The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through the Office of Workforce Development under the Division of Family and Community Services, is offering the TANF Employment and Training – Special Projects: College Scholarship Program. This federal grant opportunity supports programs aimed at helping Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other low-income individuals who are guardians of one or more children attain college degrees and secure employment. The primary goal of the program is to promote economic self-sufficiency by reducing financial and structural barriers to higher education.

The total available funding is $573,000, and the department anticipates awarding up to two grants with individual award amounts ranging from $112,000 to $350,000. The average prior award was approximately $286,000. The grant period will begin no earlier than July 1, 2025, and end June 30, 2026. Selected grantees may be eligible for up to two one-year renewal periods, contingent on satisfactory performance and continued appropriation. Pre-award costs are not allowable.

Eligible applicants include private nonprofit and public community-based organizations, including units of local government. Applicants must be registered in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal, prequalified, and in good standing with state and federal registries, including SAM.gov. They must also demonstrate the ability to start services immediately upon execution of the grant agreement and show strong community ties and operational capacity. Applicants must provide services within communities with high levels of poverty or unemployment and have at least three years of experience in tax preparation training.

Funds may be used for tuition, required books, university-sponsored housing and meals, childcare, transportation, and supportive academic services such as tutoring, mentoring, and workshops. Applicants must ensure students complete FAFSA and seek all other forms of aid first. Scholarship funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing financial aid.

Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov by April 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. Required documents include the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, proposal narrative, budget submitted via the CSA system, conflict of interest disclosure, and W-9. Applicants must also provide detailed information in the program narrative addressing organizational capacity, need, project quality, and budget justification. IDHS will notify selected applicants by May 15, 2025.

Grant recipients are required to submit monthly reports on student participation, financial disbursement, academic progress, graduation outcomes, and post-graduation employment. The program emphasizes equity, racial justice, language access, and trauma-informed practices. IDHS reserves the right to impose specific conditions or corrective actions based on performance reviews.