Behavioral Health Services Grants

Behavioral Health Services Grants is sponsored by McLean County Board of Health. Grants to advance and support a wider range of behavioral health programming (mental health & substance use) for McLean County residents.

McLean County Board of Health (553 Board) Document Type : Request for Proposals (RFP) Funding Opportunity Title: Behavioral Health Services Funding Oppor tunity Type of Funding: Competitive Grant Awarding Agency: McLean County Board of Health Program Service Area: McLean County, Illinois Anticipated Total Funding Available: Up to $ 1,852,592 Anticipated Funding and Awards: The Board anticipates funding multiple proposals through this opportunity.

Award amounts and number of awards will depend on applications received and available funding. Funding is contingent upon Board approval and availability of appropriated funds.

Funding Period: January 1, 202 7, through December 31, 202 7 Continued Funding: There may be the opportunity for awarded programs to apply for continued funding Cost Sharing or Matching: Not required Indirect Cost Rate Maximum : 15% of awarded funding Number of Applications Permitted from Agency: Agencies may submit more than one application for this funding opportunity.

Each program must be submitted as a separate application and will be reviewed independently. The Board may fund more than one program from the same agency.

Posted Date: Friday, July 10, 2026 Application Due Date : Mon day, August 31, 202 6, by 1 2:00 PM CST McLean County Board of Health Intent & Scope of Services This funding opportunity is informed by key themes identified in the 2025 McLean County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), the 2026 –2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), the Behavioral Health Action Plan (BHAP), and feedback from the McLean County Mental Health Advisory Board (MHAB) related to behavioral health system strengths, gaps, and priority needs.

Eligible programs must be primarily focused on behavioral health (which includes mental health and/or substance use) service delivery, system capacity, or direct ly supports improv ing behavioral health access, engagement, coordination, or outcomes. Programs must serve McLean County residents.

Programs must demonstrate a clear and direct connection to the behavioral health system, including how funded activities are expected to improve access to services, engagement in care, service coordination, or behavioral health outcomes.

Programs are expected to: Utilize person -centered, community -centered approaches appropriate to the populations served Use practices that promote dignity, accessibility, and engagement for individuals with varying levels of readiness and support needs Incorporate data -informed decision -making to continuously improve program effectiveness and Behavioral Health System Priority Framework Rather than limiting proposals to a single service category, applicants are encouraged to describe how their program strengthens one or more stages of the behavioral health system continuum: (1) early connection, awareness, and engagement, (2) access navigation, and service entry, and (3) service capacity , coordination, and workforce sustainability .

Programs may address multiple stages ; however, applicants sh all clearly identify a primary area of focus. 1.

Early Connection, Awareness, and Engagement Programs that strengthen how individuals first become aware of, connect to, and engage with behavioral health and supportive services, including efforts that: Increase awareness of behavioral health services through outreach, education, and community - facing engagement strategies Provide Tier 1 support focused on mental wellness promotion, prevention, stigma reduction, and early identification of needs Strengthen early, low -barrier engagement opportunities that support connection before or outside of Deliver engagement in trusted community settings such as schools, libraries, faith communities, and community organizations McLean County Board of Health Incorporate peer -based or community -led outreach models that strengthen trust and connection to 2.

Access, Navigation, and Service Entry Programs that improve how individuals enter, move through, and remain engaged in the behavioral health system, including efforts that: Expand or strengthen system entry points such as walk -in services, same -day access, coordinated intake models, or navigation supports Improve linkage and continuity of care through warm handoffs, shared referral processes, and care coordination between providers and systems Reduce structural and practical barriers to engagement, including transportation, cost, insurance complexity, language access, and system navigation challenges Design eligibility, participation, and retention processes that are person -centered and responsive to practical barriers (e.g., executive functioning challenges, housing instability, transportation limitations), while maintaining program fidelity Provide short -term or bridge supports (e.g., peer support, care coordination, stabilization services, interim counseling) to support engagement while individuals transition into longer -term services Expand community -based, school -based, or co -located behavioral health services within trusted settings to improve access and reduce stigma Address how system design, eligibility criteria, and participation requirements may contribute to disparities in access, engagement, and outcomes among specific populations 3.

