510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR), is offering funding under the 510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program. This program is supported by federal funds and is designed to expand access to early intervention services for individuals experiencing early serious mental illness (ESMI), particularly those at risk of or already experiencing first episode psychosis. The state anticipates awarding approximately $394,890 in total, distributed among an estimated three awards. Individual award ranges are set between $49,875 and $131,630 for the program period, which is defined as a seven-month span starting November 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. Indirect costs are allowed but capped at 10 percent of modified total direct costs, consistent with federal requirements. The overarching purpose of this funding is to strengthen Illinois’ capacity to deliver the FIRST.IL model of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC). This model integrates evidence-based interventions such as early engagement, shared decision-making, medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, family psychoeducation, and supported employment and education services. The goal is to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis, improve functioning, and promote recovery for young individuals with emerging psychosis. Providers will be expected to adhere to state protocols, meet reporting requirements, and participate in trainings and team consultations coordinated by DBHR. Funding may cover a range of programmatic costs, including staffing, training, and direct service delivery, as well as non-reimbursed service costs for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Allowable costs are guided by state and federal cost principles, while unallowable expenses include entertainment, lobbying, fundraising, and pre-award costs. No matching contributions are required under this opportunity, but applicants must comply with indirect cost policies and performance reporting. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit and government organizations that are registered with the State of Illinois, have completed prequalification, and maintain a valid SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier. Applicants must provide organizational details, including type, Federal Employer Identification Number, and contact information. Faith-based organizations, tribal governments, higher education institutions, and other subcategories are not explicitly excluded, but eligibility is limited to those organizational types meeting the requirements as outlined. The application process opens on September 26, 2025, and closes on October 27, 2025, at noon Central Time. A mandatory technical assistance session will be held on October 6, 2025. Applicants must submit their materials electronically via the CSA Tracking System, including the Uniform Grant Application for State Grant Assistance, a program narrative, budget templates, and required disclosures. Subcontractor budgets, conflict of interest forms, and other attachments may also be required if applicable. Applications will be reviewed against established merit criteria, focusing on the applicant’s capacity to implement evidence-based early psychosis services, organizational qualifications, staffing models, and program fidelity to the FIRST.IL standards. Performance measures include client engagement, timeliness of screenings and assessments, outreach activities, and participation in required trainings. Awards are expected to begin on November 1, 2025, with the period of performance lasting until June 30, 2026. Notices of State Award (NOSA) will be issued to successful applicants following review and approval processes. Contact for this program is Barb Roberson at DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov. Additional resources, including registration instructions and technical guidance, are available through the Illinois Department of Human Services website. This program is not recurring and is specific to the identified program year and funding availability.

Ensure SAM.gov and state registrations are current; attend the mandatory technical assistance session; demonstrate capacity to implement the FIRST.IL model with fidelity