Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative

Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative is sponsored by Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Supports nonprofit and faith-based organizations in economically disadvantaged communities to help individuals acquire education, training, and employment-related skills.

IDHS: Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative - Formerly Known as Community Equity Grassroots E&T Initiative (26-444-80-2459-01) --> Anyone, 6 months or older, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Find your nearest vaccination location at vaccines. gov .

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Quintero, Secretary IDHS Grants Administration Family & Community Services Grants - FY 2026 Office of Workforce Development Opportunities Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative - Formerly Known as Community Equity Grassroots E&T Initiative (26-444-80-2459-01) 1.

- Basic Information (CSFA Data Section) Items 1(A) - 1(E) are in the CSFA Data Table Below: Awarding Agency Name (1-A) Illinois Department of Human Services Family and Community Services Office of Workforce Development Bureau of Employment and Training Funding Opportunity Title (1-B) Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Funding Opportunity Number (1-D) Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E) Estimated Total Program Funding Amount Anticipated Number of Awards $150,000.

00 - $850,000. 00 Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement? Restrictions on Indirect Costs?

Technical Assistance Session Offered 1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I The Department expects to award approximately $3,000,000. 00 The source of funding for this program is Federal funds The Department anticipates funding approximately 8 - 12 grant awards to provide this program Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be $150,000.

00 - $850,000. 00. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.

Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years was $428,571. 42. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program.

Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to: Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.) Sub-Recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department.

Sub-recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the sub-recipient. Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR.

Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records. Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award.

Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES) The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award Application Posting Date April 16, 2025 The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.): Not applicable The Department must receive the Full Application: Due by May 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST Anticipated Award Date July 1st, 2025 Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.

Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1st, 2025 and will continue through June 30, 2026.

Executive Summary: The Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative will work with non-profit community based and/or faith-based organizations in economically disadvantaged historically marginalized communities to help program participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills to assist in finding and maintaining employment.

The priority of this program is also to serve anchor institutions within the above-mentioned communities that have local relationships and a positive reputation as being centers of support and assistance for individuals struggling with all manner of personal problems.

Employment services is the focus of this program but the local community-based institutions that DHS is targeting for these grants should be trusted organizations in the community that offer assistance directly or through referral and linkage for all manner of personal, psychosocial emotional, and /or financial challenges facing individuals in their local community.

The initiative must also ensure equitable access to services for individuals with justice system involvement, including those reentering the community after incarceration, recognizing the importance of connecting these individuals with trusted support systems that address barriers to employment, stability, and self-sufficiency. Agency Contact Information. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact DHS.

ETNOFO@Illinois. gov . A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website.

Questions submitted up to 5 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website. Indirect Costs (for more information, refer to Indirect Costs ) Eligible Applicants.

This subsection must identify the following: The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are: private, not-for-profit community-based organizations that are incorporated and have been granted 501C(3) status, public community- based organizations, including faith-based organizations. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.

Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee: Organization name and contact information Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) Unique Identity Number (UEI) Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to and on the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.

Items a) through e) below are the prequalification requirements. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration: Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25. 110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.

110(d)) is required to: Be registered in SAM. gov before the application due date. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.

Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the awarding agency. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements.

The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant or applicants. Must be in "good standing" with the Illinois Secretary of State if the Illinois Secretary of State requires the entity's organization type to be registered. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List Must not be on the Sam.

gov Exclusion List Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List Additional Mandatory Requirements Applicants should be able to: Demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement. Demonstrate strong connections with the local or regional community to identify appropriate sites of operation and perform outreach to participants. (Refer to "Quality" section in program narrative.)

Demonstrate strong connections with local or regional employers and the community to identify appropriate sites of operation and perform outreach to participants. (Refer to "Quality" section in program narrative.) Have demonstrated compliance with IDHS performance, financial and reporting standards.

(Refer to "Capacity" section in program narrative. Applicants should be located or plan to offer services within community areas with high rates of poverty and unemployment. Applicants should have prepared a budget in accordance with the template provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services which follows and adheres to all applicable Federal guidelines.

The applicant must have a minimum of 5 (five) years of experience providing similar employment and training services to a similar population. The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any.

