IDHS and DCEO Launch First-Ever Human Services Capital Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD - IDHS and DCEO have partnered to launch a first-of-its-kind, $15 million capital improvement projects for facilities of eligible not-for-profit human services providers located in Illinois. This is a competitive program that will make at least 60 grant awards ranging from $50,000 up to $250,000 to eligible organizations.

"This is a huge opportunity for human services providers across the state. For too long, too many crucial community-based organizations have been unable to invest in their capital construction needs," said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services. "We are so pleased to team up with DCEO to make this long-awaited program possible."

"DCEO is excited to partner with IDHS on this opportunity to provide capital grants to not-for-profits across Illinois that provide essential services to their communities," said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. "Through Rebuild Illinois, Governor Pritzker has taken a truly comprehensive approach to funding much-needed capital projects that improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans."

Application Deadline: December 30, 2022 (5:00 p.m.)

Application information: Detailed funding opportunity information, application materials, and technical assistance are available here or email CapitalGrant@tecsinc.com for additional information.

Eligible applicants: "Human services providers" means not-for-profit organizations in good standing to operate in Illinois that have provided services for a minimum of two years directly to low-income or marginalized populations in one of the core divisions of DHS— Mental Health, Rehabilitation Services, Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, Family and Community Services, Developmental Disabilities, and Early Childhood.

Award information: Individual capital improvement awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000. DCEO anticipates that the term of the agreements will be one to two years ending on or around August 31, 2024.

Eligible projects: Capital improvements are projects, not yet fully completed as of November 1, 2022, with a purpose to physically expand or physically improve upon a facility located in Illinois and owned or leased by an eligible human services provider. Eligible activities do not include the purchase of land or a building, site selection or improvements made to a personal residence even if it is used by the human services provider to perform services. Administrative and operational expenditures are not allowable costs for this program.

Priority projects: Applicants that demonstrate the following will receive additional credit during the application review process if the proposed project:

• Addresses Life Safety Code deficiencies;

• Will lead to an expansion of services offered to clients (either expansion of current programs or introduction of new programs); or

• Is located in or provides services to individuals who reside in either a disproportionately impacted area or a qualified census tract. See https://www.illinoisworknet.com/qctdiamap.

Technical Assistance: TEC Services Consulting Inc. will provide technical assistance in the form of webinars, written materials, and one-on-one communications to organizations during the application process and to award recipients during project administration. DCEO strongly encourages interested organizations to review the technical assistance materials and to participate in upcoming webinars.

About IDHS

The Department of Human Services is Illinois' largest State agency, with more than 13,000 employees. IDHS provides residents across the State with streamlined access to human services and is home to six major Divisions: Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood, Family and Community Services, Mental Health, Rehabilitation Services, and Substance Use Prevention & Recovery. IDHS also oversaw Illinois' Census 2020 office, and more recently established the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, Chief Behavioral Health Office, and the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. The IDHS is rooted in working collaboratively with counties, cities, and communities, as well as our public, private, faith, and educational partners to make Illinois a healthy, vibrant, inclusive place to live, work, learn and grow.

DCEO's mission is to support and maintain a climate that enables a strong economy for our customers - taxpayers, businesses, workers and communities - by keeping, attracting and growing businesses, maintaining a skilled workforce, and enhancing communities so that the climate here is one in which businesses, small and large, and workers, can succeed to the greatest extent possible. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity delivers impactful and efficient programs and services through offices including 13 project offices and a Regional Economic Development team.