The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through its Division of Developmental Disability, is offering the Latino Outreach Grant to support outreach, engagement, and resource connection for Latino/Hispanic individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The goal of the program is to improve access to linguistically and culturally appropriate services for individuals who are not enrolled in or receiving Home and Community-Based Waiver (HCBS) funded services through state-operated waivers. The program emphasizes preserving community living, maximizing independence, and enhancing family capacity to navigate the service system.

The total program funding for this opportunity is $165,000, with an anticipated 2-5 awards to be distributed. Individual award amounts are negotiable, but cannot exceed the total available funding. The grant is state-funded and does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions. Indirect costs are allowed, but they require prior approval. The grant period is expected to begin no sooner than July 1, 2025, and will run through June 30, 2028, subject to appropriation.

Eligible applicants must have demonstrated experience in providing services to individuals with I/DD and their families. They must also meet all prequalification requirements, including registration with the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, having an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and maintaining compliance with SAM.gov registration and other state-specific eligibility conditions. Additionally, applicants must not be on any federal or state exclusion lists. Only organizations that meet these criteria will be considered.

Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov by March 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST. A technical assistance session will be held on February 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, and while it is not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to attend. The application package must include a program narrative, Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, budget and budget narrative, and a conflict of interest disclosure form. Applicants must also ensure that their budget is entered in the CSA system and electronically signed before submission.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: demonstration of need (25 points), agency capacity (25 points), program quality and alignment with goals (25 points), executive summary (15 points), and budget justification (10 points). The review period is scheduled between March 24, 2025, and April 25, 2025, and award announcements are expected by May 23, 2025. The department reserves the right to modify award amounts, consider geographic distribution, and take past performance into account in final funding decisions.

For additional information, applicants can contact Erica O’Neal at DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov, using the subject line “NOFO questions – Latino Outreach Program”. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will be maintained on the Illinois Department of Human Services website, where questions submitted up to seven business days before the deadline will be addressed.