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 rooted in state legislation under Public Act 103-0588, which authorizes the Department to designate and fund qualified healthcare telementoring entities. The initiative builds upon an earlier planning phase and is structured as a continuation opportunity designed to expand established telehealth-based mentoring systems. The Department’s role includes oversight, rulemaking, and performance evaluation, ensuring that funded activities align with statewide health improvement goals and statutory requirements. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance healthcare outcomes for patients across Illinois by expanding access to specialized knowledge through telementoring. The program focuses on connecting local healthcare providers, particularly those in underserved urban and rural communities, with specialists through real-time, technology-enabled sessions. These sessions are structured around case-based learning and mentorship, enabling providers to strengthen their clinical expertise and improve service delivery. The broader objective is to elevate the quality of care and overall health outcomes for Illinois residents. Funding supports the implementation of Phase II of a previously developed workplan, emphasizing expansion rather than initial planning. Allowable activities include scaling interactive video or phone-based mentoring systems, increasing participation among healthcare providers, and executing measurable objectives defined during Phase I. While specific spending restrictions are not detailed, all expenditures must align with the approved workplan and budget, and funds must be utilized within the designated performance period. Monthly reporting on program progress and outcomes is required, and compliance with federal and state audit standards is mandatory. Eligibility for this grant is highly restricted. The University of Chicago is identified as the sole eligible applicant due to its successful completion of Phase I planning and its demonstrated capability to implement the expansion. This non-competitive structure reflects the program’s continuation nature, where prior performance and established infrastructure are critical factors. Although the broader eligibility categories include education and nonprofit organizations, the actual applicant pool is effectively limited to a single institution based on predefined criteria. The application process requires submission through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s EGrAMS online grants management system. Applicants must follow the instructional guidance provided within the system to complete and submit required materials. While specific application components are not enumerated, the submission is expected to include a detailed workplan, budget, and performance metrics aligned with Phase I outcomes. The Department reviews submissions based on prior performance, adherence to eligibility requirements, and alignment with program objectives. The grant operates on a defined timeline, with a performance period running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The application deadline is tied to the non-competitive funding agreement rather than a publicly stated date, and early submission is encouraged to expedite review. The review process is expected to take approximately ten business days, depending on the need for revisions. Although the program is not formally recurring, there is an opportunity for one additional year of funding contingent upon performance and the availability of state funds. Program oversight includes structured reporting, audit compliance, and record retention requirements. Grantees must maintain detailed documentation for at least three years following the final expenditure report. Appeals are limited to procedural aspects of competitive grants and are largely not applicable due to the non-competitive nature of this program. Overall, the Healthcare Telementoring Expansion Grant represents a targeted investment in healthcare capacity building through technology-enabled collaboration and knowledge sharing.