Group Respite

Application Period: 03/23/2026 - 04/23/2026 : 5:00 pm

Technical Assistance: Offered : Yes; Mandatory : No; Date : 03/31/2026 : 11:15 am; Registration link : https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r2fed7852c56ec48504d4d1ecad7a3dc1

Apply here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=178339

---

Application Documents

FileView.aspx

State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Human Services
Agency Contact Shannon Dyson (DHS.DDDGrantProg@Illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number 27-444-24-1545-01
Funding Opportunity Title Group Respite
CSFA Number 444-24-1545
CSFA Popular Name Group Respite
Anticipated Number of Awards 0
Estimated Total Program Funding $790,200
Award Range Not Applicable
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching No
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs Yes : Yes, requires approval
Posted Date 03/23/2026
Application Date Range 03/23/2026 - 04/23/2026 : 5:00 pm
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=178339
Technical Assistance Session Offered : Yes
Mandatory : No
Date : 03/31/2026 : 11:15 am
Registration link :
https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r2fed7852c56ec48504d4d1e
cad7a3dc1

---

27-444-24-1545-01, Group Respite
1. Basic Information - (CSFA Data Section)
Awarding Agency Name (1-A) Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name Division of Developmental Disabilities
Agency Contact Contact Name: Shannon Dyson
Email: DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov
Announcement Type (1-C) Competitive – Renewal
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B) 1545 Group Respite
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D) 27-444-24-1545-01
Application Posting Date March 23, 2026
Application Closing Date April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance 444-24-1545
(CSFA) Number
Catalog of State Financial Assistance Group Respite
(CSFA) Name
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E) Not applicable
Awarding Source State Funded
Estimated Total Program Funding $790,200
Anticipated Number of Awards TBD
Award Range Negotiable
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement? No
Indirect Costs Allowed? Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs? Yes, requires approval.
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Date: March 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. to
11:15 a.m. CST
Registration Link:
https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r2fed7852c56ec48504d4d1ecad7a3dc1
1. Basic Information Continued - Section F through I
F. Funding Details
1. Total Amount of Funding

---

a. The Department expects to award approximately $790,200.
b. The source of the funding for this program is State funds.
2. Number of Grant Awards
a. The Department anticipate funding approximately “To be determined”
grants awards to provide this program.
3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
a. The Department anticipates the dollar amount of individual awards will be
negotiable.
4. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
a. $79,018.61
5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
a. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are
eligible 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. Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the
Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject
to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall
retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the
subcontractor.

---

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. Applicant must complete the
Pre-Award Cost Authorization Letter form –
(https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/445141
-202406.pdf). Additional payment documentation will be required.
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.
iii. 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) -https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=151738.
8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human
Services to make an award.
9. IDHS recognizes the language around race and ethnicity is complex, and
continues to evolve as individuals, organizations, and institutions seek to be
respectful and inclusive of all segments of a community. As such, IDHS will
continue to be as responsive as possible to these changes and refinements as
the understanding of these complex constructs related to race and ethnicity
evolves.
G. Key Dates
1. Application Posting Date is March 23, 2026.
2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of
Intent, etc.): Not applicable.

---

3. The Department must receive the Full Application by April 23, 2026, at
5:00 p.m. CST.
4. Anticipated Award Date: June 12, 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 July 1,
2026, and will continue through June 30, 2029.
H. Executive Summary
1. Program Description
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Group Respite is a program
that provides short-term, group supports to children and/or adults with
intellectual/ developmental disabilities that are not receiving any Home and
Community Based Waiver funded services in either the two children's waivers
or the adult waiver, operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services
and the (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Respite is intended to help maintain individuals with intellectual/
developmental disabilities in the community such as the individual/family
home, thus averting the need for long-term services and supports. Respite
may be utilized for a planned or unplanned (emergency and/or
agency deemed crisis) situations. Group Respite occurs in a community-
based or site-based setting of two or more individuals and provides
experiences of social interaction, inclusion and/or community exposure/
integration.
2. Key Goals (objectives)
a. Ensure the individual receiving group respite services has been diagnosed
with an intellectual/developmental disability.
b. Ensure the individual receiving group respite services is not receiving any
other waiver funded services or respite services from other State funded
agencies.
c. Provide supports in the community or at a site with two or more
individuals, for a portion of the day.
d. Provide programming that supports social interaction, to increase
inclusion and community exposure.