Successful Applicants will not receive an award if Pre-Award Requirements are not met. Qualified status is re-verified nightly. If the entity's status changes, an email notice is sent to the designated entity representative with a link to the Grantee Portal.

See Section number 1(F) for funding restrictions, if applicable. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include: Limit on number of applications. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity. The general purpose of the funding is for non-profit community based and faith-based organizations in economically disadvantaged, historically marginalized communities to help program participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills to assist in finding and maintaining employment.

Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative is expected to achieve certifications through education and training that will assist in leading customers to self-sufficiency for individuals and it is expected to achieve self-sufficiency for the public good.

The program is designed to support and enhance the employment and training programs being offered by deeply rooted organizations in economically hard-hit communities that are seen as anchor organizations and are well established as places that community members come to get assistance and support.

The program must ensure equitable access to services for individuals with justice system involvement, including those reentering the community after incarceration, recognizing the additional barriers they may face in securing employment and educational opportunities. Participants will earn a weekly stipend for participation in the program and will receive supportive services while participating in the program.

Employment and Training services will be provided to low-income individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed. Services will be provided by organizations located in the same hard-hit areas as the program participants they will be serving. The State agency's funding priorities or focus areas.

IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

IDHS intends to fund Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that will provide employment and training related programming in an effort to increase economic sustainability consistent with the TANF state plan.

IDHS will prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other TANF E&T services are not offered and who are able to contribute to skills gains, employment or greater economic stability for TANF recipients.

IDHS intends to prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other services are not offered and/or are in high need areas, having a disproportionate amount of economic hardship or food insecurity. IDHS is also focused on removing barriers that exist for Returning citizens/reentry programs that connect formerly incarcerated individuals with career pathways.

IDHS will also prioritize funding programs that provide language access and cultural competence to meet the needs of all populations. Goals and objectives of the Program. The goals and objectives of this program are for low-income participants to participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills and to assist low skilled & low-income job seekers in finding and maintaining employment.

Providers will operate the Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Program under the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Workforce Development as outlined in the Program Manual. Time spent in activities must be documented appropriately along with case notes to assure compliance with state regulations.

Participants must be engaged in one or a combination of the following countable activities including but not limited to: a. soft skills training, interviewing and resume writing skills, support in job search, GED test practice or other needed Adult Basic Education, job skills training (vocational education), financial literacy, and case management. Other elements may be offered as needed with the approval of the Department.

Weekly reporting of participant attendance and activity. Provide follow-up services and job coaching for a 90-day retention period after employment. Issuing supportive services to address employment barriers, including transportation, childcare, or other needs.

Communication with IDHS is critical to ongoing case management. Participant eligibility for the program is equivalent to household SNAP eligibility or to be unemployed and have a current household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level.

Grantees are expected to: Recruit participants for the program Determine eligibility of potential program participants Administer an employability assessment upon entering the program which should include at a minimum: Create an Employment Plan for each participant which should contain at a minimum: Any other employment related assets and barriers Grantees must provide participants with information that explains program basics and client responsibilities at intake.

Assist participants in applying for other DHS services, such as SNAP and Medical benefits if participants are eligible Distribute stipends to participants in the amount of $300 per week Maintain weekly attendance records Track and monitor the hours that each participant completed Track the stipends and supportive services distributed to each participant and in the case of supportive services identify and document what the funds distributed were needed for.

The number of paid stipend weeks a grantee can offer as part of their program to a participant is a maximum of 8 weeks, with 6 weeks being the recommended duration. The stipend period offered (6 - 8 weeks) must be decided and communicated to grantees' DHS staff liaison prior to the start of the program.

The grantee's stipend duration must be consistent within a grantee's program and all participants must be offered the same stipend period whether it is 6, 7 or 8 weeks. Make sure each participant does not receive a stipend beyond the maximum weeks allowed. The stipends are program participation incentives and are issued to participants based on participation in the program.

The number of program hours required to receive the stipend are at least 20 hours of training or work experience per week. An individual can participate in programming and receive services either prior to or after the stipend period of the program if participants require more training, experience, or services in order to be job ready, but may only receive a participation stipend for the maximum stipend period as outlined above.

Individuals who have participated in the program and received a stipend for a full 4 weeks cannot participate in the program again (neither with the same nor a different provider) until one year has elapsed from their program exit date. Nor may a participant repeat the program with the same or another provider offering Employment and Training until the year has elapsed.

