The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), through its Office of Workforce Development, Bureau of Employment and Training, is offering the TANF Employment & Training Program - Support Services Program as a competitive grant opportunity. This initiative, designated by the Funding Opportunity Number 26-444-80-0701, is intended to support low-income individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) by providing them with daily transportation to and from jobs at large employers within and near Illinois, including neighboring states.

The total anticipated funding for this opportunity is $223,300, with the potential for one award of up to the full amount. The grant is federally funded and does not require cost sharing or matching contributions. Indirect costs are permitted under the grant, with no restrictions on the rate, provided they are approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES). Pre-award costs, however, are not allowable.

Eligible applicants include private, not-for-profit community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public community-based organizations, including units of local government. Applicants must be registered in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal, have an active SAM.gov registration, and meet several prequalification criteria including good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and absence from exclusion lists.

The application opens on April 14, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM CST on May 13, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be announced by June 1, 2025, and the grant performance period begins on or after July 1, 2025, continuing through June 30, 2026. Successful grantees may be eligible for up to two one-year renewals based on performance and funding availability.

Program deliverables require grantees to offer up to two round-trip transportation services daily, seven days a week, for TANF and SNAP recipients traveling to work. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to begin services immediately, have strong community and employer partnerships, and have a minimum of five years of experience in similar services. Applications are evaluated based on need, capacity, service quality, budget justification, and alignment with IDHS goals such as equity, inclusion, and support for underserved regions.

The full application must include a program narrative, budget submission via the CSA system, conflict of interest disclosure, Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, and a W-9 form. Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov. For assistance or technical issues, applicants can contact Charles Hopkins at (217) 299-8295 or via the email provided.