---

e. Provide relief to and/or reduce the stress of the caregiver of a child or
adult with an intellectual/ developmental disability.
3. Eligible Recipients for DDD are required to have an I/DD and meet the
requirements of the scope of the grant program.
I. Agency Contact Information
1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact.
• Email: DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov
• DHS Contact: Shannon Dyson
• Subject line: “NOFO questions – Group Respite, Name of Agency
Submitting Question”
2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website.
Questions submitted up to 7 business days prior to the end of the NOFO
posting period, will be posted on the website.
J. Indirect Costs
An organization must have a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA)
with the State of Illinois, A Federal NICRA, or elect to use the 15% de minimis rate
(some programs funded with federal dollars are still subject to the 10% 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.
Awardees must select an indirect cost election in the Grantee Portal on an annual
basis. Note - The election for "no rate" and "de minimis" continue indefinitely
once initially selected until a new election is made.
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.
Please use the Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System website –
https://gata.illinois.gov/indirect-cost/centralized-indirect-cost-system.html 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.

---

2. Eligibility
i. Eligible Applicants.
A. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are as follows:
1. Has demonstrated experience providing respite services and supports to
individual with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and their families.
2. Has demonstrated the ability to meet all the program goals described in this
NOFO.
3. Has met the criteria laid out in the Application Review Information, Section
6(ii).
B. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other
Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=85526.
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 Entity Identifier (UEI).
d. Organization type.
2. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that
have not prequalified prior to 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(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.gov before the application due date -
https://sam.gov/content/home.
ii. Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI) in its application.

---

iii. Continue to always maintain an active SAM registration with current
information during which it has an active award or an application or
plan under consideration by the awarding agency.
iv. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully
complied to with 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 -
https://hfs.illinois.gov/oig/sanctionslist.html.
C. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any – Not
Applicable.
D. Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements
(https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149875) are not met. Qualified status
is verified at time of application. Applicants who are not eligible due to
registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will be notified that
they are ineligible for consideration when the requirements of the grant
application or pre-qualification, have not been met. This will be done through
email contact, to the corresponding contact information, on the application
submission. Resubmission of the complete and updated application will be
allowed for consideration if received prior to the application closing date.
E. See Section Number Section 1(F)7 in Basic Information for funding restriction, if
applicable.
F. Other, Requirements
1. All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and
parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal
statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal
awards.

---

2. 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-
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-
C/section-200.206.
3. Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the
activities contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative,
and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. 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.
4. Unallowable costs: 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:
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. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount
of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to
review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the
designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM
(currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).

---

G. Limit on number of applications.
1. Limit of one accepted application per agency.
ii. Cost Sharing.
A. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.
3. Program Description
i. Required Information.
A. The general purpose of the funding is to provide group respite services to
individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and it is expected to
achieve a reduction in caregiver stress and reduce the need for long term
supports and services for the public good.
1. Group Respite is a program that provides short-term, group supports to
children and/or adults with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD) that
are not receiving any Home and Community Based Waiver funded services in
either the two children's waivers or the adult waiver, operated by the Illinois
Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Division of Developmental
Disabilities (DDD).
Respite services are intended to help individuals with intellectual/
developmental disabilities remain in a community-based setting, such as, the
individual or family home, thereby reducing the need for long-term services
and supports.
Group Respite occurs in a community-based or site-based setting of two or
more individuals and provides experiences of social interaction, inclusion
and/or community exposure/ integration.
Individuals receiving group respite services must be diagnosed with an I/DD.
The individual cannot be enrolled in waiver services through the Division of
Developmental Disabilities or any other state funded agency, which the
individual is eligible to receive respite services. Examples of waiver-funded
services include, but are not limited to, Home-Based Support Services,
Community Integrated Living Arrangements, Community Day Services, and
Supported Employment.
The intent of the Respite Program is to:

