The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Early Childhood, has announced a competitive funding opportunity for the IDHS Home Visiting program. The primary objective is to provide evidence-based home visiting services to pregnant individuals and families with young children (ages 0-5) residing in Illinois communities facing higher risks and barriers to positive maternal and child health outcomes. Home visitors will support families through regular visits focused on health education, child development, parenting skills, and community resource connections.

This opportunity is funded by both State General Revenue Funds and federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) funds, with a total available amount of $18,234,397. IDHS expects to make approximately 35 to 40 grant awards. Applicants must implement one of four evidence-based home visiting models: Early Head Start Home-Based, Healthy Families America, Nurse-Family Partnership, or Parents as Teachers. Programs are expected to prioritize services to MIECHV-identified priority populations and serve at least 80% of families meeting one of eight risk factors.

Eligible applicants include private not-for-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public community-based organizations including units of local government, and private for-profit organizations. Applications may be submitted independently or jointly, and preference is given to applicants serving designated Priority 1 and Priority 2 counties identified in the 2020 MIECHV Needs Assessment.

The NOFO was posted on April 14, 2025, and applications are due by May 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST. A mandatory technical assistance session will be held on April 29, 2025. A non-binding letter of intent is strongly encouraged by April 30, 2025. The anticipated award announcement is scheduled for June 2, 2025, with an expected program start date of July 1, 2025, and a performance period ending June 30, 2026.

Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.HomeVisiting@illinois.gov and budgets entered into the CSA system. Key application materials include a program narrative, budget narrative, assurances, organizational charts, and specific forms. Programs integrating doula services must submit additional documentation. For questions, applicants may contact DHS.HomeVisiting@illinois.gov.