Baby-ZZZ Safe Sleep Program (Formerly Preventing Sleep-Related Infant Deaths)

The Baby-ZZZ Safe Sleep Program FY26 is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This program is designed to address Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID), which are a leading cause of infant mortality in the state, particularly impacting non-Hispanic Black communities and residents in urban regions. In 2020, 111 infants in Illinois died due to SUID before their first birthday, underlining the urgent need for interventions. The program prioritizes culturally relevant, community-based strategies to reduce risks associated with unsafe infant sleep environments. Applicants are encouraged to align with statewide messaging efforts while also tailoring their proposals to specific high-risk populations. Eligible applicants include local health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health centers, and 501(c)(3) community-based organizations. Up to three grants will be awarded, with each grantee eligible to receive up to $100,000 for a one-year grant period. The total program funding is $300,000, and the funds originate from both federal pass-through and state sources. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. However, applicants must be registered and prequalified under the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), including having an active UEI, SAM.gov registration, acceptable fiscal status, and good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State if applicable. The program seeks proposals that leverage existing public health messaging, increase awareness and education around safe sleep practices, and directly address social determinants of health that hinder safe sleep environments. Allowable activities include community outreach, training for caregivers and early childhood professionals, and the provision of safe sleep materials such as cribs or sleep sacks. Notably, hospital healthcare provider training and bereavement activities are ineligible for funding. Community baby showers are permissible if tied to broader program objectives. Applications must be submitted through IDPH’s Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS) by 5:00 PM on August 7, 2025. A technical assistance session will be held virtually on July 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, offering prospective applicants guidance on completing their applications. All submissions must include a full application, scope of work, program work plan, budget justification, applicant certification, W-9, and resumes for key personnel. Proposals will be evaluated using a SMARTIE criteria framework—ensuring they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely, Inclusive, and Equitable. Awards will be granted to at least one applicant each from the Chicagoland area, St. Clair County or its surrounding counties, and Winnebago County or its surrounding counties. Applications must score at least 70 points to be considered. Scoring is based on scope of work (66 points), work plan alignment (25 points), and budget (10 points), with up to 3 bonus points for proposals that are culturally appropriate for high-risk populations. Final award notifications are expected by August 21, 2025, with the program officially starting on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2026. Grant contacts include Alexander J. Smith of the Illinois Department of Public Health, who can be reached at alexander.j.smith@illinois.gov or via phone at 312-814-4035. All reporting requirements include quarterly progress reports and monthly financial updates, which must be submitted in a timely fashion to ensure continued reimbursement and future eligibility.

Use SMARTIE strategies; culturally relevant proposals get bonus points.