AmeriCorps Formula Traditional

Application Period: 05/13/2026 - 06/12/2026 : 4:00 pm

Technical Assistance: Offered : Yes; Mandatory : No; Date : 05/21/2026 : 10:00 am; Registration link : https://actnowillinois-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ODvxoJeEQc68uvP7Q_zPnA#/registration

Apply here: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=178901

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Application Documents

FileView.aspx

State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Human Services
Agency Contact Cory Blissett (Cory.Blissett@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois)
Funding Opportunity Title AmeriCorps Formula Traditional
CSFA Number 444-80-2810
CSFA Popular Name AmeriCorps Formula Traditional
Anticipated Number of Awards 15
Estimated Total Program Funding $6,200,000
Award Range $250000 - $1000000
Source of Funding Federal
Cost Sharing or Matching Yes
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs Yes : See Section 2: Eligibility, subsection ii. for more information on
cost sharing and matching. See Section 4: Application Contents and
Format, subsection ii. for more information on Indirect Costs.
Posted Date 05/13/2026
Application Date Range 05/13/2026 - 06/12/2026 : 4:00 pm
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=178901
Technical Assistance Session Offered : Yes
Mandatory : No
Date : 05/21/2026 : 10:00 am
Registration link : https://actnowillinois-
org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ODvxoJeEQc68uvP7Q_zPnA#/regi
stration

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1. Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)
i. Required Information
A. Awarding Agency Name: Illinois Department of Human Services
B. Funding Opportunity Title: AmeriCorps Formula Traditional
C. Announcement Type: Competitive Initial Announcement
D. Funding Opportunity Number: 27-444-80-2810-01
E. Assistance Listing Number: 444-80-2810
Items 1(A) - 1(E) are in the CSFA Data Table below.
Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name Office of Community and Positive Youth Development; Bureau of
Volunteerism and Community Service
Agency Contact Rachael Tuxhorn
DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Competitive
Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois)
Title
Funding Opportunity 27-444-80-2810-01
Number
Application Posting Date May 13, 2026
Application Closing Date June 12, 2026, 4:00 pm (CST)
Catalog of State Financial 444-80-2810
Assistance
(CSFA) Number
Catalog of State Financial AmeriCorps Formula Traditional
Assistance (CSFA) Name
Assistance Listing 94.006
Number(s) (Federal)
Awarding Source Federal Pass-Through
Estimated Total $6,200,000
Program Funding
Amount
Anticipated Number of Approximately 15
Awards
Award Range $250,000 - $1,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Yes (See Section 2: Eligibility, subsection ii. for more information)
Requirement
Indirect Costs Allowed? Yes

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Restrictions on Indirect Yes (See Section 4: Application Contents and Format, subsection ii. for
Costs? more information)
Technical Assistance Yes
Session Offered May 21, 2026, 10:00 am (CST)
Technical Assistance Registration
F. Funding Details
1. Total Amount of Funding
a. The Department expects to award approximately $6,200,000.
b. The source of funding for this program is Federal Pass-Through funds.
2. Number of Grant Awards
a. The Department anticipates funding approximately fifteen (15) grant awards to provide
this program.
3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
a. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be
$250,000 - $1,000,000.
4. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
a. Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years was $500,000.
5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
a. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are to compete with
applications for new State awards.
b. 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:
i. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period
ii. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has
been provided by the Division/Department
iii. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification
requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.)
6. Sub-Recipient Agreements
a. 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

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Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the
performance and monitoring of the sub-recipient.
7. Funding restrictions
a. Pre-Award Costs
i. Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of
the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS
Uniform Grant Budget Narrative. Pre-Award costs are allowable for this award.
ii. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. Principles
and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements,
and financial records.
b. Indirect Costs
i. Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be
approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES).
8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
to make an award.
G. Key Dates
1. Application Posting Date: May 13, 2026
2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.):
Not applicable
3. The Department must receive the Full Application on or by June 12, 2026, at 4:00 pm CST.
4. Anticipated Award Date: August 15, 2026
5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
a. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than September 1, 2026,
and will continue through August 31, 2027.
H. Executive Summary: The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) – Serve Illinois and
AmeriCorps State and National grantees are awarded to eligible organizations that engage
AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen
communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through
AmeriCorps.
Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of
their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher
education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.
AmeriCorps State and National improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic
engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps State and National brings people

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together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and
volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of
communities and those serving.
This funding opportunity is open to new, recompete, and continuation applicants in any
community located in Illinois. Any applicants selected for funding will be notified by IDHS –
Serve Illinois and a contract will be sent requiring a signature from the program designee.
Please reference Section 4: Application Contents and Format, subsection i. for the required
Executive Summary language.
I. Agency Contact Information
1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact Rachael Tuxhorn at
DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov with “FY27 Formula Traditional NOFO” in the subject
line beginning May 15, 2026.
2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website.
Questions submitted up to three (3) business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting
period will be posted on the website.
J. Indirect Cost Overview
1. An organization must have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) with the State
of Illinois, a Federal NICRA, or must elect to use the 15% de minimis rate to be reimbursed
for any indirect costs within a program. All State of Illinois grantees also have the option to
select "no rate" and not claim any indirect costs.
2. Awardees must select an indirect cost election in the Grantee Portal on an annual basis.
Note - The election for "no rate" and "de minimis" continues indefinitely once initially
selected until a new election is made.
3. All State of Illinois grantees receiving awards from Illinois grant making agencies must
substantiate or elect an indirect cost rate for their organization. Grantees that wish to
negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois will start their election process in the Grantee
Portal and the case will then be sent to the Crowe Resource Management Program (CRMP)
to begin negotiation.
4. Please click on the Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System to begin the indirect cost rate
election process and obtain access to resources and points of contact to assist your
organization in completing this process.
Additional details are outlined in Section 4: Application Contents and Format, subsection ii.
K. Additional Information
1. The amount of funding per award, on average, experienced in previous years has been
$500,000.

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2. This is a legacy (established) program that is open to new, continuation, and recompete
applicants.
3. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right
to consider other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, service
capacity, cost effectiveness, demonstrated local community presence, agency past
performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified in Funding Priorities found in
Section 3: Program Description, subsection i.
4. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision,
the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings
of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in
scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
5. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award
amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
2. Eligibility
i. Eligible Applicants
A. The following non-federal organizations are eligible to apply and are subject to the limitations
described below.
1. Indian Tribes
2. Institutions of higher education
3. Local governments, including school districts;
4. Nonprofit organizations; and
5. States and US Territories
a. In addition to Indian Tribes as defined in 2 CFR 200.1, Tribal organizations that are
controlled, authorized, or chartered by Federally recognized Indian Tribes are also
eligible to apply. If an entity applies for an award as a tribal organization that is
controlled or chartered by one or more Indian Tribes [and the organization does not
meet any of the other applicant eligibility types], the organization must provide copies
or links to documentation which demonstrates that the organization is controlled or
chartered by a federally recognized Indian Tribe. If an entity applies as an organization
authorized by a federally recognized Tribe, or multiple specific federally recognized
tribes, it must submit a resolution or other authorization adopted by the Tribal Council
(or comparable tribal governing body) of each Indian Tribe. The authorization(s) must
identify the entity applying for an AmeriCorps award by name as a tribal organization
that is authorized by the Indian Tribe(s) for the purpose of applying for AmeriCorps
funding (or federal grant funds generally).

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B. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other Mandatory
Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
1. Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be
registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee:
a. Organization name and contact information
b. Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
c. Unique Identity Number (UEI)
d. Organization type
2. 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.
a. 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, or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2
CFR § 25.110 is required to:
i. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
ii. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
iii. 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. Use the SAM Quick Guide for Grantees.
iv. The State Agency may not make an award until the applicant has fully complied to all
UEI and SAM requirements.
v. The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not
complied with requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another
applicant or applicants.
b. 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.
c. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List
d. Must not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List
e. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List
3. Additional Mandatory Requirements

