Reproductive Health Security Grant

The Illinois Department of Public Health is offering the Reproductive Health Security Grant opportunity under funding opportunity number RHSG-27 to support reproductive health care organizations in Illinois that face elevated security risks due to the provision of abortion and related reproductive health services. The program is funded through Illinois state appropriations and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women's Health and Family Services. The funding opportunity is designed specifically to support nonprofit reproductive health providers that have experienced or may reasonably anticipate unlawful activity such as violence, vandalism, threats, harassment, or property damage connected to reproductive health care delivery. The funding announcement emphasizes the changing legal environment following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and notes the substantial increase in out-of-state patients seeking abortion care in Illinois. The grant program seeks to strengthen the physical, operational, and cybersecurity preparedness of reproductive health providers throughout the state. Eligible applicants include Illinois-based nonprofit organizations that provide reproductive health services, specifically abortion care, and that can demonstrate elevated security risks. Applicants must show prior experience managing projects of similar scope and demonstrate the organizational capacity necessary to manage planning, operations, communications, technology, privacy protection, and project implementation activities. The NOFO states that applicants must provide documentation substantiating prior threats, attacks, or unlawful activity against their organization or related organizations. Additional required documentation includes vulnerability assessments conducted within the last three years, descriptions of symbolic or strategic risk factors associated with the facility, project budgets, implementation timelines, and explanations of equipment compatibility considerations. Funding under this opportunity may be used for a broad range of target-hardening and organizational security activities. Allowable uses include hiring security personnel, contracting for security services, purchasing and installing physical security equipment, conducting active shooter and emergency preparedness training, performing vulnerability assessments, developing emergency response plans, and implementing cybersecurity protections. The program also permits limited organizational capacity-building expenses such as accounting systems, HR systems, computers, desks, and staffing increases when directly tied to grant objectives. Cybersecurity investments may include software or hardware intended to protect networks, cloud infrastructure, mobile systems, applications, and endpoint devices. Contracted law enforcement personnel may be eligible expenses, although overtime and backfill costs are prohibited. The NOFO also states that organizations may request up to ten percent of the total award amount for management and administration costs. The total anticipated funding available through the program is $1,000,000, with up to five awards expected. Applicants operating a single site may apply for up to $150,000, while organizations operating multiple sites may apply for up to $350,000 across as many as three sites. Separate applications are required for each site, and each application must include a site-specific vulnerability assessment and risk analysis. The anticipated grant period is twelve months beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, and indirect costs are allowed without specific restrictions. The NOFO also states that all applicants must comply with the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act requirements, including registration and prequalification through the GATA portal, possession of an active UEI number, an active SAM.gov registration, acceptable fiscal standing, and compliance with multiple state and federal exclusion and standing requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Illinois Department of Public Health Electronic Grants Administration and Management System at idphgrants.com. The application package includes a Uniform State Grant Application, Project Narrative, Work Plan, Budget, and Budget Narrative. The NOFO encourages applicants to review all instructional guidance within the EGrAMS portal prior to submission. Applications opened on May 6, 2026 and are due by June 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM CST. A non-mandatory technical assistance webinar is scheduled for May 14, 2026. Questions and requests for accessibility accommodations or paper copies may be directed to Sarah O'Connor at sarah.oconnor@illinois.gov. The application review process is competitive and based on merit review criteria that evaluate organizational need, implementation capacity, project quality, SMART objectives, scope of work clarity, security planning, and budget justification. Evaluation criteria total 100 points and heavily emphasize the applicant's demonstrated understanding of reproductive health security needs and the organization's ability to implement effective safety measures. Reviewers will assess existing security infrastructure, plans for enhancement, staff training approaches, vulnerability assessment quality, and the ability to protect clients and employees from physical and emotional harm. The NOFO also includes a formal merit-based review appeal process. Award announcements and Notices of State Award are anticipated on July 1, 2026, with successful applicants required to complete electronic and physical signature processes through EGrAMS. Quarterly reporting will be required throughout the grant period. The grant appears to be part of an ongoing Illinois state commitment to reproductive health access and security, although the NOFO does not explicitly state that the program recurs annually.

Provide detailed vulnerability assessments and evidence of prior threats. Clearly explain how funding will expand existing security measures. Include SMART objectives and detailed implementation plans. Demonstrate organizational experience serving reproductive health populations and protecting client safety.