Service Capacity, Coordination, and Workforce Sustainability Programs that strengthen the capacity, coordination, and long -term sustainability of the behavioral health system, including efforts that: Address workforce shortages, service gaps, or limited capacity across the behavioral health Expand, stabilize, or support the behavioral health workforce through recruitment, retention, training, or supervision strategies Integrate peer support specialists, community health workers, or individuals with lived experience into service delivery models Strengthen coordination and collaboration across behavioral health, healthcare, education, and community -based providers Improve service delivery models to reduce bottlenecks, improve responsiveness, and meet Strengthen system capacity to serve culturally, linguistically, geographically, and age -diverse populations McLean County Board of Health Support sustainable service models that improve continuity, efficiency, and long -term system Address how workforce design and system capacity influence disparities in access, engagement, Eligible applicants include: • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving McLean County residents • Government entities serving McLean County residents • Be able to deliver all required services described in their proposal • Demonstrate the capacity to meet all fiscal, legal, and reporting requirements associated with the • Maintain all required state or federal licensure and certifications for the duration of the contract, if applicable to the proposed services • Be prepared to begin development and/or implementation of services upon the contract effective date and sustain full program operations throughout the contract period beginning in CY2027 Funding Requests, Budgeting, and Board Discretion Coordination of Board Funds with Other Funding Board funds may not be used to supplant or replace federal, state, or other grant funding sources.

However, Board funds may be used within existing programs as part of a blended funding approach to expand program capacity, increase accessibility, or enhanc e service delivery. This may include addressing gaps or reducing barriers to program entry, participation, or continuity of care that result from other funding requirements or limitations.

Budget Justification Requirements Applicants must clearly demonstrate how Board financial support will be used to fund specific, identifiable program deliverables, outputs, or activities. Budgets must demonstrate that costs are allowable, reasonable, and directly related to the proposed pr ogram. This use of funds must be clearly reflected and easily explained within the program budget and budget narrative.

Programs, services, or portions of programs requesting Board funding must demonstrate that Board financial support is necessary for implementation, operation, expansion, or sustainability of the program.

McLean County Board of Health Board funds must be used only for costs that cannot be reimbursed or otherwise covered by other funding Funding Distribution and Reimbursement Board funding is intended to reimburse approved program expenditures incurred during the contract period.

While an initial payment may be issued at the beginning of the contract year as outlined in the Service Agreement, subsequent payments are generally b ased on documented expenditures and required reporting.

Agencies should not assume that awarded funds will be paid in advance of eligible program Application Materials (Mandatory Forms) Only proposals submitted using the mandatory application forms will be considered complete and eligible for review. These forms must be requested via email at Amy. Hopper@McLeanCountyIL.

gov and must be used in their original format for submission. A complete proposal must include the official application form, budget form, and documentation verifying IRS nonprofit status or governmental entity status. Proposals not submitted using the mandatory application forms will not be forwarded to the Board for review and funding consideration .

Applicants will be notified via email regarding this determination. No hyperlinks are permitted in application materials for IT security purposes. To be considered for funding, proposals must be received by McLean County Health Department staff at the submission email address listed below by the specified due date and time.

Late submissions will not Submit to: hdfinancialreports@mcleancountyil.

gov Due Date and Time: Monday, August 31, 2026, by 1 2:00 PM /Noon CST In the event of a dispute regarding submission time or receipt, applicants may be required to provide supporting email transmission records demonstrating timely submission to the designated submission email address (such as a screenshot of the sent email s howing the timestamp, an email delivery confirmation, or email header details if available).

Screenshots, forwarded messages, or other user -McLean County Board of Health edited documentation that can be altered will not be accepted as sufficient proof of submission. The Health Department’s email system timestamp shall be considered the official record of receipt. Questions Regarding the RFP The individual listed below is the sole point of contact for this RFP.