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a. Threshold Requirements: Specific types of applicants/applications must meet the
following requirements:
i. Professional Corps must show that the community where it will place AmeriCorps
members has a shortage of professionals in the relevant area, e.g., teachers, medical
professionals, etc.
ii. If service activities require special member qualifications and/or training, such as
tutoring programs, the applicant must describe how these requirements will be met.
iii. All applicants must propose program designs that are either evidence-based or
evidence-informed. (See Section 4: Application Contents and Format, subsection i.).
Applicants rated as insufficient evidence are removed from funding consideration.
Insufficient evidence is determined by:
a) An applicant being assessed as in the pre-preliminary evidence tier AND
b) Providing inadequate responses to the Evidence Quality review standards
below.
b. Restrictions:
i. Organizations that have violated a federal criminal statute may not receive
AmeriCorps funds. Organizations that propose activities that are not allowed by
AmeriCorps’ laws, rules, or terms and conditions cannot receive AmeriCorps funding.
Organizations that have any unpaid federal tax liability are not allowed to receive an
award. AmeriCorps cannot provide funding to any corporation that has unpaid
federal taxes that are not being paid through an agreement with the relevant tax
authority. However, this does not apply if a federal agency decided that a suspension
or debarment for the corporation is not necessary.
ii. Organizations that are described in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C.
§501 (c)(4) that lobby cannot receive AmeriCorps funding according to the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project
director if any.
c. Member Living Allowances:
i. A living allowance is not considered a salary or a wage. Programs are not required to
provide a living allowance for members serving in less than full-time terms of
service. If a program chooses to provide a living allowance to a less than full-time
member, it must follow the limits in the table below. Organizations applying for Cost
Reimbursement grants must include the living allowance in the budget, either as
share or match.
Table: Program Year 2026 Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance for New and
Recompete Applicants
Slot Types Minimum # Minimum Living Allowance Maximum Total Living Allowance
of Hours
Full-time 1,700 $20,400 $40,800
Three Quarter- 1,200 n/a $28,560
time

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Half-time 900 n/a $20,400
Quarter-time 450 n/a $10,608
Minimum-time 300 n/a $8,568
Table: Program Year 2026 Minimum and Maximum Living Allowance for Continuation
Applicants in Year 2 or Year 3 of Funding
Slot Types Minimum # Minimum Living Allowance Maximum Total Living Allowance
of Hours
Full-time 1,700 $20,400 $40,800
Three Quarter- 1,200 n/a $28,560
time
Half-time 900 n/a $20,400
Reduced Half-time 675 n/a $15,504
Quarter-time 450 n/a $10,608
Minimum-time 300 n/a $8,568
Abbreviated time 100 n/a $2,448
d. Exceptions to the Living Allowance Requirements
i. Programs existing prior to September 21, 1993, do not have to offer a living
allowance. If an organization chooses to offer a living allowance, it does not have to
pay its members the minimum but cannot exceed the maximum.
e. Maximum Cost per Member Service Year:
i. The cost per MSY is determined by dividing the AmeriCorps share of budgeted grants
by the number of MSYs requested. It does not include childcare or the value of the
education award a member may earn. AmeriCorps is keeping the maximum cost per
MSY at the same amount as last year as a safeguard to ensure the number of
members serving remains the same or grows.
Table: Maximum Cost per MSY
Grant Program Maximum
Individual Formula State/Territory Program (cost reimbursement) $25,000
C. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any: N/A
D. 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.
E. See Section 1: Basic Information, subsection i. for funding restrictions, if applicable.

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F. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include: N/A
G. Limit on number of applications: N/A
ii. Cost Sharing:
A. Providers are required to provide in-kind and/or financial match.
1. Applicants are required to match funds provided by IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps
State and National. The applicant’s match can be non-AmeriCorps cash and/or in-kind
contributions. Applicants must show that they can meet the match requirement when
they submit the application. Applicants must indicate whether the match funding is
proposed or secured.
2. A first-time successful applicant is required to match at 24 percent for the first three-year
funding period. Starting with year four, the match requirement gradually increases every
three years to 30 percent by year ten.
Table: AmeriCorps Required Match
AmeriCorps Funding Year Years 1-3 Years 4-6 Years 7-9 Years 10 +
Grantee Share Requirements 24% 26% 28% 30%
3. Match Waiver
a. Please use the Match Waiver information for AmeriCorps State and National Grantees
located on the Manage Your Grant | AmeriCorps webpage. IDHS – Serve Illinois and
AmeriCorps State and National encourages Tribal Nations to request match waivers to
reduce barriers. Every effort will be made to reduce the match requirements to improve
accessibility to funding.
3. Program Description
i. Required Information
A. The general purpose of the funding is to support eligible organizations that identify an unmet
need in their community to be addressed by AmeriCorps members. Funded projects are
expected to achieve outcomes in the areas of education, economic opportunity, healthy futures,
or support for veterans for the public good.
1. The AmeriCorps State and National (ASN) Program improves lives, strengthens communities,
and fosters civic engagement through national service. Through AmeriCorps grants,
organizations address community and national challenges by engaging AmeriCorps
members in service and volunteer-driven solutions. Programs implement evidence-based or
evidence-informed interventions that provide direct service and/or capacity-building
activities to strengthen local communities. Funded programs recruit, train, and manage

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AmeriCorps members to effectively deliver services. AmeriCorps members serve in
approved national service positions and may receive a living allowance and other allowable
benefits during their term of service. Upon successful completion of service, members earn
a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which may be used to pay for higher education
expenses or applied toward qualified student loans.
B. The State agency's funding priorities or focus areas.
1. 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.
2. For this funding opportunity, IDHS – Serve Illinois will prioritize consideration from
organizations that:
a. Faith-Based:
i. Organizations that are faith-based
b. Serve Communities:
i. Serve communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, and tribal
communities.
ii. Implement programs for or expand access to high-quality youth mental health and
substance use recovery services and prepare AmeriCorps members to enter
behavioral health careers. These may include individuals who have
experienced substance use and mental health challenges.
iii. Focus on improving quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of the Armed
Forces, and their families through models that provide effective interventions or
services or that are designed to recruit veterans, military spouses, and their older
children into national service; e.g. veterans serving in mentorship roles.
iv. Focus on public safety, crime prevention, and/or partnerships between law
enforcement and the community.
v. Focus on expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations
by maintaining public lands; supporting wildland fire mitigation and sustainable
forest management; and providing reforestation services.
vi. Create workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members, including deliberate training,
such as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, certifications, and
hiring preferences or support;

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vii. Focus on strengthening families, e.g., activities that aim to support low-income
parents through parenting education, responsible parenting, and health relations
skills.
c. Benefit AmeriCorps Members:
i. Enhanced member experience by providing opportunities for skill attainment,
personal growth, and connection to the community they are serving in support; of a
lifetime civic participation.
ii. Enhance and expand services to formerly incarcerated and at-risk youth and/or
engage those youth as AmeriCorps members.
d. Use Evidence:
i. Utilize reports from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange on programs assessed as
having Moderate or Strong evidence to scale, replicate, or adapt the intervention;
e. To receive priority consideration, applicants must show the priority area is a significant
part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Priority consideration does not
guarantee funding.
C. Goals and objectives of the Program:
1. Unite Americans by bringing them together in service.
2. Partner with communities and organizations to address unmet critical community needs.
3. Develop a lifelong ethic of service among the AmeriCorps members who serve.
D. Program Deliverables
1. The Provider will provide the services and agrees to act in compliance with all state and
federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of services pursuant
to this Agreement. The grant application, submitted by the Provider, relates to this
Agreement must be implemented as outlined below.
2. The Provider will comply with applicable General Grant and Cooperative Agreement Terms
and Conditions and Executive Orders (pdf).
3. The Provider will comply with member recruitment and selection requirements as outlined
in AmeriCorps’ regulations at 45 CFR §§ 2522.210 and Part 2540, subpart B.
4. The Provider will ensure that each member has sufficient opportunity to complete the
required number of hours of service to qualify for the education award.
5. The Provider will adhere to all requirements outlined in the IDHS – Serve Illinois Program
Director’s Manual.
6. Conduct National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) requirements as outlined in
the NSCHC Manual (pdf) and regulations at 45 CFR § 2540, subpart B.

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7. Recruit and retain the allocated number and type of slots (e.g., full-time, half-time) of
AmeriCorps members.
8. Provide services with the designated population(s) in the service area that work towards
meeting the specified outcomes and outputs that align with primary services, addressing
the focus area(s), and, if applicable, engaging volunteers in accordance with the approved
program plan.
9. Adhere to the performance measures and evaluation in the approved program plan as
required by IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National.
10. Supervise and train members throughout their service term as outlined in the approved
program plan.
11. Provide all members with AmeriCorps uniforms, service gear, personal
protective equipment and all other service materials required to accomplish the member’s
service hours.
12. Participate in IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National scheduled meetings
and trainings (including individual monthly program meetings, quarterly meetings, and
AmeriCorps virtual trainings).
13. Certify member enrollment in My AmeriCorps Portal for all members within eight calendar
days of the AmeriCorps members’ starting a term of service.
14. All sites are encouraged but not required to host/co-host an event for AmeriCorps week, Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr holiday, and 9/11 Remembrance.
15. Host a National Service Opening Day event/activity at the program site no later than six
weeks from the start date of the program.
16. Programs are to be designed to operate for no more than 12 months. The 12 months should
begin no sooner than September 1, 2026, and operate through the end of the project
period.
E. Performance Measures and Standards
1. At the end of each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report
(PPR). At the end of the year, successful applicants will submit a cumulative report. In
addition to service data and activities, the PPRs will also include the following performance
measures:
a. State Performance Measures
i. Execute an approved overall program plan designed to serve the target population
and achieve identified program goals.
ii. Execute a detailed member outreach and recruitment plan.

