Illinois Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for Business Resiliency program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), Madison County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Saint Clair County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The objective of this program is to fund construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for Homeless (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing; with a goal of increasing capacity to pre-COVID levels. Performance Goals and Measures  The Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and requires that all projects awarded must tie back to the to the prevention, preparation, and response to coronavirus. All grants must meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting business The number of grants will be determined based on the amounts requested. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is has yet to be determined but will be at least $15 million. Awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants include Be a unit of local government receiving, or in an area receiving direct “Entitlement” Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Have a current Shelter Funding Strategy identifying needs, and plans to meet the needs. Have a strong collaborative relationship with all relevant local entities (service providers, community organizations, etc.) and have letters of support from a minimum of 5 community homelessness support services; Remain compliant with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), For more information, visit DCEO.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grants. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Natural Resources State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Funding Information Grant awards up to $1,725,000.00 are available for acquisition projects, while development/renovation projects are limited to a $600,000 grant maximum. Eligible Projects Example of Eligible Projects include: Acquisition of land for new park sites or park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Development/Renovation of: Picnic and playground facilities; Outdoor nature interpretive facilities; Sports courts and play fields; Swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses; Campgrounds and fishing piers; winter sports facilities; Park roads and paths, parking, utilities and restrooms; and Architectural/engineering (A/E) services necessary for proper design and construction of approved project components. Eligibility Criteria OSLAD grants are available to units of local government that are authorized by Illinois law to expend public funds for the acquisition and development of land for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes are eligible to apply for funding assistance. School districts are not eligible. For more information, visit IDNR.

This funding will be used to provide Immigrant Legal Support Program (ILSP). Specifically, professional, affordable immigration legal services, and it aims to bolster immigration legal services, and meet the growing needs of the immigrant population in Illinois. The program is designed to provide comprehensive immigration legal services at scale. The program consists of four integral components, which are as follows: 1) Scalable Intake and Screening, 2) Pro-se and Limited-Scope Legal Services 3) Workshops 4) Referral Networks By incorporating these components into a centralized program, IDHS is committed to streamlining the processes to enhance access to legal services and foster collaboration among stakeholders to address the changing needs of immigrant communities effectively

The Illinois Equal Justice Foundation makes grants to provide legal assistance to low-income Illinois residents who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Donor Name: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority Areas The IEJF grants will focus on two priority areas: Legal Assistance to Families in Crisis This includes civil legal assistance in cases involving family law (eg., orders of protection, child custody, guardianships, school disciplinary hearings,  is solution of marriage and post-decree matters), consumer law, and veterans and disability benefits.  Housing will not be a priority for funding this year due to IEJF’s eviction and foreclosure grant programs funded via IDHS and IHDA. Legal Assistance to Older Illinoisans This includes efforts to provide civil legal assistance to protect people 65 and older from physical and financial abuse and financial hardship. It includes civil legal assistance in cases involving orders of protection; guardianships; health care; consumer and credit issues; housing; and public benefits programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Uses of Grant Funds Grants will be made to support direct service staff positions at eligible legal services providers, including attorneys, paralegals and/or pro bono coordinators, and social/caseworkers that are performing duties directly supporting to the civil legal services being delivered by direct service staff. Grant funds can be used to pay for salaries, benefits, and limited overhead costs (10%) directly related to supporting the position.  The applicant must demonstrate how the proposed staff position will help the organization provide efficient and effective legal assistance to persons in one or both of the priority areas. Eligibility Criteria In the Civil Legal Assistance category, the IEJF will only consider applications from Illinois-based not-for-profit organizations that: Serve persons in one or both of the two priority areas listed above (Legal Assistance to Families in Crisis and Legal Assistance to Older Illinoisans). Have been in continuous operation for at least two years prior to the date the application is submitted to the IEJF. Have received and expended at least $200,000 for the provision of civil legal assistance to low-income persons in its most recently completed fiscal year. Employ four or more full-time, licensed attorneys who provide civil legal assistance to low-income persons at the time the application is submitted to the IEJF; or have provided legal representation to at least 200 low-income persons through the services of pro bono attorneys in their most recently completed fiscal year. For more information, visit IEJF.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist state and local organizations in Illinois in improving their juvenile justice systems through training, technical support, and programs that address prevention, intervention, and compliance with federal juvenile justice requirements.

