IDHS AmeriCorps Formula Traditional Grant

The AmeriCorps Formula Traditional grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) through its Office of Community and Positive Youth Development and the Bureau of Volunteerism and Community Service, aims to fund programs that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed service activities designed to strengthen Illinois communities. The program is federally supported through AmeriCorps State and National grants, with additional philanthropic contributions, and aligns with IDHS’s broader goals of addressing critical unmet needs in communities across the state. The funding supports initiatives that address key focus areas such as education, economic opportunity, public health, veterans support, and community cohesion. The total program funding for this grant cycle is approximately $6.5 million, with anticipated individual awards ranging between $75,000 and $1,250,000. Around 25 grantees are expected to be selected. Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes, institutions of higher education, local governments (including school districts), and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must be prequalified in the Illinois GATA system and registered in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). They must also be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and free of federal or state sanctions. Applications must be submitted via eGrants, AmeriCorps’ web-based grant system, by May 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. CST. Additionally, key documents including the Uniform Grant Budget Template, Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure, and Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance must be emailed to DHS.ServeIllinois.NOFO@illinois.gov by the same deadline. A technical assistance session will be held on April 22, 2025, to support applicants. The anticipated award announcement date is July 31, 2025, with projects expected to start between August 1 and September 1, 2025, for a 12-month term ending no later than August 31, 2026. Programs funded under this grant must focus on delivering direct services or capacity-building efforts and must include at least one aligned performance measure with output and outcome indicators. AmeriCorps members must be properly trained and supported, with grant programs required to offer member supervision, training, service gear, and opportunities for civic engagement. Living allowances for members must conform to specified ranges depending on service terms. Indirect costs are allowed, subject to federally or state-negotiated rates, or the de minimis rate. Applicants must provide detailed narratives outlining the community needs addressed, their intervention strategies, and how their programs will achieve meaningful results. Evaluation criteria emphasize program design (50%), organizational capability (25%), and budget adequacy (25%). Successful applicants may qualify for two additional one-year renewals. The application must also include a logic model, performance data, and, for recompeting applicants, evaluation plans and reports. The Department reserves discretion in award decisions and may prioritize funding for underserved or rural areas, veterans’ support initiatives, behavioral health services, civic engagement efforts, and programs that promote diversity and inclusion. All awardees are expected to adhere to rigorous reporting, compliance, and program execution standards, including hosting national service days and attending IDHS trainings and meetings.