---

• Provide relief to the caregiver of a child or adult with an intellectual/
developmental disability.
• Reduce stress of the caregiver, thereby reducing the potential for crises.
• Help maintain an individual with intellectual/ developmental disability in
their home and reduce the need for long term supports and services.
• Increase the number of families who can access developmental disabilities
supports.
• Provide planned or unplanned services to an individual with an
intellectual/ developmental disability to immediately stabilize and support
the family.
Situations that may qualify as Group Respite Program include, but are not
limited to the following circumstances:
• Community Activities (with supervision)
• Shopping
• Arts and Crafts
• Field trips (restaurants, parks, malls, bowling, mini-golf, outdoor sports,
etc.)
• Intramural activities (chorus groups)
• Camps – internal services by the grantee (not third-party camping
activities – YMCA, Park District Camps, etc.)
• Cooking classes
B. The State agency's funding priorities or focus areas.
IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and
maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves
addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation,
and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a
culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation,
or ability.
C. The goals and objectives of the Group Respite program
1. Ensure the individual receiving group respite services has been diagnosed
with an intellectual/ developmental disability.
2. Ensure the individual receiving group respite services are not receiving any
other waiver funded services or respite services from other State funded
agencies.

---

3. Provide supports in the community or at a site with two or more individuals,
for a portion of the day.
4. Provide programming that supports social interaction, to increase inclusion
and community exposure.
5. Provide relief to and/or reduce the stress of the caregiver of an individual with
an intellectual/ developmental disability.
D. Additional Requirement for the Group Respite
1. The provider will maintain the required certifications regarding staff providing
respite services as detailed in Section VIII A. of Attachment A of the DHS
Community Service Agreement. IDHS: Developmental Disabilities CSA
Attachment A - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=134482
2. Home Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver services criteria must be
followed for staff individual ratio. IDHS: VI. Waiver Activities and Services -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=134482.
3. Group respite providers must have an intake process for individuals seeking
services.
E. Group Respite Program Deliverables
1. Provide a list of all unduplicated individuals with an intellectual/
developmental disability who rendered services or requested services, by the
Group Respite.
2. Provide a list of group respite activities offered to individual with an
intellectual/ developmental disability.
3. Provide whether the individual served was referred to outside services due to
the inability to provide respite or frequent usage of group respite services.
(ISC, agency, DD Regional Staff, etc.).
4. Provide a list of individuals on their waitlist for Group Respite services.
5. Distribute surveys to individuals and/or guardian being provide respite
services and summarize of the responses from the Satisfaction Survey.
F. Performance Measures and Standards
1. All individuals served must have an intellectual/ developmental disability.
2. Ensure that all individuals that receive respite services are not receiving waiver
services or services with another State funded agency.

---

3. A minimum of fifty percent of individuals on the respite waitlist will be moved
to active respite services and must be able to provide a copy of individuals on
waiting list.
4. A minimum of eighty percent of individuals with additional needs, inability to
be served, and/or frequent use of group respite services, will be provided
referral services to other available services or agencies (PUNS, DRS, DHS, etc.)
5. Satisfaction surveys must be provided to all individuals and/or guardian
receiving respite services. Eighty-five percent of all surveys must receive a
positive rating in the reduction in caregiver stress, due to service being
provided.
6. No more than 10% of the Group Respite grant allocation can be used for
administrative costs.
G. For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency
expects to have (or are located) - Not applicable.
H. Specific Unallowable costs described in Eligibility Information, see Section 2(F4).
I. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following
requirements: individuals must have an intellectual or developmental disability
and are not receiving waiver services or respite services with another State
funded agency.
J. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the
following:
Federal Grants and Agreements (2 CFR 200) - https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-
2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200
Developmental Disabilities CSA Attachment A -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=161317
Developmental Disabilities Program Manual -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=161320
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code (405 ILCS 5) -
https://witnessslips.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=040500050HCh%
2E+I&ActID=1496&ChapterID=34&SeqStart=100000&SeqEnd=5000000

---

Department of Human Services Act (20 ILCS 1305) -
https://witnessslips.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=002013050HArt
%2E+1&ActID=305&ChapterID=5&SeqStart=100000&SeqEnd=1818750
Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30) -
https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1501&ChapterID=34
Adult Protective Services Act (320 ILCS 20) -
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1452&ChapterID=31
IDHS: DDD Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) Manual -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=53018
Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5) -
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1460&ChapterID=32
4. Application Contents and Format
i. Content and Format Requirements.
A. Content and Form of Application Submission
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 Submission Instructions, Section 5(iii).
1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required.
2. Required Content of Application
a. 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.
3. Program Narrative and Proposal Narrative Content with Attachments
a. Program Narrative: IMPORTANT, the program (proposal) narrative makes
up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response to the
following sections. If the program narrative is missing from your

