The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), is offering funding through its Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, commonly referred to as the Older Blind (OIB) Program. This initiative is guided by the State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity and is a collaboration supported by both federal and state resources. The purpose of the program is to provide services that help older individuals who are blind to maintain or regain their independence and continue living in their communities with dignity and autonomy.

The goal of the OIB Program is to support independent living services tailored specifically for residents aged 55 and older who are blind or visually impaired. These services may include mobility training, daily living skills, access to assistive technologies, counseling, and community integration activities. The program is designed to meet the needs of this growing population and to assist them in overcoming barriers to independence that result from vision loss.

The total funding available for this program is $1.8 million, and it is expected to be distributed among approximately 12 recipients. Each award will range between $100,000 and $150,000. The grant does not require any cost-sharing or matching contributions from applicants. Indirect costs are allowed; however, awardees must either have a negotiated rate on file with the State of Illinois or make an election through the state system. Without one of these in place, indirect costs will not be compensated.

Eligibility for this funding opportunity is open to organizations that can demonstrate capacity to serve older individuals who are blind in the state of Illinois. The funding opportunity is only open to Illinois-based programs or entities that provide direct services within the state’s geographic boundaries. Applicants must submit their completed grant applications using the provided PDF form link, which should be copied and pasted into a browser.

Applications for this grant opportunity open on April 2, 2025, and must be submitted no later than May 2, 2025, at 5 PM Central Standard Time. There is no pre-application or technical assistance session associated with this opportunity. The announcement is classified as an “Initial” release, and applicants must ensure that all requirements and documentation are submitted by the deadline for consideration.

For any questions or further guidance regarding the application process, applicants may contact Holly Cunningham via email at Holly.Cunningham@illinois.gov. It is recommended that applicants closely review the application form and relevant documentation before submitting to ensure compliance with state requirements.