Stipend may be resumed from where the participant left off if the participant needed to take a temporary leave from the program.

Identify supportive services needs and issue any needed supportive services to promote continued participation in the program and to engage in a productive job search: Supportive services may continue to be offered to individuals in the program during or after the stipend period ends if they are still in the program receiving training, participating in work experience or other program activities for a minimum of 20 hours per week or if they have started a job within the past 60 days after participating in the program.

Provide quality case management services that are documented in the customer's case file to ensure that customer engagement is documented through a permanent record of all services and contact with the program participant; Case files at a minimum must include: a copy of the Employability Assessment and Employment Plan program participation time sheets amount of stipend earned, and sign off or other verification which indicates receipt of the stipend funds receipts and participant sign off or verification of receipt and cost of any supportive services the participant received case notes referrals or linkage services that the customer was connected to (such as application for SNAP, etc.) job search record and outcomes of job searches employment verification, starting wage and name and location of hiring employer 90 day follow up after placement to verify continuing employment and any changes.

Files must be available for DHS review up to the file retention limit indicated in the standard UGA contract, or up to 3 years whichever is greater. Grantee should expect that program monitoring will occur annually.

Grantee will maintain a Resource Guide to support participants in connecting to resources needed such as: mental health, domestic violence, housing, literacy, etc. Grantee will provide follow-up summary for each participant to report their progress throughout the fiscal year. This summary is due 30 days after the end of the fiscal year.

Employment Placement and Retention Providers are required to assist customers in gaining permanent employment which provides at least minimum wage (federal or state whichever is more). Employment criteria include: Employment is defined as a job for which a participant is hired by a private employer for which no federal, state, or municipal funds are used to supplement job costs/salary.

A minimum of 22 hours/week at or above Federal or State minimum wage (whichever is higher) for at least 12 consecutive weeks) will be considered a successful placement. Some customers may prefer temporary employment to meet short-term needs, the Grantee's primary focus should be to collaborate with customers to develop an individualized employment plan that is designed to lead to long term career pathways and employment goals.

Customers may be placed in jobs with federal, state, or municipal entities in which the source of payment and employment activities are in accordance with personnel procedures and policies that pertain to all employees of the agency. To ensure alignment with labor market demands, Providers should prioritize placements which align with high-growth industries as defined by the Illinois Demand Occupations Training List.

Grantees are expected to offer Job Retention services to all customers who have gained employment for up to 90 days. Job Retention includes case management and supportive services to assist newly employed individuals with retaining employment.

Performance Measures and Standards The Grantee is expected to achieve and report every month: The number of participants enrolled and active for the month, disaggregated by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and justice system involvement (including reentry from incarceration, probation, or parole).

The number of participants served who are returning residents or otherwise involved in the justice system, and the types of services provided to them. The number of participants that completed an employability assessment. The number of participants that received which type of service and whether they are still active, have completed, or are not active.

The number of participants that were referred into another employment and training/educational program. Number of participants that have been newly enrolled in IDHS services Number of participants that have been referred to another needed service: housing supports, Mental Health services, etc. The number of participants that received employment.

(If participants obtain employment, must report who the employer is, position and the start date of their new job.) Report the number of participants who enrolled in/obtained GED after program completion. Report on outcomes 60 days after participants complete program.

Grantees are expected to ensure: 100% of the participants are eligible for the program as defined by the eligibility criteria in Exhibit B.

100% of the participants will be offered digital literacy during their first week of the program to address use of technology knowledge deficits, i.e.: how to participate in Zoom or other remote meetings, filing out online applications, etc. 100% of the participants will complete an employability assessment. 100% of the participants will receive financial literacy/financial education.

100% of the participants will receive soft skills or job search training skills. 100% of participants who compete 20 hours per week of program will receive 100% of their weekly participation stipend. 100% of participants receive any needed transportation assistance and appropriate supportive services are offered to participants.

100% of participants who are eligible for SNAP, Medical or Childcare assistance are enrolled in those programs. 100% of all participants will be adequately supervised and supported during program hours. 100% of participants have a case file and that all required documents indicated in Exhibit B are included.