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iii. Ensure that each AmeriCorps member completes the required number of hours of
service to qualify for the education award.
iv. Ensure provider participation in IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and
National meetings, activities, and trainings.
v. Ensure AmeriCorps member participation in IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps
State and National sanctioned activities and trainings.
vi. Ensure timely exit of all members.
vii. Complete all required reports and program closeout by agreed deadlines.
b. National Performance Measures
i. All applications must include at least one aligned performance measure, output, and
outcome that corresponds to the proposed primary intervention. This may be a
National Performance Measure or an applicant-determined measure. For more
information, refer to the AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measure
Instructions 2026 (pdf).
c. Program Performance Standards
i. Execution of IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National-approved
program plan designed to serve the target population and achieve identified
program goals by the date in the approved timeline.
ii. 50% of approved member slots are recruited and enrolled within 30 days of the
program start date.
iii. 85% of enrolled AmeriCorps members qualify for the education award by program
end.
iv. 80% provider attendance rate for participation in IDHS – Serve Illinois and
AmeriCorps State and National meetings, activities, and trainings.
v. 80% participation rate of currently enrolled members (on the date of the
activity/training) in IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National
sanctioned required activities and trainings.
vi. 100% of enrolled members are exited from the eGrants system within 30 days of the
end of their term of service.
vii. 100% accurate completion of all required reports and program closeout by the
agreed deadline.
d. National Performance Standards
i. National Performance Standards. Must be consistent with chosen performance
measures. See AmeriCorps State and National Performance Measure Instructions
2026 (pdf).

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F. For cooperative agreements, the “substantial involvement” that the State agency expects to
have are: N/A
G. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following:
1. 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 – Serve Illinois:
a. 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)
b. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of
cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
c. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially
increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
d. 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).
e. Deposits for items, services, or space
f. Limitation of Use
i. Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any
award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash
compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary
payable to a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) at
an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. A salary
table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website: Rates of Basic
Pay for Members of the Senior Executive Service (pdf).
H. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements:
1. IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps do not have specific eligibility requirements for
program beneficiaries.
2. Requirements for AmeriCorps Program Participants (Members):
a. Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or
b. Be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating
in a program described in 45 CFR 2522.110(b)(3) or (g);
c. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or

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d. Not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps
participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to
using the education award; or
e. Obtain a waiver from AmeriCorps of the requirements in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this
section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that
the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or
f. Be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be
considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1091);
g. Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States:
i. Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45
CFR 2540.202.
ii. Provide written declaration regarding high school diploma sufficient for enrollment.
iii. Provide primary documentation of status as a U.S. citizen or national.
iv. Provide primary documentation of status as a lawful permanent resident alien of the
United States.
I. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following:
1. Statutory Authority: Awards under this Notice are authorized by the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (pdf), as amended, (42 U.S.C. §12501 et seq.).
2. Regulations include 45 CFR Chapter XXII and 45 CFR Chapter XXV.
4. Application Contents and Format
i. Content and Form of Application Requirement
A. Application Content
1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required or encouraged.
B. Required Content of Application
1. 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 6: Application SAMReview Information, subsection i. for details. This notice should
be read together with the AmeriCorps regulations, Application Instructions (pdf),
Performance Measures Instructions (pdf), and Mandatory Supplemental Information (pdf).
2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)

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3. Program (Proposal) Narrative (Described below in this section) consisting of the following
subparts:
a. Executive Summary
b. Program Narrative
c. Program Design/Description of Need
d. Evidence Base
e. Budget and Budget Narrative
f. Attachments to your Application
4. Unform Grant Budget Template (pdf) ((Entered in the CSA system – described below))
5. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (pdf)
6. Program (Proposal) Narrative Content and Attachments:
a. Program Narrative: IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of
the application. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your
application will receive a significantly reduced score, and the applicant organization will
not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
b. Program Narrative Sections: 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 consider content contained within that specific section.
i. Executive Summary (0 points)
Executive Summary (0 points): Applicants must fill in the blanks of these sentences
to complete the Executive Summary. There are two options for the second
paragraph; please choose the appropriate language for your application. Do not
deviate from this template:
a. “The [Name of the organization] will have [Number of] AmeriCorps members in
[the locations the AmeriCorps members will serve, e.g. – City, State or State(s)].
AmeriCorps members will [service activities the members will do]. At the end of
the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will be responsible for
[anticipated outcome of project]. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will
leverage [number of leveraged volunteers, if applicable] who will be engaged in
[what the leveraged volunteers will be doing].
b. Required Cost Reimbursement grant applicants: The AmeriCorps investment will
be matched with $[amount of projected match], $[amount of local, state, and

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Federal Funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in
private funding.” OR;
c. Required for Fixed amount grant applicants: e.g., EAP, Full-Cost Fixed, No Cost
Slots: In addition to the AmeriCorps investment, $[amount of local, state, and
Federal Funds] in public funding and $[amount of non-governmental funds] in
private funding will support the project.”
ii. Program Design/Description of Need (50 points)
a. Community and Logic Model (20 points): The applicant will provide a detailed
summary of the community problem, and an explanation of how the applicant’s
intervention(s) will lead to the outcomes identified in the Logic Model. The
applicant must describe in the Logic Model:
i. The inputs or resources that are necessary to deliver the intervention,
including but not limited to:
1. Locations or sites in which members will provide services.
2. Setting and community condition where the intervention is delivered.
3. Number of AmeriCorps members who will deliver the intervention.
4. Characteristics of AmeriCorps members, including specific knowledge,
skills, and abilities required to implement the intervention.
ii. The core activities that members will deliver as part of the intervention
including:
1. Length of each activity (e.g., the total number of weeks, sessions, or
months of the intervention).
2. Dosage of each activity (e.g., the number of hours per session or
sessions per week).
3. Target population for the intervention (e.g., disconnected youth, third
graders at a certain reading proficiency level).
4. The measurable outputs that result from delivering the intervention
(i.e., number of beneficiaries served, types and number of activities
conducted). If applicable, identify which National Performance
Measures will be used as output indicators.
5. Outcomes that result from the intervention, including meaningful
changes in knowledge/skill, attitude, behavior, or condition. If
applicable, identify which National Performance Measures will be
used as outcome indicators.
6. Programs should include short, medium, or long-term outcomes.
Applicants are not required to measure all components of their Logic
Model. The applicant’s performance measures should be consistent
with the program’s Logic Model and should represent significant
program activities.

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7. Applicants with multiple interventions should include the above
information for each intervention in the logic model.
b. Evidence Base (20 points): The assessment of an applicant’s evidence base has
two parts. First, the applicant will be assigned to an evidence tier. Second, the
quality of the applicant’s evidence, how the evidence aligns with funding
priorities (Section 3. Program Description i. B.), and how the evidence supports
the proposed program.
i. Evidence Tier (12 points): Each applicant will receive an evidence tier
assessment. This is based on the relative strength of the applicant’s
evidence base and the likelihood that the proposed intervention will lead
to the outcomes identified in the Logic Model narrative.
1. AmeriCorps values and funds programs at all points along the
evidence continuum and expects programs to progress along the
evidence continuum over time. Thus, applicants should not be
deterred from applying for funding due to their current evidence
level. In 2025, the evidence tiers of competing applicants
recommended for AmeriCorps State and National funding were as
follows: 57% Strong, 11% Moderate, 25% Preliminary, 7% Pre-
Preliminary.
2. To qualify for the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong evidence tier,
applicants may submit up to two evidence documents, plus the
evaluation report from their last three-year grant cycle, if applicable.
If multiple evidence documents are submitted by the applicant, the
most recent – as measured by the date of completion or publication–
will be reviewed first, and any documents submitted beyond the
allowable number will not be reviewed.
3. The intervention evaluated in the submitted evidence documents
must match the intervention proposed by the applicant in the
Community and Logic Model sections of the application. (Use the
Mandatory Supplemental Information (pdf) for a definition of same
intervention). Applicants must meet all requirements of an evidence
tier to be considered for that tier.
4. Submitted evidence documents that do not sufficiently match the
intervention will not be reviewed or receive any points.
5. In the Evidence Tier section of the application narrative, applicants
must:

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a) Summarize the study design and key findings of the evidence
documents submitted, plus, if applicable, the evaluation report
from their last three-year grant cycle; and
b) Describe any other evidence that supports their program,
including past performance measure data and/or other research
studies that inform their program design.
6. Applicants should provide citations for the studies they describe.
ii. Evidence Quality (8 points): Reviewers will score the quality of an
applicant’s evidence and the extent to which it supports the proposed
program design.
1. Standards for scoring in the Preliminary, Moderate, or Strong
evidence tiers;
2. Submitted evidence documents:
a) Are of satisfactory methodological quality and rigor for the type
of evaluation conducted e.g., adequate sample size and statistical
power, internal and/or external validity, appropriate use of
control or comparison groups, etc.;
b) Describe evaluations that were conducted relatively recently,
preferable within the last six years; and
c) Show a meaningful and significant positive effect on program
beneficiaries or AmeriCorps members in at least one key
outcome of interest.
3. Standards for scoring in the Pre-Preliminary evidence tier:
a) The applicant uses relevant evidence, including past
performance measure data and/or cited research studies, to
inform their proposed program design;
b) The described evidence is relatively recent, preferably from the
last six years; and
c) The evidence described by the applicant indicates a meaningful
positive effect on program beneficiaries or AmeriCorps
members in at least one key outcome of interest.
c. Notice Priority (4 points)

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i. Describe whether one or more of the AmeriCorps funding priorities is a
significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Refer to
Section 3: Program Description, subsection i. for list of Funding Priorities.
d. Member Experience (6 points)
i. Describe how AmeriCorps members will be provided opportunities for
skill attainment, personal growth and connection to the community they
are servicing in support of a lifetime of civic participation.
iii. Organizational Capability/Capacity (25 points):
a. Organizational Background and Staffing (15 points)
i. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the staff that will
implement and provide oversight of the program, including but not
limited to demonstrating the organization has sufficient policies,
procedures, and controls to effectively implement a federal grant.
b. Member Supervision (10 points)
i. Describe how AmeriCorps members will receive sufficient guidance and
support from their supervisor to provide effective service. That could
include but is not limited to structure for member supervision: cadence
and format of supervisor/member check-ins, member and supervisor
opportunities to assess strengths and opportunities for growth, member
training plan, etc.
iv. Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25 points):
a. Member Recruitment (8 points)
i. Provide a description of budget expenses to support recruitment of
AmeriCorps members best suited to serve the community.
b. Member Retention (9 points)
i. Provide a description of budget expenses to support retention of
AmeriCorps members. E.g., additional member benefits such as paying
above the minimum living allowance, supporting workforce pathways,
certifications, coaching for members, resume building, individual benefit
as well as community building, network building, member recognition,
alumni programming, etc.
c. Data Collection (8 points)
i. Provide a description of budget expenses that support data collection and
evaluation, including the process for collecting and maintaining high-
quality performance data from your organization and community

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partners, how data will be analyzed, and how this will ensure timely and
accurate reporting to AmeriCorps.
v. Evaluation Plan Summary (0 points) Required only for recompeting applicants.
a. If the applicant has previously received three or more years of formula funding
for the same project being proposed, the applicant must submit an evaluation
plan summary template (which includes Alternative Evaluation Approach
request if applicable) Refer to Additional Documents for instructions for
submitting the evaluation plan.
b. Applicants must use the evaluation plan summary template found on the
Notice webpage to craft their evaluation plans. The evaluation plan will not be
scored and will not be reviewed until after funding decisions have been made.
c. All applicants enter N/A in the Evaluation Summary or Plan field of the
Narrative. Any other text entered in this field will not be reviewed.
ii. Indirect Costs
A. Based on qualifying factors, applicants may use a Federally approved indirect cost rate if they
have one and if not, may use either –
1. the AmeriCorps-Fixed Percentage method (five/ten percent fixed administrative cost option)
outlined in AmeriCorps’ Indirect Cost Guidance;
2. a 15 percent de minimis rate of modified total direct costs; or
3. may claim certain costs directly.
B. All methods must be applied consistently across all Federal awards. No more than five percent
of award funds may be used to recover indirect costs on AmeriCorps State and National grants
under section 121(d) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (pdf), as amended and
AmeriCorps’ regulations at 45 CFR 2521.95 and 2540.110.
C. If your organization has a federally approved negotiated indirect cost rate or elects to use the de
minimis rate, applicants must submit supporting documentation for either option via email to
DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov.
D. Please note: To request a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement, when AmeriCorps is
the applicable cognizant agency for an organization’s indirect costs, the applicant must submit a
request to IndirectCostRate@americorps.gov. The applicant may also obtain instructions and
additional information by contacting the email address above.
iii. Pre-Award Costs
A. Applicants funded under this Notice are approved for pre-award costs for one month prior to
the start of their program. See the Mandatory Supplemental Information (pdf) for more details.
iv. Budget and Budget Narrative

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A. Applicants will enter a budget electronically in the IDHS: CSA Tracking System once instructed to
do so by IDHS – Serve Illinois.
B. The Budget entered into the CSA system must include a narrative or detailed
description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is
necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Include
cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct
program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The
Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the
specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in
your plan.
C. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be
signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
D. IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted
to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the
agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for
additional information on CSA at IDHS: CSA Tracking System.
E. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and
demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
1. Reasonable and necessary
2. Allocable, and
3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR
200), as applicable.
F. IMPORTANT: Applicants must review the Appendices in this NOFO for strict budget guidelines.
Budgets that do not adhere to these requirements will be deemed noncompliant and will not be
considered for review or scoring.
v. Required Forms
A. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf): The Uniform Application for State Grant
Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for
funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's
authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between
the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
B. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (pdf): The Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is
required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or
potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization.

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C. Uniform Grant Budget Template (pdf): The Uniform Grant Budget Template is required for all
grant award programs. The document requires agencies to outline their proposed budget prior
to entering in CSA.
vi. Required Format
A. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized
in the format outlined or points may be deducted. See Section 4: Application Contents and
Format, subsection viii. for information about page limits.
B. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied with
requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant.
vii. Proprietary Information
A. Proprietary information included in the application must be designated in advance otherwise it
may be subject to potential FOIA release. Proprietary information must be identified by
highlighting the information in yellow in all spaces in the application. A second redacted version
of the application may also be submitted. (Include the term "Redacted" in the file name.)
viii. Additional Content and Format Requirements
A. Limitations on page numbers
1. Applications must not exceed 11 double-spaced pages and must be prepared on standard
8.5” x 11” white paper using 12-point font at 100% magnification. All application content
should be typed in black ink, be double-spaced, printed on one side of the page, and include
1-inch margins on all sides. A Microsoft Word or PDF document is required. The following
sections of the application must be emailed as one document and adhere to the page limit:
a. Narrative Sections:
i. Executive Summary;
ii. Program Design/Description of Need
iii. Organizational Capability/Capacity,
iv. Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy and,
v. Evaluation Summary/Plan;
b. Performance Measures
c. Logic Model
i. Must not exceed eight pages double-spaced when printed with the application.
2. IDHS – Serve Illinois strongly encourages applicants to review the application limitations
prior to submission to confirm that the application does not exceed the page limit.
B. File size and naming restrictions

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1. The email size limit is 35 MB. This limit is inclusive of all attachments associated with each
email. Emails that are larger than 35 MB will not be received or reviewed.
2. To ensure that all required additional documents are considered, please provide each
document as a separate single file, labeled appropriately. Please do not send multiple
documents in one combined file, and do not send a single document in multiple files.
3. If the size of an applicant’s files requires multiple emails, please also include an ordering
system in the subject line, such as “(1 of 3)”.
5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
i. Address to Request Application Package: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov
A. Actions Needed Prior to Applying:
1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to
required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of Financial Assistance and the IDHS
Grants Website Page located: IDHS: Grant Funded Programs
2. Each Applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website
will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission.
Questions and Answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described in this
announcement (Section 1: Basic Information, subsection i.). It is the responsibility of each
applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related
to the NOFO.
ii. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Systems for Award Management (SAM.gov)
A. Each applicant must:
1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application;
2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and
3. Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times
during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration.
4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and
SAM requirements.
5. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied
with requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant.
B. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR
25.110(b).
C. If the agency exempts any applicants from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110, add a
statement to that effect.

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iii. Submission Instructions
A. Actions needed prior to applying:
1. Applicants must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal
prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering
are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed
instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected
amount of time for completion are located here: Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-
Award Requirements
B. The methods for submitting the application:
1. Applicants must electronically submit a complete application package (See Section 4,
subsection viii.), including all required documents listed below to:
DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov no later than 4:00PM CST on Friday, June 12, 2026:
a. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
b. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (pdf)
c. Uniform Grant Budget Template (pdf)
2. The complete application package along with required documents will be electronically
time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept the additional documents
submitted by email to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov. Include the following in the
subject line: [Applicant organization name] 444-80-2810-01. Please make sure you have the
correct email address when sending your documents. Document submissions or delivery to
any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be
considered for review or funding. The application package and required documents will
not be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive.
3. Documents must include the following password: N/A.
4. Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, if they did
not receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does
not receive an email and does not notify the Department within 48 hours, their application
will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will
NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department
after the 48 hours. In the event of a dispute the applicant bears the burden of proof that the
application was received on time at the email location listed above (and that the budget
was submitted into the CSA system on time).
C. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows: N/A.
D. If circumstances make it impossible for an applicant to submit electronically, applicants may
send a paper copy of the application packet and required documents via overnight carrier to
this address below.