Applicants shall not discuss this RFP or any proposal, directly or indirectly, with any Board member or any McLean County Government employee other than the designated contact. All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing via email to the Solicitation Contact no later than Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:00 p. m.

(Noon) CST to guarantee a response. Questions received after this deadline may not receive a response. Solicitation Contact: Amy Hopper Email: Amy.

Hopper@McLeanCountyIL. gov A standardized grading matrix will be used to evaluate how well proposals align with the RFP criteria. The grading matrix is included at the end of this RFP.

The matrix includes the following sections: Program Design & Service Delivery (40 points) Outcomes & Evaluation (25 points) Organizational Capacity (20 points) Budget & Use of Funds (15 points) Each section is scored using defined scoring anchors.

Section scores are combined for a total possible Scores are intended to support structured review and comparison of proposals based on: alignment to Behavioral Health System Priority Framework strength and feasibility of program design clarity and usefulness of outcomes organizational capacity and implementation readiness appropriateness and justification of requested funding McLean County Board of Health Scores generated through the funding evaluation matrix support structured review and comparison of proposals.

Final funding decisions are made by the Board based on scoring results and overall alignment with system priorities, program quality, and fiscal r esponsibility.

The Board retains final authority to approve, modify, or reject any or all funding recommendations and to award funding in whole or in part based on the Board’s determination of what is most beneficial to McLean County, including lawful considerations such as program quality, service delivery, system impact, and fiscal responsibility.

The Board is not obligated to award the full amount requested, and price is not the sole determining factor in funding decisions.

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, request additional information from applicants, or cancel this RFP at any time if determined to be in the best interest of Award & Contracting Process Award Notification Process Applicants approved for funding will receive an award notification via email to the individual who submitted the RFP application.

Award notifications are not binding contracts, and funding is contingent upon execution of a formal Service Agreement with the McLean County Board of Health.

The award notification may include: Anticipated grant award amount Terms and conditions of the award Any applicable funding contingencies, requirements, or special conditions If partial funding is awarded, applicants may be required to revise program deliverables, outcomes, outputs, and budget to align with the approved funding amount prior to execution of a Service Selected applicants shall review the proposed award terms and confirm acceptance within the timeframe identified in the award notification.

Applicants not selected for funding will be notified separately via email. Service Agreement Requirements Applicants recommended for funding shall negotiate in good faith with the Board to enter into a formal Service Agreement for the services or program described in the proposal.

McLean County Board of Health The executed Service Agreement shall include, but is not limited to: The contents of this Request for Proposals (RFP) The applicant’s proposal, including the approved budget Any additional negotiated terms, conditions, or performance requirements Executed Service Agreements must be returned to the McLean County Health Department by the deadline established by the Department.

All awards are subject to the availability of funds authorized pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/5 -25025 and final Reporting & Compliance Requirements Recipients must comply with all reporting, monitoring, and financial accountability requirements established by the Board and the McLean County Health Department.

Required and compliance requirements include, but are not limited to: Monthly financial reports detailing program expenditures Quarterly statistical, outcome, and narrative reports Participation in technical assistance, monitoring, or support meetings as requested Annual financial, statistical, and narrative reports Grantees shall participate in annual financial audit processes, if applicable, and must provide additional financial, programmatic, performance, or compliance information upon request by the Board or McLean County Health Department.

Required reports and other monitoring, evaluation, and compliance information requested by the Board or McLean County Health Department will be used to assess contract performance and inform continuation funding determinations.

Behavioral Health Services Funding Opportunity Proposal Evaluation Matrix Eligibility Screening (Pass/Fail — NOT Scored) Before scoring, proposals must demonstrate alignment with at least one stage of the Behavioral Health System Priority Framework :McLean County Board of Health ☐ Early Connection, Awareness, and Engagement ☐ Access, Navigation, and Service Entry ☐ Service Capacity, Coordination, and Workforce Sustainability If NONE are checked → proposal is not scored If ONE OR MORE are checked → proposal proceeds to scoring 1.

