Peacekeepers

The Peacekeepers grant program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), is a state-funded initiative designed to reduce firearm violence through community-based interventions in designated areas of Chicago and suburban Cook County. The grant, under the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA), is implemented via a Hub and Spoke model. The awarded organizations, referred to as "Hubs," sub-award funds to community violence prevention groups, the "Spokes," which are responsible for on-the-ground implementation. The Hubs oversee programmatic and fiscal operations, monitor subrecipients, and ensure fidelity to the intervention model. The purpose of the Peacekeepers program is to interrupt cycles of violence in communities with high rates of shootings and gun-related incidents, known as hotspots. The initiative employs credible community members, known as Peacekeepers, who maintain a visible presence and mediate conflicts. These individuals undergo extensive training and receive stipends. There are three core roles: Peacekeeper, Team Lead, and Supervisor, each with a defined scope and stipend level. Peacekeepers must meet at least four primary risk factors, including a history of violence, gang involvement, or prior incarceration. The initiative also provides a structured 18-month career pathway framework for Peacekeepers, including job training and credentialing to facilitate long-term employment and stability. Funding for this grant is provided by the state, totaling an estimated $30 million, with two expected awards ranging between $12 million and $15 million. Each selected organization is expected to cover at least 12 RPSA-designated communities, with $1 million allocated per community. The performance period is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with the possibility of two one-year renewals based on performance and appropriation. Cost sharing is not required, but indirect costs are permitted if the organization has an approved rate or elects to use the de minimis rate of 15%. Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) status, that have at least three years of verifiable experience in street intervention services. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal capacity to incur up to $2.5 million in reimbursable costs during peak implementation periods and show strong community trust and relationships with local stakeholders. Additional documentation, including letters of support, financial statements, and detailed organizational qualifications, is required to meet eligibility. Applications must be submitted electronically to the official IDHS email address by 5:00 PM CST on March 12, 2026. A technical assistance session is available via Zoom on February 18, 2026, and registration is encouraged but not mandatory. The application package must include the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, a detailed proposal narrative (covering capacity, program design, need, and budget), a budget submitted via the CSA system, and multiple supporting attachments. Applications received after the deadline or via unapproved submission methods will not be considered. Awards are anticipated to be announced in May 2026, with grant agreements starting July 1, 2026. Evaluation is merit-based and includes program narrative scoring, budget review, and eligibility verification site visits. The program is expected to show measurable reductions in violence, successful completion of conflict mediations, and transition of Peacekeepers into long-term employment. All grantees must participate in ongoing evaluation and data reporting, maintain required records, and adhere to the guidelines set by IDHS and the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention.

Submit a complete single PDF; meet all eligibility requirements; follow exact document order and file naming