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IDHS – Serve Illinois
Attn: Cory Blissett, Bureau Chief Office of Community and Positive Youth Development
823 E. Monroe St.
Springfield, IL 62701
E. Please use a non-U.S. Postal Service carrier to avoid security-related delays. Applicants must
include an explanation and related documents about why they could not submit their
application electronically. Applications must be received by the deadline.
F. If you are experiencing any other technical difficulties, you may contact:
Name: Cory Blissett
Phone: 217-652-4645
Email: Cory.Blissett@illinois.gov
iv. Submission Dates and Times
A. The application package and additional required documents are due on the following date:
Friday, June 12, 2026, by 4:00PM CST.
B. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre-applications are due
on the following date and time: N/A.
C. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application) for all
applicants include:
1. Evidence Documents. Please refer to the Evidence Base section and Mandatory
Supplemental Information (pdf) for detailed instructions by evidence tier.
2. Labor union concurrence, if applicable.
3. Operational and Financial Management Survey. Submit electronically using the online form.
Forms submitted as a PDF, or any other document format may not be accepted.
4. Additional documents for applicants proposing projects previously funded by AmeriCorps:
a. Evaluation Plan. Applicants who have received three or more years of formula funding
for the same project being proposed should also provide an: Evaluation plan using the
evaluation plan summary template. If applicable, submit the section in the template for
an Alternative Evaluation Approach (AEA) request. Evaluation plans are not scored and
will not be assessed. Applicants approved for funding will be responsible for confirming
they meet all evaluation requirements. Only AEA requests (if applicable) will be reviewed
for approval after funding decisions are made.
b. Evaluation Report. Applicants who have received six or more years of formula funding
for the same project being proposed should also provide an Evaluation report. Please
submit it in Microsoft Word. The evaluation report should include a title page with:

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i. the AmeriCorps grant number for the project that was evaluated,
ii. the name of the project,
iii. the date of completion of the report,
iv. the evaluator name(s),
v. evaluator organization name and,
vi. evaluator type (internal or external).
c. If any of this required information is missing, the applicant may not receive credit for
meeting their evaluation requirements.
5. Additional documents for entities applying on behalf of a Federally Recognized Tribe, new and
recompeting:
a. Tribal organization eligibility documentation
6. Evaluation Plan and Evaluation Report must be emailed to:
DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov by June 12, 2026, at the following time, 4:00PM CST
with the following subject line: "Legal Applicant Name" - "Application ID Number." Emails
should include:
a. Legal applicant name and its point of contact information
b. Application ID number
c. List of documents that are attached to the email by filename, labeling each document
type according to the above numbered list
d. Individually attached files that are clearly labeled, and that include the application ID
number and legal applicant name within the file name and heading of each document.
7. Applicants that do not have any documents to submit must send an email to
DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov indicating that they are not submitting any additional
documents.
8. Do not submit any application materials to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov that are
not requested in this Notice or Application Instructions. IDHS – Serve Illinois will not review
them.
v. Missed Deadlines
A. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or
funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined
to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon
determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and
will identify the reason for disqualification.

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B. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application
was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly
enforced.
C. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to
submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process.
Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that may prove their application was
submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS – Serve Illinois on or before
the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including
screenshots and email correspondence that would document any unforeseen difficulties the
applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.
vi. Intergovernmental Review
A. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review
of Federal Programs".
6. Application Review Information
i. Eligibility Review
A. Applications that are received will be reviewed on/between June 12, 2026 – June 15, 2026, to
ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the criteria in
paragraph B below will be rejected and not be entered into the Merit Review process.
B. The following are the criteria that must be met for eligibility:
1. Applicant has a current registration with the State of Illinois in the Grantee Portal.
2. Applicant has an active SAM.gov public account.
3. Applicant has an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with SAM.gov
4. Applicant is in "good standing" with the Secretary of State.
5. Applicant is not on the DHS Stop Payment List Service or the Illinois Stop Payment List.
6. Applicant is not on the Sam.gov Exclusion List.
7. Applicant is not on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions List.
8. Program specific eligibility restrictions include: See Section 2: Eligibility, subsection i.3. for
additional mandatory requirements.
C. Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program
specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
D. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be
disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses
provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

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ii. Review Criteria
A. Review Criteria
1. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit
Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The review criterion and sub-
criterion include the following:
a. Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s response to the program
narrative described in Section 4: Application Contents and Format, subsection i.
b. Criteria and Weighting of each criterion. Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Each
section will be weighted as described below.
i. Executive Summary (0 Points)
ii. Program Design/Description of Need (50 Points Total)
a. Community & Logic Model (20 Points)
b. Evidence Tier (12 Points)
c. Evidence Quality (8 Points)
d. Notice Priority (4 Points)
e. Member Experience (6 Points)
iii. Organizational Capability/Capacity (25 Points Total)
a. Organizational Background and Staffing (15 Points)
b. Member Supervision (10 Points)
iv. Cost Effectiveness and Budget Adequacy (25 Points Total)
a. Member Recruitment (8 Points)
b. Member Retention (9 Points)
c. Data Collection (8 Points)
2. Statutory, regulatory, or other preferences: N/A
3. Cost Sharing will be considered in the review process. See Section 2: Eligibility, subsection
ii. for additional information.
4. Information regarding Applicant-nominated reviewers: N/A.
iii. Review and Selection Process
A. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: As described in the Criteria section
above, score will be done by a committee on a 100-point scale.

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B. Merit-Based Review:
1. The Merit-Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more
internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by the
Department, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic
institution. External reviewers are Governor-appointed Serve Illinois Commission board
members who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise
and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of
interest with their assigned applications.
C. The review and selection process are designed to:
1. Identify how well eligible applications are aligned with the application selection criteria.
2. Build a diversified portfolio based on the following strategic considerations:
a. Funding Priorities (Reference Section 3: Program Description, subsection i. for more
information);
b. Meaningful representation of:
i. rural communities, and
c. innovative community strategies; and
d. IDHS – Serve Illinois discretion to advance strategic goals.
D. The review teams will be provided with a Merit-Based Review Committee Member Orientation
session. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The
Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit-Based Review Summary Score
Sheet.
E. The Bureau Chief or designee will conduct a quality assurance review which must include the
following:
1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies;
2. Assess whether reviewers properly applied Merit-Based Review steps as instructed;
3. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review
process;
4. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all sections of the Merit-Based Review
Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility
and completeness of comments;
5. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and
consistently applied by reviewers.

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F. After individual scores have been completed, a post-merit-based review committee meeting will
be held. The review committee meeting is required for all merit-based reviews and will be
facilitated by the Bureau Chief or designee. The following apply:
1. Each review team assigned application will be discussed by team members, including
application highlights, concerns, application mandates / requirements etc.
2. Scoring disparities will be identified and discussed. For each application, if a significant
disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set amount/formula), review team
members will collectively examine the application and discuss comments to ensure team
members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have
identified including application mandates / requirements etc. Application highlights and
concerns will also be discussed.
3. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer determines that they have missed
information or made errors in scoring the application.
4. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring
sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
G. Once the post merit-based review meeting has been held and individual scores have been
finalized and resubmitted as necessary, the Review Team member scores will be updated,
compiled and averaged on the Merit-Based Review Summary Score Sheet. At any time during
the merit-based review or post-review process:
1. If it is determined that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer,
upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department
reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from
consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for
removal.
2. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring
the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This
reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review
task. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
H. After the updated Review Scores have been compiled and averaged, The Bureau Chief will
present the scores, summary comments and reviewer recommendations to the Associate
Director for the Office of Community & Positive Youth Development (OCPYD) and the Executive
Director of the Serve Illinois Commission. The Bureau Chief will work with the Associate Director
(OCPYD) and Executive Director (Serve IL) to prepare funding recommendations for the Director
of the Division of Family and Community Services. These recommendations may include
consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, service
capacity, cost effectiveness, demonstrated local community presence, agency past performance
as a state grantee etc.