---

application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and
your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice
of funding opportunity.
b. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments: 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
ii. Need
iii. Capacity
iv. Quality
4. Budget and Budget Narrative
a. Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA and provide a
copy of the completed budget in PDF format. (Refer to Appendix A: CSA
Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The
Budget entered in the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed
description/justification for each line in the budget, a describe why each
expenditure is necessary for program implementation, and how you
arrived at the specific amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary.
This narrative must 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.
b. 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.
c. 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
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069
d. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity, to program objectives and
deliverables, and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
i. Reasonable and necessary
ii. Allocable
iii. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the
Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
e. Additional information for entering a Uniform Grant Budget can be found
at Budget Template (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=85366)
and Budget Template Instructions
(https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=84585). Be sure to follow
instructions on website on how to download the Template.
5. Required Forms
a. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance – This 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. IL444-5262 -
UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR STATE GRANT ASSISTANCE (.pdf) -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=145490.
b. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure – This is a 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. IL444-5205 - GRANTEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST
DISCLOSURE (.pdf) - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=142947.
6. Required Format
a. Application Format Requirements: Electronic submission is required in PDF
format.
b. Document Submission Requirements:

---

i. 8.5” X 11” Paper size, Single spaced, 12-size font, Calibri typeface, one-
inch margins, and display page numbers.
ii. The applicant should not use agency letter head or agency
identification formatting features on the application. Limit reference to
the agency’s name, specifically, in the program narrative. The agency’s
name and identifiers will be redacted, from the documentation, for the
Merit Review Process. This ensures a fair and unbiased scoring process.
iii. File name should be “Funding Opportunity Number, Program Name,
and Agency Name”.
iv. All forms must be signed and dated.
v. The application must be no more than 25 pages. This includes the
application and narrative. (Uniform Grant Budget, Grantee Conflict of
Interest Disclosure form, and required verifications are not included in
this count).
c. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed
and must be organized in the format outlined or points may be deducted.
d. The Department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they
have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis
to award to another applicant.
5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
i. Address to Request Application Packet.
A. Actions Needed Prior to Applying:
1. The complete application packet (this Notice of Funding Opportunity,
including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of
Financial Assistance and the IDHS Grants Website -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149872.
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 in Section 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 and System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
A. Each applicant must:
1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application -
https://sam.gov/content/home.
2. Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in its application.
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 to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award
to 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(c) or (d), a statement to that effect.
iii. Submission Instructions.
A. Actions needed prior to applying:
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 (https://grants.illinois.gov/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 (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149875).
B. The methods for submitting the application:
1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all
required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order:
a. Program Narrative - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=159921

---

b. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/Contracts/GA
TA/Uniform-Application-for-State-Grant-Assistance.pdf
c. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/445205-
220203.pdf
d. Budget- entered into the CSA system and copy in PDF format.
2. Applications must be sent electronically to:
• Email: DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov
• Subject Line: “27-444-24-1545-01, Group Respite, Name of Agency
Submitting Application”
IMPORTANT: The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by
electronic mail sent to DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov.
3. Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact,
including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review
or funding.
4. Applications will not be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk,
thumb drive, password protected emails, password protected documents, and
emails from encrypted email protection companies (such as, Prevail,
Barracuda Network, Trustifi, etc. list not fully inclusive).
• The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt.
5. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows: Internet access,
preferable high-speed, Email capability, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and
Abode Reader.
6. 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 - Not applicable.
D. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your
application, you may contact us at:
• Name: Shannon Dyson
• Email: DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov
• Subject line: “NOFO Technical Difficulties, Group Respite, Name of Agency”
iv. Submission Dates and Times.
A. Full applications are due on the following dates April 23, 2026, at the following
time 5:00 p.m. (CST).
B. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre-
applications are due on the following date - Not applicable.
C. Other submissions required before the award - Not applicable.
v. Missed Deadlines.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all
electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help

