietor, Special Act Corporation, or University/Community College.
11) Q: When adding a budget to the CSA portal, there is a question asking for the NOFO Suffix. Is there a NOFO Suffix for NOFO 26-444-24-3501, Dignity in Pay?
A: The suffix 01. This the funding opportunity number found in the NOFO Information Chart.
12) Q: I wanted to see if I could schedule 30 minutes with you and my team to discuss the Dignity in Pay Grant. We have some clarifying questions that we wanted to run by you to ensure #1, we are eligible to participate/apply and #2, ensure our submission meets all the requirements based on what we are thinking/planning to submit. Do you have any days or times early next week that would work for you?
A: To ensure the same information is available to everyone and there is no perceived or actual advantage given to potential applicants, I am unable to participate in any 1:1 conversation related to the NOFO. As directed in the Dignity in Pay NOFO Technical Assistance Session and associated materials, questions related to the NOFO should be directed to DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov. Inquiries will receive a response which will be posted to the publicly facing Question and Answer page associated to Dignity in Pay.
13) Q: The slide deck notes on page 7 under "NOFO Eligibility" - Dignity in Pay Program Grants shall be made available to eligible community agencies who, at the time of NOFO announcement: Hold active or pending Section 14(c) Certificates through either or both the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and/or the Federal Department of Labor (DOL). XX does not hold an active or pending Section 14(c) Certificate as it phased out sub-minimum wage placement in previous years. Does this make XX ineligible for the NOFO? XX certainly can meet the other parameters for participant and community engagement.
A: The primary eligibility criteria, as noted in the NOFO and the Technical Assistance slides, is that an applicant must "hold active or pending Section 14(c) Certificates through either or both the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and/or the Federal Department of Labor (DOL)" at the time of NOFO announcement (2/11/25). If XX relinquished it's 14(c) certificate in previous years, the agency would not meet eligibility criteria.
14) Q: In the GATA Budget, what is the correct fill for the NOFO line. It will not take the Funding Opportunity Number (22-444-24-3501) or the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number (444-24-3501). See below. Please advise.
A: When completing the Uniform Grant Budget in CSA, please use the Funding Opportunity number of 26-444-24-3501-01. This information can be found in the NOFO Basic Information Table.
15) Q: I had a few questions regarding the NOFO. First off, is the Executive Summary a separate attachment or should it be the first page of the written narrative (if so, I assume it counts towards page count but want to confirm, anyways).
A: The Executive Summary portion of applications is worth up to 15 of the 100 total available, points in the review and scoring of applications. The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for successful applicants that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project.
The Executive Summary should be concise and direct, including, but not be limited to, the following:
- Amount being requested under this proposal
- Target service areas/communities
- Number of individuals with I/DD who are projected to participate
- Agency experience in providing services and supports to individuals with I/DD and their families
- Overview of the Dignity in Pay Program services to be provided
- How the program will address the Program Goals across the State of Illinois
- Data regarding previous work completed with the agency, as applicable
- Funding Tier assignment data, as described in the NOFO
16) Q: could you clarify what you mean when asking for a copy of the agency's proposed Needs Assessment? (listed under the capacity section as point C.)
A: A Needs Assessment strengthens a funding proposal by proving that the program is necessary, data-backed, and impactful.
The Needs Assessment may identify and provide analysis of the current state of services and the needs of the target population as compared to the program's intent and access to the target population.
A Needs Assessment could include general information such as:
- Overview of the agency including history and experience in providing services
- Description of the community and population served including gaps in services and supporting data
- Current programs and services
- Identified Gaps and Unmet Needs
- Resource Assessment
- Partnerships and Collaboration
17) Q: I've read through the NOFO a few times, and I can't seem to locate any specifics regarding allowable and non-allowable costs with regards to the Dignity in Pay Transition Grant.
A: In the NOFO, under I - Basic NOFO Information, 7. Funding Restrictions, a.
Pre-Award Costs
- 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. Applicant must complete the Pre-Award Cost Authorization Letter form. Additional payment documentation will be required. Pre-Award costs are allowable for this award.
- IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
- For Payment Terms refer to Section VIII or IDHS: Grantee Payment Methods Notification for additional information.
Indirect Costs
- Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES).
- Refer to Section VIII, subsection F for Indirect Cost Options.
In the NOFO, under II. Eligibility, F. Other Requirements, 3-4(a through f)
Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activities 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.
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:
- 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).
- Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439).
- Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439).
- 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).
- Deposits for items, services, or space.
- That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).
In the NOFO, under IV. Application Contents and Format, A. 4.
The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables, and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
- Reasonable and necessary
- Allocable
- Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
In the NOFO, under VIII. Post Award Requirements and Administration, C. 2.b.
* IDHS will disburse payments to the Awardee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
18) Q: I have entered 26-444-24-3501 but the portal is informing me there should be two more numbers at the end. What numbers am I supposed to add to the end after I enter the CSFA number?
A: This number would be 26-444-24-3501-01.
19) Q: Regarding the "Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance": Are numbers 14 & 15 "Competition Identification Number" and "Competition Identification Title" applicable for this NOFO? If so, what should I put for those questions.
A: On the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance form, number 14, "Competition Identification Number" and number 15, "Competition Identification Title", would be the Funding Opportunity Title, noted in the NOFO Basic Information. For the Dignity in Pay Program NOFO, please use Competition Identification Number as "26-444-24-3501-01", and Competition Identification Title as "3501 Dignity in Pay Program".
