Communities of Color Special At Risk Population

Application Period: 07/01/2026 - 07/31/2026 : 5.00pm

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Application Documents

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State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Public Health
Agency Contact Jorge De La Fuente (jorge.delafuente@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number COCSP-2027
Funding Opportunity Title Communities of Color Special At Risk Population
CSFA Number 482-00-0931
CSFA Popular Name COCSP
Anticipated Number of Awards 5
Estimated Total Program Funding $400,000
Award Range Not Applicable
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching No
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 07/01/2026
Application Date Range 07/01/2026 - 07/31/2026 : 5.00pm
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Technical Assistance Session

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Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Data Field
1. Awarding Agency Name: Illinois Department of Public Health
2. Agency Contact: Name: Jorge De La Fuente
Phone: 217-557-0846
Email: jorge.delafuente@illinois.gov
3. Announcement Type: ☒ Initial announcement
☐ Modification of a previous announcement
4. Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant
5. Agency Opportunity Number: N/A
6. Funding Opportunity Title: Communities of Color Special At Risk Population 2027
7. CSFA Number: 482-00-0931
8. CSFA Popular Name: COCSP-2027
9. CFDA Number(s): N/A
10. Number of Anticipated Awards: 5
11. Estimated Total Funding Available: $400,000
12. Single Award Range: N/A
13. Funding Source: ☐ Federal or Federal pass-through
Mark all that apply ☒ State
☐ Private / other funding
14. Is Cost Sharing or Match Required? ☐ Yes ☒ No
15. Indirect Costs Allowed? ☒ Yes ☐ No
☐ Yes ☒ No
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?
If yes, provide the citation governing the restriction:
16. Posted Date: 7/1/2026
17. Application Date Range: Start Date: 7/1/2026
Leave the 'End Date' and 'End Time' End Date: 7/31/2026
empty if there is no deadline. End Time: 5:00 pm
18. Technical Assistance Session: Session Offered: ☒ Yes ☐ No
Session Mandatory: ☐ Yes ☒ No
Date and time:
TBD
Conference Info/Registration Link:
TBD
Illinois Department of Public Health - Office of Performance Management
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Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
A. Program Description
Communities of Color Special At Risk Population: This initiative is funded through State of Illinois general
revenue funding, and funds HIV prevention, education, testing, and care programs focused on
communities of color – specifically programs with the capacity to reach special at risk minority
populations to include, but not limited to groups at most risk for HIV infections, people experiencing
homeless, ex-offenders, sex workers, those with a history of mental illness or substance abuse, and other
difficult to reach populations. These specific efforts are necessary due to the unique problems many of
these individuals may face that place them at greater risk for HIV disease.
For the Communities of Color Special At-Risk Populations program, racial and ethnic minorities include
African Americans, Alaska Natives, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans, Native
Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Additionally, due to the diversity of Illinois residents, providers must be engaged in implementing The
National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health
Care. The National CLAS standards are intended to advance health equity, health care access, and
quality, all while helping to eliminate health care disparities. Providers should develop a
blueprint for individuals and healthcare organizations to implement culturally and linguistically
appropriate services. More information on the National CLAS standards can be found here:
https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is committed to addressing health by empowering communities
who have not received the same access to essential health care. Historically, there have been
populations that have faced barriers to health care access and health care support. This grant seeks to
help lift those barriers and create access to vital and necessary health care. Successful applicants should
demonstrate and ensure that services are administered to those that are underserved, socially
disadvantaged, and come from ethnically diverse groups, regardless of sexual or gender identity. The
services provided should be both culturally and linguistically appropriate. Applicants should demonstrate
any services provided by sub-grantees are similarly accessible, and culturally and linguistically
appropriate.
B. Funding Information
This award is utilizing ☐ federal pass-through, ☐ state and/or ☐ private funds.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services is requesting proposals from
local not-for-profit organizations and units of local government within the boundaries of Illinois that have
the capacity to provide, or partner with entities that can provide, outreach and education, health
screenings, and direct services to communities of color.