---

desk ticket numbers, etc. 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" -
https://www.federalregister.gov/executive-order/12372.
6. Application Review Information
i. Eligibility Review.
A. Applications that are received will be reviewed April 24, 2026, to May 29, 2026, to
ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the
criteria described in paragraph B below will be rejected and not 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 refer to Eligibility, Section 2(i).
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.
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.
a. Applications will be evaluated based applicant's response to the program
narrative described in Section 4.i.3 Program Narrative and Contents. Each
section will be weighted as described below.
2. Criteria and Weighting of each criterion -100-point scale.
3. Statutory, regulatory, or other preferences – Not Applicable.
4. Cost Sharing will not be considered in the review process.
5. Information regarding Applicant-nominated reviewers - Not Applicable.
B. Reviewing Criteria and Scoring Weight – Maximum Total 100 Points.
Program Plan/Narrative – 75 Total Points in this Section
1. Need (Description of Need) - 25 Points
The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:
a. Analysis of the needs of individuals with I/DD in the proposed service
area(s) and target communities.
b. Identify ways the agency will target new recipients for program support.
c. Identify ways the agency identifies individuals with I/DD from minority
group.
d. Provide data, facts and/or evidence demonstrating the ways the proposed
program will meet programmatic needs.
The ideal applicant will:
a. Clearly define the service area and target communities to be supported.

---

b. Clearly define minority groups needs and the ways the program will
support them.
c. Present a plan to address the needs that is realistic and will meet
individual and family needs based on the program goals.
d. Provides data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating that the proposal
supports the grant program purpose.
2. Capacity (Agency Qualification/Organizational Capacity) - 25 Points
The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:
a. Agency's ability to be fully ready to begin providing services by July 1,
2026.
b. Agency’s prior experience providing group respite services to individuals
with I/DD and their families. Detailed description as to how the agency
will directly engage individuals with I/DD and their families in a Group
Respite setting.
c. Copy of the Agency’s proposed Needs Assessment.
d. Copy of agency’s certifications regarding current staff providing respite
services, as detailed in Section VIII A of Attachment A of the DHS
Community Service Agreement. IDHS: Developmental Disabilities CSA
Attachment A - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=134482.
e. Agency and/or ability to execute the group respite, according to the grant
requirements.
f. Agency’s ability to share data received through the group respite
program's work.
The ideal applicant will:
a. Provide a detailed description of the process the agency will undergo to
ensure services are operational no later than July 1, 2026, including a
timeline that is feasible and includes enough detail for the Division to
evaluate the merits and potential risks.
b. Clearly articulates experience to provide service that will meet the program
needs.

---

c. Demonstrates that the agency has staff with appropriate clinical
credentials and/or a plan to have staff with the appropriate credentials, to
operate, as described in this program.
d. Demonstrate that the agency has experience providing group respite
services and programs serving individuals with I/DD and their families, with
a specific focus on the program goals.
e. Agency’s ability to provide an establishment that is ADA accessible.
3. Quality of Program/Services - 25 Points
a. Demonstrates that the proposal is well articulated in alignment with the
program goals.
b. Provides a detailed summary of the provider’s support team and processes
for providing quality.
c. Provides examples of agency satisfaction measurements process and how
services and supports will be adjusted on feedback.
d. Provides a detailed summary of the agency's quality assurance processes
to ensure compliance with the program goals as well as DDD, IDHS, and
GATA requirements.
e. Ensure the agency has appropriate processes in place to measure quality
assurance and make changes/ updates as needed.
The ideal applicant will:
a. Provide a detailed description as to how the agency will directly engage
with individuals with I/DD and their families, who are referred for group
respite assistance.
b. Provides a detailed summary of the agency's quality assurance processes
to ensure compliance with the program goals as well as DDD, IDHS, and
GATA requirements.
c. Provide a detailed description that the agency has experience providing
group respite services and programs, to individuals with I/DD and their
families, with a specific focus on the program goals.
d. Ensure the agency has appropriate processes in place to measure quality
assurance and make changes/ updates as needed.

---

4. Executive Summary - 15 Points
The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for successful
applicants that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others
requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants
should be concise and direct in their description. Information in this section
should include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. Identify the amount being requested under this proposal and how it will
be used to meet the scope of the program.
b. Identify target service areas/ communities that the agency will cover across
the state.
c. Identify the number of individuals with I/DD who are projected to
participate and the current intake process to do so.
d. Briefly describe agency experience in providing group respite services and
supports to individuals with I/DD and their families.
e. Provide an overview of the group respite services to be provided.
f. Describe how the program will address the Program Goals across the State
of Illinois. Refer to section 3. Program Description, C.
g. Share data regarding previous work completed with the agency, as
applicable.
The ideal applicant will:
a. Demonstrate an understanding in group respite needs in the State of
Illinois and present a plan to address these needs in a logical manner. The
applicant’s plan will address appropriate service resources required to
meet the level of need.
b. Clearly define the target audience and area of operations for services. The
plan to meet the needs of target audience and full service in area
operations must be realistic. Additional consideration will be provided for
those that provide services across a broader geographic area.
c. Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating that the proposal
supports the grant program purpose.

