The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Birth Equity Innovation Seed Grants (BEISG) program aims to reduce maternal and infant health inequities, especially in communities of color. With $4 million in state funding available, individual awards of up to $1 million will support innovative, community-focused programs. The grant period runs from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Applicants must propose strategies to improve access to care, such as increasing connections to doulas and lactation support, enhancing care coordination, and engaging communities in awareness and resource building.

Eligible applicants include organizations with expertise in perinatal and maternal health equity and strong ties to impacted communities. Prequalification through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal is required. Applications must be submitted via EGrAMS by December 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST. A mandatory technical assistance session is scheduled for November 4, 2024.

Applicants must submit a project narrative, budget, and work plan using the SMARTIE framework, focusing on strategic and equitable objectives. Proposals will be evaluated on alignment with program goals, capacity, and impact potential. Award notifications are expected by December 9, 2024, with reporting required quarterly and at the grant’s conclusion. This grant emphasizes community-driven, innovative approaches to improving birth equity.