Direct service refers to the act of providing active service/assistance to individuals, specific groups, and
communities that make up the beneficiary population. Direct service may entail face-to-face contact with
clients, individually or in group settings. Agencies funded to provide services must provide these
services themselves or provide services in collaboration with another agency and have referral linkage
agreements in place to provide additional screening(s) and other clinical referral services.
The goal of this funding is to reduce the rate and disproportionate burden of infection rates within the
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specified communities. Specifically, programs with the capacity to reach special at-risk minority
populations to include, but not limited to, groups most at-risk for HIV infection, people experiencing
homelessness, ex-offenders, sex workers, those with a history of mental illness or substance abuse, and
other difficult to reach populations.
Successful applicants will demonstrate proven ability to work with vulnerable communities and provide
services in an environment that is non-threatening, using evidence-based approaches that are culturally
and linguistically appropriate, and tailored to ensure relevance to the circumstances and conditions of
the specified population. This includes prevention, education, testing, and care.
The grant term will be July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, with the option for two renewals. Awards are based
on availability of funding and contingent upon appropriation and allocation each year, including in year
one. Additionally, renewals are based on successful completion of grant activities as outlined in the work
plan and grant agreement.
C. Eligibility Information
Regardless of the source of funding (federal pass-through or State), all grantees are required to register
with the State of Illinois through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) website,
https://gata.illinois.gov/, complete a prequalification process, and be determined "qualified" as described
in Section 7000.70. Registration and prequalification is required before an organization can apply for an
award.
The entity is "qualified" to be an awardee if it:
1. has an active UEI (Unique Identity ID) number;
2. has an active SAM.gov account;
3. has an acceptable fiscal condition;
4. is in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, if the Illinois Secretary of State
requires the entity's organization type to be registered. Governmental entities, school
districts and select religious organizations are not required to be registered with the Illinois
Secretary of State. Refer to the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services website:
http://www. cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/business_services/home.html;
5. is not on the Illinois Stop Payment List;
6. is not on the SAM.gov Exclusion List;
7. is not on the Sanctioned Party List maintained by HFS.
1. Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, non-profit
organizations, faith-based organizations, voluntary organizations, organizations serving youth,
organizations serving ethnic populations, local health departments, and collaborative efforts of
government and community-based organizations.
Only organizations based in Illinois are eligible to compete for these funds. Applicants must be in good
standing with the Grant Accountability & Transparency Act Unit operating under the Governor’s
Office of Management & Budget (https://omb.illinois.gov). Successful applicants will have completed
the GATA Pre-Qualification information and the Fiscal and Administrative Risk Assessment (Internal
Controls Questionnaire – ICQ).
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
N/A
3. Indirect Cost Rate
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Indirect costs are applicable up to 15% but not required.
Instructions regarding the application of an indirect cost rate may be found at
www.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Grantee/CentralizedIndirectCostSystem/Pages/default.aspx.
Annually, each organization receiving an award from a State grantmaking agency is required to enter
the centralized Indirect Cost Rate System and make one of the following elections for indirect costs to
State and federal pass-through grants:
I. Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA);
II. Election of the de minimis rate;
III. Election not to charge indirect costs; or
IV. Negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois.
The awardee shall make one election or negotiate a rate that all state agencies must accept unless
there are federal or state program limitations, caps or supplanting issues.
Annually, each organization receiving an award from a State grantmaking agency is required to enter
the centralized Indirect Cost Rate System and make one of the following elections for indirect costs to
State and federal pass-through grants:
V. Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA);
VI. Election of the de minimis rate;
VII. Election not to charge indirect costs; or
VIII. Negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois.
The awardee shall make one election or negotiate a rate that all State agencies must accept unless
there are federal or State program limitations, caps or supplanting issues.
4. Other, if applicable
Applicants, especially first-time grantees, are encouraged to complete the grant management training
modules available through the GATA Learning Management System at gata.illinois.gov/training.html.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
Applications must be submitted via the Illinois Department of Public Health's Electronic Grants
Administration and Management System (EGrAMS), accessible at idphgrants.com.