---

d. Clearly define how support and services provided, will meet the program
goals.
5. Budget and Cost Justification - 10 Points
The applicant's budget proposal narrative will be evaluated based
completeness and signature. The budget proposal narrative shall include the
following information as it relates to the NOFO program:
a. Thorough and clear justification for all proposed line-item expenditures.
b. All expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable.
c. Administrative costs are no more than 10% of the proposed budget.
d. Proposed staffing is sufficient to address customer projections and
customer language needs.
e. Proposed expenditures address annual costs of living and inflation costs.
f. Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified.
g. Verify the proposed budget total matches the total funding amount listed
on the application.
6. Definitions
a. Minority Group: A minority group is any group of people who, because of
their physical or cultural characteristics, are singled out from others in the
society in which they live for differential and unequal treatment.
iii. Review and Selection Process.
A. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:
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.

---

B. 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 reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to
adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
C. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Date is projected for June 12, 2026;
however, this date may be subject to change if additional time is required to
complete the review process.
D. Merit Review Appeal Process
1. In accordance with GATA Administrative Rules, Section 350, Merit Review of
Grant Applications, a merit application review is required for competitive
(discretionary) Grants and Cooperative Agreements, unless prohibited by
State or federal statute. 44 Ill. Adm. Code 7000.350 -
https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.ht
ml.
2. Competitive 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 Contact information:
• Contact Name: Shannon Dyson
• Email address: DHS.DDDGrantProg@illinois.gov
• Email Subject Line: “Appeal Review Requested, Group Respite, Name
of Agency Submitting Application”
ii. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the 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:
1. Name and address of the appealing party
2. Identification of the grant
3. Statement of the reasons for the appeal
4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
b. Response to appeal
i. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days
from the date the appeal was received.
1. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written
explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is
required.
2. The appealing party must supply any additional information
requested by IDHS 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 competitive 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:
v. Review of the appeal.
vi. Appeal determination; and
vii. Rationale for the determination.

---

iv. Risk Review.
A. Requirements
1. IDHS 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 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. This award is not anticipated to exceed the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold defined in 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1 (OR)
b. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive an award over
the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as defined in 48 CFR part 2, subpart
2.1; the dollar amount set by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR),
currently at $250,000 (with some exceptions). Potential grantees under this
notice of funding opportunity may receive an award in excess of the
simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. 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 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. State Award Notices
i. This section must address what a successful applicant can expect to receive
following selection.
A. State Award Notices
1. 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:
a. Grant award amount.

---

b. The terms and conditions of the award.
c. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal
and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments
(PRA), and the Merit Review.
2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has
an approved and an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted
to the Department as instructed in the notice.
3. 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).
4. 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 the 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.
5. 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
Review.
6. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit
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 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/Contracts/FY25/DH
SFY25UGAClean3.11.24_A11Y.pdf
C. Payment Terms - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=140492

---

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. Payment Forms
1. Monthly Grants Invoice Template Form (IL 444-5257 N) -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/IL444-
5257.pdf
2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL 444-4985) -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/IL444-
4985.pdf
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 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 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.
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

---

B. All performance measurements require the demographic information of the
individuals being served. This includes individual’s name, age, gender identity,
race/ ethnicity, Recipient Identification Number (RIN), last four of Social Security
Number (SSN), and county resides. Refer to 20 ILCS 65 –
(https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=4079&ChapAct=20%A0ILCS
%A065/&ChapterID=5&ChapterName=EXECUTIVE%20BRANCH&ActName=Data
%20Governance%20and%20Organization%20to%20Support%20Equity%20and%
20Racial%20Justice%20Act.). A deliverable spreadsheet will be provided to
document collected data.
9. Other Information - Optional
i. Additional Information.
A. Mandatory Forms and Submission:
1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/Contracts/GATA
/Uniform-Application-for-State-Grant-Assistance.pdf.
2. Proposal Narrative - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=159921.
3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA and copy of budget in pdf format -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069.
4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure -
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/445205-
220203.pdf.