Healthcare Telementoring Expansion Grant

The Healthcare Telementoring Expansion Grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health through its Office of Health Promotion. This program is authorized under Public Act 103-0588 and is designed to support the continued development and expansion of health care telementoring services across the state. The initiative builds upon a prior planning phase and reflects the state’s commitment to improving access to specialized medical knowledge, particularly in underserved urban and rural areas. The program aligns with broader public health goals of strengthening provider capacity and improving patient outcomes through innovative, technology-enabled learning systems. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund Phase II implementation of an established telementoring workplan. The program focuses on leveraging interactive video or telephone-based technology to connect local health care providers with subject matter experts in structured, ongoing collaborative sessions. These sessions are designed to be case-based and mentorship-driven, allowing providers to enhance their clinical knowledge and deliver higher-quality care. The initiative ultimately seeks to improve health outcomes for patients with a wide range of conditions while strengthening the overall health infrastructure in Illinois. Funding under this program is intended to support the expansion or implementation of telementoring services that meet specific criteria. Activities must include real-time collaboration between specialists and local providers, emphasize case-based learning, and build provider expertise. Funds must be expended within the defined performance period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The award is structured as a one-year grant and is not intended for renewal beyond the current funding cycle, as it represents the third year of a multi-phase initiative. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted. Although general categories such as education organizations and nonprofit organizations are listed, the program is designated as non-competitive and limited to a single applicant. The University of Chicago has been identified as the only eligible entity based on its successful completion of Phase I planning requirements, including submission of a comprehensive workplan and budget. As such, this opportunity functions as a continuation award contingent upon demonstrated performance and readiness for implementation. Applications must be submitted through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s EGrAMS system. Applicants are required to complete all components of the application, including a detailed scope of work, work plan, and budget. While the selection process is non-competitive, approval is contingent upon meeting all submission requirements and receiving agency review and approval. The review process is expected to take approximately ten business days following the application deadline, though timelines may vary depending on the need for revisions or reviewer availability. The application deadline for the current cycle is June 30, 2026. Following submission, the grant agreement must be finalized and approved before program activities can begin. Reporting requirements will include monthly updates on program progress and performance metrics, as outlined in the funding agreement. Grantees are also subject to federal and state audit requirements and must maintain appropriate financial and programmatic records for a minimum of three years after the final expenditure report. Overall, the Healthcare Telementoring Expansion Grant represents a targeted investment in strengthening clinical capacity through technology-enabled mentorship. By focusing on provider education and collaboration, the program aims to reduce disparities in access to specialized care and improve health outcomes across Illinois. The structured, non-competitive nature of the award underscores its role as a continuation of a strategic, multi-year initiative led by a proven implementing organization.

Ensure alignment with approved Phase I workplan and provide a complete and detailed budget and scope of work to avoid delays in approval