Cook County Shop Talk Grant Program

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is offering a funding opportunity titled Cook County Shop Talk, designed to address youth mental health needs in suburban communities. CCDPH serves as the public health authority for suburban Cook County and works to improve health outcomes through community partnerships and targeted initiatives. This program reflects CCDPH’s commitment to supporting culturally responsive, community-led approaches to behavioral health challenges, particularly among underserved populations. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand community-based conversations about mental health among youth and young adults, particularly youth of color, in high-need suburban areas. Through the Cook County Shop Talk initiative, municipalities are expected to organize and host events that foster open dialogue, increase awareness, and connect participants to mental health resources. The initiative emphasizes culturally relevant programming and engagement strategies tailored to diverse community needs. Funding will support activities such as personnel costs, fringe benefits, food, venue rentals, outreach materials, training supplies, mileage, participant stipends, and contractual services including consultants. Indirect costs are allowable up to fifteen percent, with additional limitations on subawards. However, capital improvements and construction expenses are explicitly prohibited. These guidelines ensure that funds are directed toward programmatic and engagement activities rather than infrastructure. Eligibility is restricted to municipalities located in south and west suburban Cook County, excluding jurisdictions that operate their own public health departments such as Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, and Stickney Township. Municipalities may submit joint applications but must designate a fiscal agent. Applicants are also required to demonstrate partnerships with organizations capable of providing mental health education and accepting referrals for services, supported by letters of commitment. The application process requires submission through an online form and includes multiple required attachments such as a W-9, a Certificate of Good Standing from Illinois, a program proposal using a specified template, a program budget, and letters of support from behavioral health organizations. Applicants must also agree to ongoing participation requirements if awarded, including reporting, meetings, and training sessions. CCDPH provides structured opportunities for applicants to ask questions, including a virtual information session and scheduled response postings. Applications are accepted from June 29 through July 30, 2026 at 6 p.m. Central Time. A virtual information session is scheduled for July 8, 2026, and applicants may submit questions by specified deadlines with responses provided on a rolling schedule. Awards will be distributed competitively, with up to four total awards issued across eligible regions. While the exact performance period is not specified, recipients are expected to engage in ongoing collaboration and reporting throughout the grant lifecycle. This opportunity does not explicitly indicate recurrence, suggesting it is a one-time funding round unless otherwise announced.

Emphasize strong partnerships with behavioral health providers and demonstrate culturally responsive engagement strategies targeting youth of color; ensure all required documents and letters of support are complete and aligned with program goals