The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is offering the Healthcare Telementoring Expansion Grant to support the development and initial planning of technology-enabled telementoring learning programs. This grant initiative is part of a two-phase funding model focused on enhancing healthcare outcomes for Illinois residents by expanding access to expert medical knowledge through virtual platforms. The grant will fund up to two planning projects that lay the foundation for broader implementation efforts across underserved and rural areas in the state.

The current phase (Phase I – Planning) provides up to $50,000 in total funding for developing a comprehensive plan to establish or expand telementoring services in Illinois. Applicants must be Illinois-based organizations that demonstrate experience in implementing telementoring programs, have access to qualified mentors, and can provide strategic plans for engaging healthcare professionals across the state. Following successful completion of Phase I and subject to funding availability, grantees will be eligible for non-competitive continuation grants (Phase II – Implementation), with up to $5 million in combined funding.

Eligible applicants must be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, registered with SAM.gov, and prequalified under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). The application process is hosted on IDPH’s EGrAMS platform and must include a full project narrative, a detailed budget, bios/CVs of key personnel, and alignment with IDPH’s health equity framework. Applicants are expected to incorporate National CLAS Standards, emphasize cultural and linguistic competency, and address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).

The grant seeks to increase the healthcare system’s capacity through telementoring formats such as interactive group consultations, asynchronous learning modules (e.g., webinars, podcasts), and one-on-one virtual consultations. Programs should be case-based and mentorship-driven, supporting healthcare professionals in fields like chronic disease, mental health, substance use disorders, maternal health, and care in congregate or justice-involved settings.

Applications must be submitted by May 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The anticipated award announcement is May 7, 2025, and the grant period begins May 15, 2025, and ends June 30, 2025, with final reports due by July 30, 2025. Interested applicants can reach out to Melissa Stalets, Deputy Director at IDPH, for further guidance or to request paper copies of materials. All applications must be submitted through EGrAMS.