The Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI) program is a funding opportunity provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to support community-based domestic violence programs. The grant aims to provide safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and legal services for victims of domestic violence and their children. The program is structured to prevent domestic violence by addressing both immediate and long-term needs, helping victims become self-sufficient, and promoting awareness that domestic abuse is a crime that will not be tolerated.

The total program funding is estimated at $70,077,955, with anticipated awards ranging between $150,000 and $2,000,000 per recipient. Approximately 55 to 65 awards are expected to be distributed. The funding is sourced from both federal and state funds, with a requirement that grantees provide a 25% match of the federal funding portion. Indirect costs are allowed, and applicants must adhere to the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES) for rate approvals.

Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit agencies with experience in providing domestic violence services. They must also be operational community-based domestic violence programs that comply with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Violence Services Guidelines Manual. Applicants must be prequalified in the Illinois Grantee Portal, registered in SAM.gov, and in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Additionally, they must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List or the SAM.gov Exclusion List.

The application period opens on March 11, 2025, and closes on April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST. A technical assistance session is offered on March 14, 2025, though attendance is not mandatory. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov. Required documents include an executive summary, program narrative, budget, organizational chart, service information, conflict of interest disclosure, and additional attachments as specified in the funding notice.

Applications will be evaluated based on need, agency capacity, program design, and budget feasibility. The merit review process involves scoring applications based on a 100-point scale, with 40 points allocated for agency qualifications and organizational capacity, 40 points for program design and services, 10 points for demonstrating need, and 5 points each for the executive summary and budget. Final funding decisions consider geographical distribution, demonstrated community need, and past performance.

The anticipated award notification date is July 1, 2025, with funded programs expected to begin on or after that date, continuing through June 30, 2026. Successful applicants may be eligible for two subsequent one-year renewals based on performance and available funding. Grantees are required to participate in monitoring, maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, and report quarterly service and financial data through the InfoNet system.

For additional information, applicants may contact Erica Koegler at DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov or call (217) 836-1020.