510-RTLR Regions The Living Room Program (01)

The Illinois Department of Human Services, through its Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, is offering funding under the 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room program. This initiative is designed to expand access to community-based crisis respite services across Illinois. The funder is a state agency responsible for delivering human services programs, including mental health and substance use supports, and this funding opportunity aligns with its broader mission to reduce reliance on institutional care while promoting recovery-oriented, community-based alternatives. The Living Room Program represents a key component of Illinois crisis continuum strategy, emphasizing peer-led support and voluntary engagement. The purpose of this funding is to establish or operate Living Room Programs that provide short-term, non-clinical crisis respite for individuals aged 18 and older experiencing behavioral health crises. These programs are intended to divert individuals from unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization, emergency departments, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Services are delivered in a safe, home-like environment and are centered on peer recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and the philosophy that crises present opportunities for learning and growth. Participation is entirely voluntary, and individuals may self-refer or be referred by community partners such as law enforcement, emergency responders, or healthcare providers. Funding is provided through state resources, with an estimated total program allocation of 23400000 dollars and individual awards ranging from 750000 to 1400000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for personnel, program operations, training, outreach, and supportive services such as transportation, provided they align with federal cost principles and state regulations. Pre-award costs are not allowable, and indirect costs are permitted subject to approved rates. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Programs must maintain continuous operations, including 24 hours per day, 365 days per year staffing, and must meet strict requirements regarding staffing composition, training, and service delivery. Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations that meet state registration and prequalification requirements. Applicants must maintain active SAM registration, possess a valid unique entity identifier, and be in good standing with relevant state and federal compliance systems. Additional eligibility criteria require that programs maintain minimum staffing levels, ensure access to qualified mental health professionals, and adhere to operational and safety standards outlined in the funding notice. The application process requires submission of a complete application packet via email, including a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, program narrative, conflict of interest disclosure, and a budget submitted through the CSA Tracking System. The application must demonstrate program design, community need, organizational capacity, and alignment with required service components. Evaluation criteria include community need, agency qualifications, program design quality, and data collection and reporting capabilities. Applicants must follow strict formatting and submission guidelines, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Key dates include an application posting date of February 18, 2026, and a submission deadline of March 19, 2026 at noon Central Time. Questions must be submitted by March 12, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be announced by July 1, 2026, with a performance period running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Successful applicants may be eligible for up to two additional one-year renewals based on performance and funding availability. Program implementation requirements include full operational capacity by October 1, 2026 for new grantees. Contact for this opportunity is Rob Putnam at DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov. Applicants are encouraged to review all materials and attend optional technical assistance sessions to ensure compliance with program requirements and improve application quality.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate community need data, detailed staffing plans, and alignment with crisis diversion goals while meeting all formatting and submission requirements