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1. The recommendations will be presented by the OCPYD Associate Director to the Director of
the Division of Family and Community Services, or designee for consideration and final
award approval.
2. Upon approval from the Director, the Executive Director will present the recommendations
to the Serve Illinois Commission board for notification purposes.
I. While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding
decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the
findings of the review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation
used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
J. The Bureau Chief will submit all funding-approved formula applicants in the eGrants portal
when instructed by AmeriCorps State and National.
K. IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National reserves the right to re-focus program
dollars under this Notice in the event of disaster or other compelling needs.
L. Application Resolution: After the Merit-Based Review process but before any grant awards are
issued, IDHS – Serve Illinois or AmeriCorps State and National may ask an applicant for
additional information to address any application compliance or risk issues. If an applicant does
not respond promptly to these requests, then the applicant may be denied funding.
M. The Department and AmeriCorps State and National reserves the right to negotiate with
successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
N. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to
consider any factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past
performance as a State of Illinois grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel
will be a key factor in the funding decision the Department maintains final authority over
funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding
recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not
be considered public information.
O. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may
choose to elect one or more of the following options:
1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize
the applications; or
2. Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
3. Not fund any of the tied applications. The Department and AmeriCorps State and National
reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets,
deliverables, etc.
P. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates:
1. Announcement anticipated: 8/15/2026

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2. Anticipated grant start date: 9/1/2026
Q. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
1. Formula grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be
protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS'
Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
a. Submission of Appeal
i. Appeals submission IDHS – Serve Illinois contact information:
a. Contact Name: Kristen Bethke
b. Email address: DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov
c. Email Subject Line: “Agency name FY27 444-80-2810-01 NOFO appeal”
ii. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed
above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
iii. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant
award notice has been published.
iv. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
a. Name and address of the appealing party;
b. Identification of the grant;
c. Statement of the reasons for the appeal;
d. Supporting documentation, if applicable.
b. Response to appeal
i. IDHS – Serve Illinois will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days
from the date the appeal was received.
a. IDHS – Serve Illinois will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a
written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
b. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS –
Serve Illinois within the time period set in the request.
c. Resolution
i. The ARO will make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as
expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
ii. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the
integrity of the formula grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the
State Agency.
iii. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
iv. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Review of the appeal;
b. Appeal determination; and
c. Rationale for the determination.

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iv. Risk Review
A. Requirements:
1. IDHS – Serve Illinois conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being
issued.
a. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to be completed by the awardee
within the Grantee Portal. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic
risk in the following categories:
i. Quality of Management Systems
ii. Financial and Programmatic Reporting
iii. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements
iv. Awardee Audits
b. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRA) conducted by the awarding
agency to evaluate the following categories:
i. Programmatic financial stability
ii. Management systems and standards that would affect the program.
iii. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings
iv. Ability to effectively implement program requirements.
v. External partnerships
vi. Programmatic reporting
c. Risk assessments are not intended to be punitive in nature, rather they are conducted in
order to evaluate the support, technical assistance, and training that may be needed for
the awardee and the level of monitoring that is needed for the award.
d. Risk assessments may result in Specific Conditions being placed on the award to include
more frequent monitoring or the implementation of a corrective action plan.
2. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
a. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive award over the Simplified
Acquisition Threshold define in 48 CFR part2, subpart 2.1. Potential grantees under this
funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the simplified acquisition
threshold. Therefore, the grantee is subject to the simplified acquisition threshold and
related requirements.
i. Prior to making an award with a total amount greater than the simplified acquisition
threshold, IDHS is required to review and consider any information about the

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applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible
through SAM. (Currently FAPIIS) (See 41 U.S.C. 2313)
ii. 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 a State or Federal awarding agency previously entered and is
currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through
Sam.
iii. IDHS 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 applicants' integrity, business ethics, and record of performance
under State and Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by
applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206 .
7. Award Notices
i. State Award Notices
A. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the review and selection
process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
1. Grant award amount,
2. The terms and conditions of the award,
3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative
risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit-Based Review
(MBR).
B. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by
the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and
all conditions set forth within the notice. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the
department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted
to the Department as instructed in the notice.
C. The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to
State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk
unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance).
D. The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement
(UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document
that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA system. The non-State
entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page
to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the
non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system. Note: The Department cannot issue

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an Agreement until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA
system.
E. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late
applications will receive a Notice of Ineligibility prior to the Merit-Based Review.
F. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit- Based Review process
will receive a Notice of Denial/Non-Selection.
8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
i. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
A. The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and
shall act in accordance with all State and Federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to
the provision of the services.
B. Sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement (pdf)
C. Payment Terms:
1. It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies
with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (Procedures implementing the Cash
Management Improvement Act and Treasury State Agreement (TSA)) and 44 Ill. Admin.
Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three
different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and
Working Capital Advance.
D. Other considerations:
1. Uniform Guidance: All awards made under this Notice must follow the Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,
in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 2205.
2. Requests for Monitoring or Payment Integrity Information: IDHS – Serve Illinois and
AmeriCorps State and National will request information from grantees to ensure compliance
with legal requirements, including the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (pdf). If
grantees do not respond promptly to these requests, then their funds may be placed on
manual hold, reimbursement-only status, or other restrictions as appropriate.
3. AmeriCorps Terms and Conditions: All grants must follow the FY 2026 AmeriCorps General
Terms and Conditions (pdf) and the FY 2026 Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for the
particular program (when available). These Terms and Conditions contain mandatory
compliance and reporting requirements, and applicants should review these instructions
prior to any Notice of Grant Award. Current versions of the AmeriCorps General and
Program-Specific Terms and Conditions for each of its programs is available on the
AmeriCorps Manage Your Grant webpage.

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4. National Service Criminal History Check Requirements: The National Service Criminal History
Check, NSCHC, is a specific screening procedure established by law to protect the
beneficiaries of national service. Use 45 CFR 2540.200- 2540.207 and National Service
Criminal History Check Resources for complete information and FAQs
5. Recordkeeping Requirements: Each provider shall maintain full and complete records of
program operations in compliance with state records retention requirements. Records are
defined as those documents that capture program activity, participant information and
outcomes, and fiscal data. Providers shall comply with the Local Records Act, which
regulates the destruction and preservation of public records within the State of Illinois.
a. Presuming funding is provided for the full award + renewal period, the Provider will be
required to maintain until June 30, 2033, adequate books, all financial records and
supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award.
If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period,
the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the
records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or
make available all records related to this grant upon request.
6. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
7. The provider must be in a position to begin providing full services beginning September 1,
2026.
8. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer that
meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required DHS
web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal
information:
a. Internet access, preferably high-speed
b. Email capability
c. Microsoft Excel
d. Microsoft Word
e. Adobe Reader
9. Training and Technical Assistance: Programs must agree to receive consultation and
technical assistance from authorized representatives of the Department. The program and
collaborating partners will be required to be in attendance at site visits. Programs will be
required to attend regular meetings and training as provided by the Department or a
subcontractor of the Department. Programs should budget accordingly (at least quarterly).
10. Site Visits: The Applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department
and agrees that program and collaborating partners will attend such site visits if requested.

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E. State and Federal Laws and Regulations: The agency awarded funds through this NOFO must
agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations
pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity
including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public
Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act
of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The
Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.)
ii. Reporting
A. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements
set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
1. Periodic Financial Reports (PFR) submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in
the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless
unusual circumstances exist.
2. Periodic Programmatic Reports (PPR) submitted electronically in accordance
with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than
annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional annual performance data
may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the
Department.
a. Expenditure Documentation and Certification Forms (EDCF)
i. EDCF monthly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for
the preceding month by email to: DHS.ILAMREPORTING@illinois.gov.
b. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
i. PFR quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month
following the end of the quarter.
a. Quarter 1 (Start Date [September 1st]- December 31st) is due: January 15th
b. Quarter 2 (January 1st - March 31st) is due: April 15th
c. Quarter 3 (April 1st - June 30th) is due: July 15th
d. Quarter 4 (July 1st - September 30th) is due: October 15th
ii. The final cumulative fiscal year Periodic Financial Report is due July 15th.
iii. The final cumulative grant term Periodic Financial Report is due October 15th.
c. Period Performance Report (PPR)

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i. PPR quarterly and final reports must be submitted no later than the last day of the
month following the end of the quarter.
a. Quarter 1 (Start Date [September 1st]- September 30th) is due: October 31st
b. Quarter 2 (October 1st – December 31st) is due: January 31st
c. Quarter 3 (January 1st - March 31st) is due: April 30th
d. Quarter 4 (April 1st - June 30th) is due: July 31st
ii. The final cumulative fiscal year Periodic Performance Report is due July 31st.
iii. The final cumulative grant term Periodic Performance Report is due September 30th.
5. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of
performance applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix
XII to 2 CFR 200. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being
placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List.
9. Other Information
i. Additional Information
A. Technical Assistance Conference Information:
1. IDHS – Serve Illinois will provide one web-based Technical Assistance (TA) Session for
potential applicants. Refer to the beginning of this document for the date, time, and
registration details. Attendance is NOT a requirement of the application, although it is
strongly encouraged. During this session, IDHS – Serve Illinois staff will provide an overview
of the program and expectations of the grant. IDHS – Serve Illinois staff will devote a
significant amount of time responding to questions from potential applicants.
B. Re-Focusing Funding: IDHS – Serve Illinois and AmeriCorps State and National reserves the right
to re-focus program dollars under this Notice in the event of disaster or other compelling needs.
C. Public Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for collection of information under this
Notice of Funding is estimated to average six hours per submission, including reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing the application and
reporting forms. AmeriCorps informs people who may respond to this Notice of Funding that
they are not required to respond unless the OMB control number and expiration date are
current valid. Use 5 CFR 1320.5(b)(2)(i).This collection is approved under OMB Control #: 3045-
0047, Application Instructions, State and National Formula, New and Continuation, Expiration
Date: September 30, 2026.
D. Privacy Act Statement: The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C §552a, requires that we notify applicants
that the information requested under this Notice of Funding is collected pursuant to 42 U.S.C.