Title II Juvenile Justice Council grants are specifically awarded to local juvenile justice councils to implement programs, policies and practices that improve the effectiveness of local juvenile justice systems, reduce unnecessary juvenile justice system involvement and/or analyze and reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED) in each council’s local system. Because this model of local governance, collaboration and data-driven decision-making has proven effective, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission is allocating funding to support local juvenile justice councils and the development of data-driven, collaborative local juvenile justice plans which guide future system improvement efforts. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act provides that each county or group of counties may establish a local juvenile justice council [705 ILCS 405/6-12]. The purpose of this council, according to the Act, is “to provide a forum for the development of a community based interagency assessment of the local juvenile justice system, to develop a county juvenile justice plan for the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and to make recommendations to the county board, or county boards, for more effectively utilizing existing community resources in dealing with juveniles who are found to be involved in crime, or who are truant or have been suspended or expelled from school.” Through juvenile justice councils, the Act prescribes a response to juveniles in conflict with the law that is comprehensive, driven by data and analysis, and collaborative across all systems that touch these youth. As embodied in the Juvenile Court Act, Juvenile Justice Councils provide a structure to ensure that local jurisdictions respond to youth in conflict with the law in a manner which is data-driven, strategic, and focused on serving youth, families and communities in the most effective ways possible. Unfortunately, very few jurisdictions in Illinois have developed councils that operate in the manner envisioned in the Act. In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist, or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local councils are in the best position to craft solutions that meet the local community’s needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local juvenile justice councils can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Such local ownership is the best way to ensure more effective long-term programming and sustained systemic change. This, in turn, will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois. Juvenile Justice Youth Serving Programs: The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides funding directly to states through its Title II Formula Grants Program (Title II) to support state and local delinquency prevention, intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. These funds are used to help states implement comprehensive state juvenile justice plans based on detailed studies of needs in their jurisdictions. State Advisory Groups, comprised of members appointed by the governor, set priorities for funded activities. The State Advisory Group for Illinois, the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission (IJJC), administers the Title II funds. These funds support a broad range of juvenile justice activities at the state and local level that are designed to improve the juvenile justice system through the development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency. These programs or projects can be designed to be developed, implemented and evaluated directly or through grants and contracts with public and private agencies. Title II also funds state and local activities designed to ensure and maintain the state's compliance with the Core Requirements of the JJDPA. • Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) • Adult Jail and Lock-Up Removal (Jail Removal) • "Sight and Sound" Separation • Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED); In some communities, youth become involved in the juvenile justice system unnecessarily because alternatives do not exist or are not embedded within the system decision-making process. Because the needs and resources are different in each community in Illinois, a one-size-fits-all approach is not likely to be very effective. Local juvenile justice systems and community-based providers are in prime position to craft solutions and develop youth serving programs that meet the local community's needs and take into account local resources. Empowering and supporting local youth programming can also stem the tide of racial and ethnic disparity in the juvenile justice system at the front door and help ensure that no youth enters the juvenile justice system unnecessarily. Investing in local communities will reduce the costs associated with incarcerating youth in correctional facilities, reduce rates of recidivism, reduce the number of crime victims, and ultimately create safer communities in Illinois.

Program Summary The PATH program is designed to reduce and/or eliminate homelessness for individuals who may be experiencing (SMI) serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our goal is to ensure that individuals are connected to mainstream MH services and eventually transitioned into stable housing improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Project Description The Grantee will operate the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) formula grant providing flexible, community-based services throughout the State of Illinois to address the needs of adults ages 18-65+ and families, with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders, who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. PATH links the population of individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI)/co-occurring substance use disorders (COD), who experience persistent and pervasive health disparities, to mainstream and other supportive services. Collectively the PATH resources help individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness with SMI/COD secure safe and stable housing, improve their health, and live a self-directed, purposeful life.

Envisioning Justice Grants supports collectives, non-profit organizations, and other groups that use the arts and humanities to work toward a truly just society. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Prison education programs, independent media, community dialogues, and conferences are just a few of the impactful initiatives they fund to create understanding about mass incarceration and its impact on communities in Illinois. By supporting those doing this important work, they build more affirming, engaged, and empowered communities. Funding Information Organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000. No matching funds are required. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Based anywhere in Illinois; individuals from the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: East St. Louis, Decatur, Carbondale, Galesburg, Urbana-Champaign, and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area. However, applicants from anywhere in Illinois are eligible. Priority will be given to projects that are: regional or statewide in scope partnership oriented centering impacts of mass incarceration on the following populations: currently or formerly incarcerated individuals people serving long-term sentences young people, particularly those who are justice involved women, particularly women of color and/or impacted by gendered violence LGBTQAI+ community migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants elderly populations people with disabilities Indigenous populations Or that focus on communities that are: The site of a prison or jail Experiencing significant incarceration; and/or Experiencing significant demographic change as a result of the criminal legal system For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This grant offers financial support to Illinois police agencies from municipalities, counties, park districts, public universities, and all units of local government. The funding is intended for the reimbursement of expenses related to the purchase of in-car video cameras for law enforcement vehicles and officer-worn body cameras. It also covers data storage costs associated with the use of these cameras and training for law enforcement officers on how to operate the cameras. The grant emphasizes the importance of complying with all statutory obligations and training mandates to ensure eligibility for the reimbursement, which includes a specific cost limit per item and requires documentation like paid invoices or receipts for each reimbursable item.

Grants are available for local law enforcement agencies to cover initial capital expenditures and other costs related to the expansion and support of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) and other ballistic technology equipment. This funding opportunity aims to assist agencies that have not yet purchased NIBIN equipment, or those needing expansion or support items. Grantees can request advance working capital to initiate or enhance their NIBIN program and may also seek reimbursement for additional funds to be used over the next two years.

Multiplier Grants support projects that represent partnerships of a wider scope, place-based community-building efforts, and/or coalition or network building efforts. Donor Name: Illinois Humanities State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Nonprofit organizations carrying out partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits, humanities groups, or directly with their audience or community are candidates for this project-based grant. From projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, to telling stories of forgotten history, these initiatives champion collaboration in the public humanities. Partnering with organizations in this work helps us all to make valuable connections for the humanities throughout Illinois. Preference goes toward projects that impact under-funded, under-served communities, and toward telling stories of forgotten or uncovered history and themes.  Funding Information Up to $10,000 Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization or have a fiscal sponsor Organizations or projects must be Illinois-based The project must be rooted in the humanities Priority given to organizations with an annual budget of $1 million or less Applicants can have an open Activate History, Vision, Action, General Operating, Envisioning Justice, or Foreground Rural Initiative grant Buy-in by all partners before submitting a proposal is a must. Preference will go toward initiatives that impact under-funded, under-served communities. For more information, visit Illinois Humanities.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Peoria region that leverage the arts to drive economic growth, enhance tourism, and strengthen community engagement.