Since high-speed internet access is not yet universally available for downloading documents or
accessing the electronic application, and applicants may have additional accessibility requirements,
applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting:
Jorge De La Fuente, MBA
Public Service Administrator
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62761
Phone: 217-557-0846
Email: jorge.delafuente@illinois.gov
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applicants will utilize the IDPH EGrAMS system to submit their grant application.
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Applicant's Scope of Work
 Successful applicants will demonstrate detailed grant activities that meet the standards for the
program as noted within this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and demonstrate SMART
objectives for HIV prevention, education, testing and care programs within at-risk populations
during the term of this grant program.
 A grant Work Plan must be included with the grant application, specifically regarding planned
efforts for targeted awareness, education, and targeted intervention for prevention such as
testing or care program efforts. This Work Plan must identify specific targeted communities and
populations to be served by this grant and include explanation of how identified health
disparities, health inequities or social determinants of health within the target geography will be
addressed.
Grant Budget
 If the application Budget includes the use of grant funds for “rent” the applicable rental
agreement must be attached to the application.
Certifications
Attachments:
 Applicant organization’s IRS W-9 form
 Applicant organizational chart and Board of Directors or other legally responsible corporate
leadership body
 Applicant organization’s Programmatic Risk Assessment
 Documented communication with regional HIV prevention lead agency (see 7. Other
Submission Requirements below).
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant, unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt
from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or
State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)), is required to:
i. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application. If you are not registered in SAM, this
link provides a connection for SAM registration: https://sam.gov/SAM/
ii. provide a valid UEI in its application; and
iii. continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan
under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
The State awarding agency may not make a Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the
applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a Federal pass-
through or State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that determination as a basis for making a
Federal pass-through or State award to another applicant.
4. Submission Dates and Times
See 17 on Page 1 of this NOFO.
July 1, 2026 – August 3, 2026, by 5:00 pm
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5. Intergovernmental Review, if applicable
N/A
6. Funding Restrictions
All grant funds must be used for the sole purposes set forth in the grant proposal and application
and must be used in compliance with all applicable laws. Grant funds may not be used as matching
funds for any other grant program unless specifically allowed under grant program guidelines. Use
of grant funds for prohibited purposes may result in loss of grant award and/or place the grantee at
risk for repayment of those funds used for the prohibited purpose. Regardless of the source of
funding (federal pass-through or State), all grant-funded expenses must be compliant with Cost
Principles under Subpart E of 2CFR200 unless an exception is noted in federal or State statutes or
regulations.
Allowability
Allowable – All grant funds must be used for items that are necessary and reasonable for the proper
and efficient performance of the grant and may only be used for the purposes stated in the grant
agreement, work plan, and budget. Items must comply with all applicable state and federal
regulations.
Allocable – Grant-funded costs must be chargeable or assignable to the grant in accordance with
relative benefits received. The allocation methodology should be documented and should be
consistent across funding sources for similar costs.
Reasonable – The amounts charged for any item must be reasonable. That means the nature and
amount of the expense does not exceed what a prudent person under the same circumstances
would expend; and that the items are generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the
performance of the grant.
Allowed Uses
Funding may be used for the following:
Personnel Services (Staff Salaries), Fringe Benefits, Travel, Equipment <$5,000, Supplies, Contractual
Services, Occupancy – Rent & Utilities, Training & Education.
All grant funds must be used for items that are necessary and reasonable for the proper and efficient
performance of the grant and may only be used for the purposes stated in your grant agreement, work
plan, and budget. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a
small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive
administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all
proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
Prior Approval ONLY
With prior approval, funding may be used for the following:
Funding Use Prohibitions
Funding may NOT be used for the following:
1. Any expense for political or religious purposes.
2. Contributions or donations.
3. Fundraising or legislative lobbying expenses.
4. Payment of bad or non-program related debts, fines, or penalties.
5. Contribution to a contingency fund or provision for unforeseen events.
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6. Membership fees to organizations or associations.