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§12592 and 12615 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 as amended, and 42
U.S.C. §4953 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 as amended.
1. Purposes and Uses - The information requested is collected for the purposes of reviewing
grant applications and granting funding requests. Routine uses may include disclosure of the
information to Federal, state, or local agencies pursuant to lawfully authorized requests.
assistance.
2. Effects of Nondisclosure - The information requested is voluntary; however, to be a recipient
of this grant program, disclosure of personal or sensitive information is required to receive
federal benefits.
E. Mandatory Forms and Submission
1. All required application materials outlined in this NOFO, including the documents listed
below, must be submitted via email to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov by the
application deadline:
a. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (pdf)
b. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
c. Uniform Grant Budget Template (pdf)

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Appendix I: Budget Instructions
i. Budget Instructions for Applicants
A. The budget instructions are intended to provide applicants with additional information for the
preparation of their AmeriCorps application budgets. The instructions provide detailed
information for Cost Reimbursement grants. The Instructions should be utilized in conjunction
with the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
B. Your detailed budget narrative must provide a full explanation of the proposed costs including
the purpose, justification, and the basis of your calculations.
C. Where appropriate, your calculations should be presented in a equation format, e.g., Two (2)
staff (name of staff) traveling to (name of event/location) @ $350/trip for 2 trips = $1,400; or
Salary (name(s) of staff) $60,000 @ 20% devoted to subgrant activities = $12,000 ; Mileage to
(location) @ .725/mile x 180 = $130.50.
ii. Definitions
A. Total Amount: Total of budget line, sum of subgrant plus matching funds.
B. AmeriCorps Share: Amount of funding requested from AmeriCorps.
C. Subgrantee Share: Amount of funding proposed as match from the applicant organization.
iii. Overview of Key Statutory and Regulatory Budget Requirements
A. Equipment costs must not exceed 10% of the total AmeriCorps share.
B. Administrative costs must not exceed 5% of the total AmeriCorps funds requested.
C. You may match with cash or in-kind contributions.
1. The acceptable sources of matching funds are federal (with written permission), state, local,
private sector, and/or other funds in accordance with applicable AmeriCorps requirements.
2. Note: Most federal funds are not authorized to be used as match for another federal
subgrant. While the AmeriCorps Agency’s legislation permits the use of non-AmeriCorps
federal funds as match for the subgrantee share of the budget for operating and
administrative costs, the determining factor is the other federal agency. You must ensure
that your use of another federal agency’s funds as match for this national service program
subgrant is permitted by the other agency and that this permission is documented in
writing.
3. Specifically identify the source and total dollar amount of cash match from private, state and
local, and federal funds, and the source and total amounts of in-kind support. Also note if it
is secured or proposed. All acronyms should be defined the first time they are used to
reference non-AmeriCorps programs and sources.
iv. Budget Categories
A. Budget Section I: Program Operating Costs

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1. Personnel Expenses
a. Under “Position/Title Description,” list each staff position separately and provide salary
and percentage of effort as percentage of FTE devoted to this award.
b. Each staff person’s role listed in the budget must be described in the application
narrative and each staff person mentioned in the narrative must be listed in the budget
as either AmeriCorps or Subgrantee share.
c. Because the purpose of this grant is to enable and stimulate volunteer community
service, do not include the value of direct community service performed by volunteers.
However, you may include the value of volunteer services contributed to the
organization for organizational functions such as accounting, audit work, or training of
staff and AmeriCorps members.
d. List each staff position separately and provide salary and percentage of effort as
percentage of FTE devoted to this award. Each staff person’s role listed in the narrative
must be listed in the budget as either AmeriCorps or Subgrantee share.
e. In order to mitigate risk associated with cost disallowances, applicants are encouraged to
limit the staff in the budget to the fewest number possible.
2. Personnel Fringe Benefits
a. Identify the types of fringe benefits to be covered and include the costs and calculation
of benefit(s) for each staff position.
b. Allowable fringe benefits typically include FICA, Worker’s Compensation, Retirement,
SUTA, Health and Life Insurance, IRA, and 401K.
c. You may provide a calculation or rate for total benefits as a percentage of the salaries to
which they apply or list each benefit as a separate item.
If a fringe benefit amount is over 30%, please list each component. Holidays, leave, and
other similar vacation benefits are not included in the fringe benefit rates but rather are
absorbed into the personnel expenses (salary) budget line item.
3. Staff Travel
a. Describe the purpose for which program staff will travel.
b. Provide a calculation that includes itemized costs for airfare, transportation, lodging, per
diem, and other travel-related expenses multiplied by the number of trips/staff.
c. Reimbursement must not exceed the federal rate for any travel expenses and must be
justified in the budget narrative. Only domestic travel is allowable. Please reference U.S.
General Services Administration.
4. Member Travel
a. Describe the purpose for which members will travel.
b. Provide a calculation that includes itemized costs for airfare, transportation, lodging, per
diem, and other related expenses for members to travel outside their service location or
between sites.

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c. Costs associated with local travel, such as bus passes to local sites, mileage
reimbursement for use of car, etc., should be included in this budget category.
d. Where applicable, identify the current standard reimbursement rate(s) of the
organization for mileage, daily per diem, and similar supporting information.
5. Equipment
a. Equipment is defined as tangible, non-expendable personal property having a useful life
of more than one year AND an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit (including
accessories, attachments, and modifications).
b. Any items that do not meet this definition should be entered in Supplies.
c. Purchases of equipment are limited to 10% of the total AmeriCorps funds requested.
d. If applicable, show the unit cost and number of units you are requesting.
e. Provide a brief justification for the purchase of the equipment.
6. Supplies
a. Include the amount of funds to purchase consumable supplies and materials, including
member service gear and equipment that does not fit the definition above.
b. You must individually list any single item costing $1,000 or more. Except for safety
equipment, subgrantees may only charge the cost of member service gear to the federal
share if it includes the AmeriCorps logo.
c. Subgrantees may add the AmeriCorps logo to their own local program uniform items
using federal funds.
d. All safety gear may be charged to the federal share, regardless of whether it includes the
AmeriCorps logo.
e. All other non-AmeriCorps branded service gear must be purchased with non-AmeriCorps
funds.
7. Contractual and Consultant Services
a. Include costs for consultants related to the project’s operations, except training or
evaluation consultants, who will be listed in Staff Training, Member Training, or
Evaluation.
8. Staff Training
a. Include the costs associated with training staff on project requirements and training to
enhance the skills staff need for effective project implementation, i.e., project or
financial management, team building, etc. If using a consultant(s) for training, indicate
the estimated daily rate.
9. Member Training
a. Include the costs associated with member training to support them in carrying out their
service activities. You may also use this section to request funds to support training in
Life after AmeriCorps.

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b. If using a consultant(s) for training, indicate the estimated daily rate.
10. Evaluation
a. Include costs for project evaluation activities, including additional staff time or
subcontracts you did not budget under Personnel Expenses; use of evaluation
consultants, purchase of instrumentation, and other costs specifically for this activity.
b. This cost does not include the daily/weekly gathering of data to assess progress toward
meeting performance measures but is a larger assessment of the impact your project is
having on the community, as well as an assessment of the overall systems and project
design. Indicate daily rates of consultants, where applicable.
11. Other Operating Costs
a. Allowable costs in this budget category should include when applicable:
i. Organizations may wish to budget some funding in this category to cover the cost
of NSCHCs for any staff on the planning subgrant who will eventually be involved
in an operational AmeriCorps program.
ii. Criminal history checks are required for all members and all employees who
receive payment from the grant (AmeriCorps or Subgrantee share, in-kind
included). Truescreen is required.
iii. Office space rental for projects operating without an approved indirect cost rate
agreement that covers office space. If space is budgeted and it is shared with
other projects or activities, the costs must be equitably pro-rated and allocated
between the activities or projects.
1. Occupancy costs can only be claimed the length of the program year.
2. Narratives must include the address and square footage of the office
space or building being occupied for the program year.
iv. Utilities, telephone, internet and similar expenses that are specifically used for
AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps project staff and are not part of the
organizations indirect cost/administrative cost allocation pool.
v. Gifts and/or food in an entertainment/event setting are not allowable costs.
B. Budget Section II: Member Costs
1. Member Costs Member Costs are identified as “Living Allowance” and “Member Support Costs.”
2. Living allowance narratives should clearly identify the number of members you are supporting
by category (i.e., full-time, half-time, etc.) and the amount of living allowance they will receive,
allocating appropriate portions between the AmeriCorps share (AmeriCorps Share) and grantee
share (subgrantee match).
3. The minimum and maximum living allowance amounts are provided in this NOFO.
4. Enter the total number of members you are requesting in each category.
5. Enter the average amount of the living allowance for each type of member.

