The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has released a Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Dental Services Program, administered through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). This program aims to expand dental services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who are unable to access traditional dental care due to Medicaid limitations or lack of coverage.

The total available funding is $986,000, with an estimated 2 to 5 grant awards. Individual grant awards will be up to $400,000, and previous awards have averaged $365,000 per grantee. The grant is state-funded, and cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Indirect costs are allowed, but they must receive prior approval through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES).

The application period runs from March 3, 2025, to April 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST. Late applications will not be accepted. The anticipated award announcement date is June 6, 2025, and the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2025, continuing through June 30, 2028. The program may be renewed for up to two additional years, depending on funding availability and grantee performance.

A technical assistance session is scheduled for March 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST. Attendance is optional, and interested applicants can register via this Webex link.

For further details and to apply, visit the official grant application link: Illinois DHS Grant Page. Questions regarding the grant should be directed to Erica O’Neal at DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov or by phone at 217-782-1354.