7. Entertainment, food, alcohol beverages, or gratuities.
8. Interest or financial payments or other fines or penalties.
9. Purchase or improvement of land, or purchase, improvement, or construction of a building.
10. Any expenditure that may create a conflict of interest, the perception of a conflict of interest, or
impropriety.
11. Audit expenses.
12. Incentive items intended for advertisement (e.g., promotional goods distributed to advertise for an
Organization).
All grant funds must be used for the sole purpose set forth in the grant proposal and application, and
must be used in compliance with all applicable laws. Grant funds may not be used as matching funds
for another grant program, even if the grants or subgrants are related or the same population is being
served. Regardless of the source of funding, all grant-funded expenses must be compliant with Cost
Principles under Subpart E of 2CRF200 unless an exception is noted in federal or state statutes or
regulations.
Additional Funding Guidance
7. Other Submission Requirements
All applicants must inform their regional HIV prevention lead agency of their interest in participating in
the Initiative and provide documentation with their application. Confirmation of the award and award
amount must be provided to the lead agency upon selection with documentation of that notification
provided to the Center for Minority Health Services. A list of HIV Lead Agencies can be found here
https://hivcareconnect.com/refer/.
Key staff members must have a minimum of two years of experience conducting Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention HIV interventions with the proposed HIV special at-risk population and provide
documentation of that experience with the application.
Grantee organization and key staff members must demonstrate the capacity to successfully provide
services to members of the proposed HIV special at-risk population.
Grantee must have documented proof of appropriate linkage agreements, and an explanation as to how
these collaborators will contribute to the overall accomplishment of project description and objectives.
Documentation of successful completion of training in any identified diffusion of evidence-based
intervention (DEBI) must be provided for key staff members. For a list of CDC approved interventions
please visit Effective Interventions by EHE Pillar | HIV Partners | CDC.
Grantee organization and key staff members must provide documentation of ability to provide HIV
counseling and testing services if those services are a component of the application. Documentation
should include proof of the completion of an Illinois Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS Section
approved HIV course, or the completion of a Chicago Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS approved
HIV course. Organizations must also demonstrate they have the fiscal/organizational capacity to
administer and implement all proposed activities and tasks.
E. Application Review Information
Applications will be reviewed and scored by IDPH program staff for completeness and accuracy as well as
the criteria identified below (see Section E.1).
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1. Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate they have the background and expertise to carry out activities as described
in this NOFO. Upon submission, applications will be reviewed for completeness and consistency with
program parameters. Applications will then be scored out of 100 points as follows:
Criterion Application Points
Location
Capacity Scope of Work 15
Does the applicant demonstrate its ability
to execute the grant project according to
project requirements?
Need Scope of Work 20
1. Does the applicant provide data, facts,
and/or evidence that demonstrate that the
proposal supports the grant program
purpose?
2. Does the applicant demonstrate that the
project, in total, is well articulated and
aligned with the project requirements?
3. Are target audiences clearly defined and
realistic?
Quality Work Plan 15
Is there a complete summary of methods
and procedures that will be utilized to
accomplish goals stated in the scope of
work?
SMARTIE Work Plan 20
Are objectives using a SMARTIE framework:
Strategic, Measurable, Ambitious, Realistic,
Time-Bound, Inclusive, and Equitable
Justifiable Budget Budget 30
Are the budget items and justifications valid
and appropriate for the grant project?
TOTAL POINTS 100
2. Review and Selection Process
Only completed applications with all required materials will be reviewed. Review teams will consist of
at least three individuals, with the number of review teams dependent upon the number of applications
received. Applications scoring 70 or above will be considered for an award, with the highest scoring
applications recommended for funding.
Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
For competitive grants, only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. Evaluation scores or funding
determinations/outcomes may not be contested and will not be considered by the Department's Appeals
Review Officer.