Program Design & Service Delivery (40 points) How well the program translates RFP system priorities into a real, usable, low -barrier service model that people can access and stay engaged in. Program is vague or mostly descriptive (general agency activity rather than proposed program). Weak or no clear connection to a Behavioral Health System Priority Framework stage .

Access points, eligibility, and services are unclear or overly restrictive. Minimal explanation of participant Program is defined but high -level. Some alignment to a Framework stage but not operationalized.

Access exists but barriers are not fully addressed (e.g., complex intake, unclear eligibility). Coordination/partnerships are mentioned but not clearly functional. Program clearly fits ONE primary Framework stage and shows day -to -day operations.

Clear participant flow (entry → engagement). Some intentional barrier reduction (e.g., simplified intake, navigation, outreach, co -location, warm handoffs). Coordination/referral pathways are clearly Strong, well -designed program with clear service model AND intentional alignment to Framework stage (s).

Demonstrates real -world barrier reduction (transportation, stigma, eligibility friction, system navigation). Engagement strategies are active and intentional. Strong coordination across partners supports access and continuity.

Fully developed, highly integrated program that clearly strengthens the McLean County behavioral health system. Demonstrates a complete, real -world service flow (outreach → entry → engagement → continuation). Uses multiple intentional low -barrier strategie s that reduce access friction.

Strong coordination across partners supports seamless access and continuity. Demonstrates system impact beyond the program itself, improving how services connect and function across the network. McLean County Board of Health 2.

Outcomes & Evaluation (25 points) Whether the program clearly defines success and uses data to improve services (not just report activity). 5 pts Outcomes are missing, unclear, or not measurable. No way to determine if program is working.

Data collection not described or informal. 12 pts Basic outputs listed (service counts). Limited meaningful outcomes.

Weak measurement plan. Continuous quality improvement is unclear or aspirational. 18 pts Clear, measurable outcomes with defined data collection.

Includes more than outputs (access, quality, impact). Some use of data for improvement. Strong outcomes aligned to the selected Framework stage (access, engagement, coordination, system impact).

Data used regularly for program improvement. Clear distinction between Highly developed outcomes framework with clear logic from service → result → system/participant impact. Strong continuous quality improvement process with data actively used to make documented program improvements.

Demonstrates clear improvement in access, engagement, coordination, or system performance over time. 3. Organizational Capacity (20 points) Ability to implement, staff, coordinate, and sustain the program.

5 pts Limited experience. Staffing plan unclear. Minimal evidence of compliance or contract capacity.

10 pts Some relevant experience. Basic staffing structure. Partnerships listed but not clearly active.

Capacity may be limited for scale. 15 pts Strong experience delivering similar services. Clear staffing roles.

Active partnerships. Demonstrated ability to meet reporting, fiscal, and compliance requirements. Highly capable organization with strong, clearly defined staffing and supervision structure aligned to the proposed program.

Demonstrates active, functioning partnerships that support coordinated service delivery. Strong ability to meet reporting, fiscal, and compliance requirements throughout the contract period. Capacity clearly supports both implementation and sustained program performance.

McLean County Board of Health 4. Budget & Use of Funds (15 points) Whether Board funds are necessary, appropriate, and clearly tied to program activities (not general 5 pts Budget unclear or not tied to program activities. Weak justification for funding.

8 pts Budget general with limited cost justification. Weak explanation of funding need. 12 pts Clear, reasonable budget aligned to program.

Funds tied to specific activities/deliverables. Understands allowable costs and non -supplanting. Strong, transparent budget directly aligned to program design and outputs.

Clear justification that Board funding is necessary to support specific program activities (gap filling, expansion, or sustainability). Demonstrates funds are not replacing other fu nding sources. Costs are reasonable, clearly explained, and directly tied to service delivery and intended outcomes.