The Asthma Home Visit Collaboration (AHVC) grant, issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), is a state-funded opportunity intended to improve outcomes for children with asthma through comprehensive, evidence-based home visiting strategies. This initiative supports the broader CDC Controlling Childhood Asthma and Reducing Emergencies (CCARE) and the EXHALE Technical Package. The grant is aimed at non-profit organizations in Illinois with proven experience in delivering multi-component asthma home visit programs. It focuses on reducing asthma-related emergency visits and hospitalizations through education, environmental changes, and community partnerships.

Applicants will be expected to implement EXHALE strategies that include asthma self-management education, tobacco cessation, in-home assessments for asthma triggers, adherence to guidelines-based care, coordinated care linkages, and environmental policies that reduce asthma triggers. Grant recipients will work collaboratively within the Home Visit Collaborative (HVC) learning community to share insights and address challenges. Projects must demonstrate an ability to partner with health systems, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to extend their reach and effectiveness. The funding covers the program period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Eligible applicants must be Illinois-based non-profits, pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), and able to execute the EXHALE strategies as an integrated service package. A project plan outlining activities across the full 12-month funding cycle must be submitted, and quarterly reporting on performance measures is required. Applicants must also be registered in SAM.gov and have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Matching funds are not required, though indirect costs may be included if an appropriate cost rate agreement is in place.

The grant allows funds to be used for necessary personnel, training, supplies, contractual services, and more. Prohibited expenditures include political or religious purposes, research, incentives, membership dues, and travel outside the state. Indirect costs are allowed with no specific restrictions, and a range of cost-rate options are available for applicants, including a de minimis rate of 15% if no federal rate exists.

Applications must be submitted through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS) at idphgrants.com. The submission window opens on April 16, 2025, and closes on May 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance sessions will not be offered for this funding opportunity. The anticipated award announcement is scheduled for June 6, 2025.

Evaluation of applications will be based on a 100-point rubric. Key areas include the scope of work, the proposed implementation plan, budget justification, and a strong emphasis on health equity. A significant 35% of the total score is based on how well applicants address the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Health Equity Checklist, define culturally and linguistically appropriate practices, and focus on social determinants of health. All required application forms and supporting documents are available through EGrAMS.