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6. In addition, enter the number of members for whom you are not requesting funds for a living
allowance, but for whom you are requesting education awards.
7. Member Support Costs Consistent with the laws of the states where your members serve, you
must provide members with the benefits described below.
8. FICA
a. Unless exempted by the IRS, all projects must pay FICA for any member receiving a living
allowance, even when AmeriCorps does not supply the living allowance.
b. If exempted, please note in the narrative.
c. In the first column next to FICA, indicate the number of members who will receive FICA.
d. Calculate the FICA at 7.65% of the total amount of the living allowance.
9. Health Care
a. You must offer or make available health care benefits to full-time members in accordance
with AmeriCorps requirements.
b. Except as stated below, you may not pay health care benefits to less-than-full-time members
with AmeriCorps funds.
c. You may choose to provide health care benefits to less-than-full-time members from other
sources (i.e., non-federal) but the cost cannot be included in the budget.
d. Less-than-full-time members who are serving in a full-time capacity for a sustained period of
time (such as a full-time summer project) are eligible for health care benefits.
e. If you budget health insurance for less-than-full-time members serving in a full-time
capacity, indicate in the budget narrative.
f. In your budget narrative, indicate the number of members who will receive health care
benefits.
g. AmeriCorps will not pay for dependent coverage.
h. If health care is not budgeted for all full-time members, please confirm all full-time
members will have access to coverage.
10. Worker’s Compensation
a. You must budget coverage for members to cover in-service injury or accidents. Applicants
can choose to provide Worker’s Compensation for AmeriCorps members OR Occupational,
Accidental, Death and Dismemberment insurance.
C. Budget Section III: Administrative/Indirect Costs
1. Administrative/Indirect Costs
a. Administrative costs are general or centralized expenses of the overall administration of an
organization that receives AmeriCorps funds and do not include project costs.
b. For organizations that have an established indirect cost rate for federal awards,
administrative costs are those costs that are included in the organization’s indirect cost rate
agreement.
c. Such costs are generally identified with the organization’s overall operation and are further
described in the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200).
d. Administrative costs may include:

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i. Costs for financial, accounting, auditing, contracting or general legal services.
ii. Costs for internal evaluation, including overall organization’s management
improvement costs (except for independent and internal evaluations of the project
evaluations that are specifically related to creative methods of quality improvement).
iii. Costs for general liability insurance that protects the organization(s) responsible for
operating a project, other than insurance costs solely attributable to the project. 7 |
Page
iv. Costs of space, base utilities, and communication (telephone, fax, and Internet) that
support administrative personnel.
v. Administrative costs may also include that portion of salaries and benefits of the
project’s director and other administrative staff not attributable to the time spent in
support of a specific project.
vi. Administrative costs do not include the following allowable expenses directly related
to a project (including their operations and objectives), such as:
1. Allowable direct charges for members, including living allowances, insurance
payments made on behalf of members, training, and travel.
2. Costs for staff (including salary, benefits, training, and travel) who recruit,
train, place, or supervise members or who develop materials used in such
activities, if the purpose is for a specific project objective.
3. Costs for independent evaluations and any internal evaluations of the project
that are related specifically to creative methods of quality improvement.
4. Costs, excluding those already covered in an organization’s indirect cost rate,
attributable to staff that work in a direct project support, operational, or
oversight capacity, including, but not limited to: support staff whose
functions directly support project activities; staff who coordinate and
facilitate single or multi-site project activities; and staff who review,
disseminate, and implement AmeriCorps guidance and policies directly
relating to a project.
5. Space, facility, and communications costs allocated specifically to AmeriCorps
project operations, excluding those costs that are already covered by an
organization’s indirect cost rate.
6. Other allowable costs, excluding those costs that are already covered by an
organization’s indirect cost rate, specifically approved by AmeriCorps as
directly attributable to a project.
2. Options for Calculating Administrative/Indirect Costs
a. Applicants choose one of two methods to calculate allowable administrative costs:
Corporation fixed percentage method or a federally approved indirect cost rate method.
b. Regardless of the option chosen, AmeriCorps’ share of administrative costs is limited by
statute to 5% of the total AmeriCorps funds expended under this subgrant.
3. Corporation Fixed Percentage Method

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a. The Corporation fixed rate allows you to charge administrative costs up to a cap without a
federally approved indirect cost rate and without documentation supporting the allocation.
b. If you choose the Corporation Fixed Percentage Method you may charge, for administrative
costs, a fixed 5% of the total of the AmeriCorps funds expended. In order to charge this fixed
5%, the subgrantee match for administrative costs may not exceed 10% of all direct cost
expenditures.
c. Applicants using this method may calculate these figures in the following way:
i. AmeriCorps Share: Multiply the sum of the AmeriCorps funding shares of Sections I
and II by 0.0526. This is the maximum amount you can request as AmeriCorps share.
Enter this amount as the AmeriCorps share for Section III A.
ii. Subgrantee Share: Then multiply the total (both AmeriCorps and Subgrantee share)
of Sections I and II by 10% (0.10) and enter this amount as the subgrantee share for
Section III. A.
iii. Sum: Enter the sum of the AmeriCorps and Subgrantee shares under Total Amount.
Federally Approved Indirect Cost Rate Method If you have a Federally Approved
Indirect Cost (IDC) rate and choose to use it, the IDC rate will constitute
documentation of your administrative costs including the 5% maximum payable by
AmeriCorps.
iv. Specify the Cost Type for which your organization has current documentation on file,
i.e., Provisional, Predetermined, Fixed, or Final indirect cost rate.
v. Supply your approved IDC rate (percentage) and, importantly, the base upon which
this rate is calculated (direct salaries, salaries and fringe benefits, etc.). It is at your
discretion whether to claim your entire IDC rate to calculate administrative costs.
vi. If you choose to claim a lower rate, please include this rate under the Rate Claimed
field.

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UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR STATE GRANT ASSISTANCE
Agency Completed Section
1. Type of Submission: Pre-application Application Change/Corrected Application
2. Type of Application: New Continuation (i.e. multiple year grant) Revision (modification to initial application)
3. Completed by State Agency upon Receipt of Application
Date Received by State: Time Received by State:
4. Name of the Awarding State Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services
5. Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number: 444-80-2810
6. CSFA Title: AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois)
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
Not Applicable
7. CFDA Number: 94.006
8. CFDA Title: AmeriCorps State and National
9. CFDA Number:
10. CFDA Title:
Funding Opportunity Information
11. Funding Opportunity Number: 27-444-80-2810-01
12. Funding Opportunity Title: AmeriCorps Formula Traditional (Illinois)
13. Funding Opportunity Program Field:
Funding Opportunity Information
Not Applicable
14. Competition Identification Number:
15. Competition Identification Title:
1

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UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR STATE GRANT ASSISTANCE
Applicant Completed Section
Applicant Information
16. Legal Name (Name used for Data Universal Number System (DUNS) registration and grantee pre-qualification):
17. Common Name (Doing Business As-DBA):
18. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN, TIN):
19, Organizational Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number:
20. Federal System for Award Management Commercial And Government Entity Code (SAM Cage Code):
21. Business Address:
Street:
City: State: County: Zip+4:
Applicant's Organization Unit
22. Department Name:
23. Division Name:
Applicant's Name and Contact Information for Person to be Contacted for Program Matters involving this Application
24. First Name: 25. Last Name: 26. Suffix:
27. Title:
28: Organizational Affiliation:
29: Telephone Number: 30. Fax Number:
31. E-mail Address:
Applicant's Name and Contact Information for Person to be Contacted for Business/Administrative Office
Matters involving this Application
32. First Name: 33. Last Name: 34. Suffix:
35. Title:
36: Organizational Affiliation:
37: Telephone Number: 38. Fax Number:
39. E-mail Address:
Areas Affected
40. Areas Affected by the Project (cities, counties, state-wide):
41. Legislative and Congressional Districts of Applicant:
42. Legislative and Congressional Districts of Program/Project:
2

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