Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Grant (IL)

Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Grant (IL)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Family & Community Services
Amount: US $150,000 - US $850,000
Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Summary

The Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Grant (IL) aims to empower individuals in economically disadvantaged communities by partnering with local non-profit and faith-based organizations. This program emphasizes education, training, and employment services, focusing on those with justice system involvement. By fostering trusted community relationships, the initiative seeks to enhance employment stability and self-sufficiency for participants, ensuring equitable access to vital resources and support systems for overcoming personal challenges.

Overview

NOTE: Pre- Proposal - 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. Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Grant (IL) The Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative will work with non-profit community based and/or faith-based organizations in economically disadvantaged historically marginalized communities to help program participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills to assist in finding and maintaining employment. The priority of this program is also to serve anchor institutions within the above-mentioned communities that have local relationships and a positive reputation as being centers of support and assistance for individuals struggling with all manner of personal problems. Employment services is the focus of this program but the local community-based institutions that DHS is targeting for these grants should be trusted organizations in the community that offer assistance directly or through referral and linkage for all manner of personal, psychosocial emotional, and /or financial challenges facing individuals in their local community. The initiative must also ensure equitable access to services for individuals with justice system involvement, including those reentering the community after incarceration, recognizing the importance of connecting these individuals with trusted support systems that address barriers to employment, stability, and self-sufficiency. Funding Anticipated Number of Awards: 8 - 12 Award Range: $150,000.00 - $850,000.00

Eligibility

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