Workforce Poverty Initiative - Employment Barrier Fund

The Employment Barrier Reduction Fund is a grant program managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), under its Family and Community Services Division and Office of Workforce Development. The program is designed to support low-income individuals in overcoming financial and logistical barriers to employment. It targets recipients of public assistance such as SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. By addressing issues such as transportation, childcare, housing instability, and access to appropriate work attire, the fund supports individuals in achieving sustainable employment and long-term financial independence. This grant was initially launched as a pilot and has now evolved into a competitive funding opportunity due to its success. Funding for the program comes from both federal and state sources, with the total anticipated funding amounting to $3 million. The grant will be awarded to one recipient, and the full amount of $3 million is expected to be allocated to a single grantee. This award is for a one-year grant term, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of up to two one-year renewals depending on appropriation and performance. While indirect costs are allowed, they must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES). Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include private nonprofit community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public community-based organizations including units of local government, and community colleges or entities planning to subcontract with community colleges. Applicants must meet several pre-qualification criteria such as registration in the SAM.gov system, an active UEI number, good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and not being listed on any exclusion lists. Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum of five years’ experience in providing similar services and must demonstrate the capacity to serve underserved and high-need communities across IDHS Regions 2 through 5. The grant application process requires submission of several documents including the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, a detailed Program Narrative addressing need, capacity, and program design, a conflict of interest disclosure, budget entered into the CSA system, and a W-9 form. Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.ETNOFO@Illinois.gov by 11:59 PM CST on May 22, 2025. A mandatory technical assistance session is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM, and applicants must attend. Late applications or those missing required components will not be reviewed. Applications will be evaluated based on a 100-point scale, with emphasis on organizational capacity (40 points), program design and services (35 points), description of need (10 points), executive summary (5 points), and budget narrative (10 points). Successful applicants will be notified via a Notice of State Award and must then enter into a Uniform Grant Agreement before beginning services. The anticipated award date is June 1, 2025. IDHS reserves the right to negotiate terms or partially fund awards based on available funding and organizational readiness. Grantees will be required to provide monthly and annual performance and financial reports, including detailed metrics on individuals served, services provided, and coordination with Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs). They must also maintain strong partnerships with regional agencies and develop comprehensive outreach and referral plans. At least one sub-recipient must be included in each IDHS region outside of Region 1, and applicants must demonstrate plans to expand service availability to underserved focus areas.

Attend the mandatory technical session Ensure all documents are complete before submission Demonstrate partnerships and readiness to serve all designated regions Use CSA system for budget entry and submission