80% of participants will complete the full term of the program. 100% of participants will obtain at least 5 job leads by program completion; documentation indicating what employers leads are obtained and results of applications and interviews will be included in participant's case file.

For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are (or are located) : N/A Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.

In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS: Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.

438) Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200. 439) Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.

439) Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200. 445).

Deposits for items, services, or space Simplified Acquisition Threshold: Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200. 88).

Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward: That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C.

2313); That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM; That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.

205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: (Equivalent to household SNAP eligibility or to be unemployed and have a current household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: N/A 4.

- Application Contents and Format. This subsection must identify the required content of an application and the forms or formats an applicant must use. If any requirements are stated elsewhere, this section should refer to where those requirements may be found.

This section also should include required forms or formats as part of the announcement or state where the applicant may obtain them. Content and Format requirements: Content and Form of Application Submission Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers or are not required.. Required Content of Application Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met.

The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding. Refer to Section 5 (iii)B for details.

Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments Program Narrative: IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections.

If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a significantly reduced score the applicant organization will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments: Please provide a complete response to the following sections.

If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section.

(Include program specific instructions/questions for the narrative portion of the application here; at a minimum, each nofo must include a section for need, capacity and program design.)

Executive Summary (2 - Page Maximum) - 5 Points The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for the successful applicant that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of the funded project.

Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description and provide an overview of the services proposed with these funds and the outcomes that will be achieved The description should include: A brief overview of the services that will be delivered Capacity to provide the services and; Projected numbers to be served within each program component.

Need (2 Pages Maximum) 15 points The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services and benefits gained. State and describe the service area, the target population and the need for services in your community. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: Identification of service area.

Include description and demographics of communities served. Description of accessibility and availability of services that reflect your client and communities' needs. Include evidence if the service area is being described as a transportation desert.

Identification of unserved, underserved or inadequately served populations and any special needs in the service area. Explain how they were identified. Identification of proposed or established partnerships with other agencies providing services to underserved populations.

Describe the nature of the partnership, i.e. subawards, Memorandum of Understanding or linkage agreements and highlight collaborative efforts. Describe current trends or issues, service gaps or unmet needs in the community or target population.

Capacity (9 pages - maximum attachments do not count toward page maximum) 35 Points The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's capacity, qualifications, and ability to provide the program as described in this Funding Notice.

Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant. This should include experience, staffing patterns and qualifications to comply with GATA fiscal and administrative requirements.

Highlight any recent changes in policies and procedures to improve fiscal, administrative, or programmatic capacity. An organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If subawards will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart.

(Label Attachment A). Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their qualifications to implement the program deliverables. A description of your agency's current programs and activities relevant to the services described in this NOFO.

Describe the capacity of your program to meet the needs of the target populations you will be serving and respond to emerging community needs. Describe your program's strategy to enhance services to unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations in the service area.

At a minimum, staffing and linkage/working agreements or collaborations with community partners that primarily serve these populations and the leadership role played by those representing and serving the underserved populations in question. Identify service locations, hours of operation, service type and staffing. (Attachment B) Detail service provision numbers or estimates.

(Attachment C) Describe agency oversight by Board of Directors and available resources for fiscal, administrative, and programmatic areas. Describe the agency capacity to provide a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment. Describe the means by which the grantee will provide meaningful access for limited English proficient individuals.

Describe the means by which the grantee will provide meaningful access and effective communication for individuals with disabilities. Quality (9 pages maximum) 35 points Provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing employment and training services. Provide a description of each required service component for TANF E&T that will be provided to program participants.

Include process for initiating services, eligibility criteria, identification of service needs and service planning. Describe the process by which your worksites are selected and what experience they offer participants. Describe the potential for participants to gain permanent employment at selected worksites or their ability to refer them to other employers who do.

Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application. Include how your program provides culturally appropriate: staffing, materials, outreach, etc. Include identification of the underserved populations that are being targeted for outreach and services that address their specific needs. Describe how the program provides transportation assistance.

Describe what strategies your organization employs to ensure quality programming. Describe your program staff's qualifications and training. Include education and/or experience, initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, training budget, certifications, etc. Describe how case management will be delivered and by who.

What linkages, referrals, or coordination with other community services does your program offer. Describe how your program