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To submit an appeal, the appealing party must:
 Submit the appeal in writing and in accordance with the grant application document through
IDPH's Merit-Based Review Appeal Request Form available here:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ed4d113385de41feb38964a8005ce72b
 Appeals must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice
was published.
 Appeals must include the following information:
 The name and address of the appealing party
 Identification of the grant
 A statement of reasons for the appeal
 If applicable, documents or exhibits to support statement of reason
The IDPH Appeals Review Officer (ARO) will consider the grant-related appeals and make a
recommendation to the appropriate Deputy Director as expeditiously as possible after receiving all
relevant, requested information.
 The ARO must review the submitted Appeal Request Form for completeness and acknowledge
receipt of the appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
 The ARO will utilize an Appeal Review Tool to consider the integrity of the competitive grant
process and the impact of the recommendation.
 The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by the agency within the
time period set in the request.
 The ARO shall respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the
appealing party as to why additional time is required.
Documentation of the appeal determination shall be sent to the appealing party and must include the
following:
 Standard description of the appeal review process and criteria
 Review of the appeal
 Appeal determination
 Rationale for the determination
 In addition to providing the written determination, the grant-making office may do the
following:
 Document improvements to the evaluation process given the findings and re-review all
submitted applications.
 Document improvements to the evaluation process given the findings and implement
improvements into the following year's grant evaluation process.
 Provide written notice to the appealing party as to how the identified actions will be remedied.
Appeals resolutions may be deferred pending a judicial or administrative determination when actions
concerning the appeal have commenced in a court of administrative body.
3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable.
Anticipated Announcement Date (if known): Click or tap to select a date.
Anticipated Program Start Date: Click or tap to select a date.
Anticipated Program End Date: Click or tap to select a date.
Illinois Department of Public Health - Office of Performance Management
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F. Award Administration Information
1. State Award Notices
A Notice of State Award (NOSA) shall be issued to the finalists who have successfully completed all
grant award requirements and have been selected to receive grant funding.
The NOSA will specify the funding terms and specific conditions resulting from applicable pre-award risk
assessments.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is exempt from utilizing the standard NOSA issued on
the GATA Grantee Portal. Successful applicants will receive an email notification from EGrAMS and
must review the funding terms and specific conditions in the grant agreement and accept utilizing an
electronically signature. Both the electronic signature in EGrAMS and a physical signature on the grant
agreement must be completed by an authorized representative of the grantee organization and
submitted to IDPH.
A Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving awards via EGrAMS.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
N/A
All grantees receiving one or more federally-funded subawards from IDPH equal to or greater than
$30,000 must provide compensation information within EGrAMS prior to issuance of an award.
Grantees will not be able to sign grant agreements or amendment agreements until this requirement is
complete. Annual completion of this requirement is necessary for multiyear grants.
3. Reporting
Successful applicants will be required to submit financial and performance reports on a monthly basis
by default. However, applicants may be required to or may opt to submit reports monthly. Specific
reporting requirements will be detailed within the terms of each grant agreement. Reports may
include the demographic and geographic indicators of individuals receiving direct service(s) from the
grantee through activities funded under the grant program.
Report narratives and Work Plan outcomes shall accompany these metrics and include details
regarding program impacts upon or influences on social and structural determinants of health for
individuals, specific groups, and communities that make up the beneficiary population.
G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
Jorge De La Fuente, MBA
Public Service Administrator
Illinois Department of Public Health
Illinois Department of Public Health - Office of Performance Management
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Phone: 217-557-0846
Email: jorge.delafuente@illinois.gov
H. Other Information, if applicable
N/A
Mandatory Forms -- Required for All Agencies
1. Uniform State Grant Application – Available at idphgrants.com for eligible applicants
2. New to EGrAMS, click HERE to see how to Get Started
3. Project Narrative (included in EGrAMS application)
4. Budget (included in EGrAMS application)
5. Budget Narrative (included in EGrAMS application)
Other program-specific mandatory forms:
N/A
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