Communities of Color Special At Risk Population

The Communities of Color Special At Risk Population program is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health as part of its broader mission to improve public health outcomes and reduce disparities across the state. This initiative is funded through State of Illinois general revenue and is designed to support targeted interventions that address HIV prevention, education, testing, and care among communities of color. The program reflects the agency’s commitment to advancing health equity and addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited access to care for underserved populations. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to reduce the disproportionate burden of HIV infection among racial and ethnic minority populations and other high risk groups. These populations include, but are not limited to, individuals experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, sex workers, and those with histories of mental illness or substance use. The program emphasizes culturally and linguistically appropriate services and requires applicants to align their programming with the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to effectively reach and engage these populations using evidence based and community informed approaches. Funding under this opportunity supports a range of activities including outreach and education, health screenings, and direct service provision. Direct services are defined as active, face to face or group based assistance provided to individuals or communities. Allowable costs include personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment under a specified threshold, supplies, contractual services, rent, utilities, and training. However, funds may not be used for political or religious activities, fundraising, debt payments, entertainment, construction, or other prohibited uses. Administrative costs are expected to remain a small portion of the total budget, and all expenditures must be necessary, reasonable, and compliant with applicable federal and state regulations. Eligibility is limited to organizations located within Illinois, including nonprofit organizations, community based organizations, faith based entities, local government units, and other groups capable of delivering the required services. Applicants must complete the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act prequalification process, maintain active registration in SAM.gov, and meet additional compliance requirements such as maintaining good standing with state authorities. Organizations must also demonstrate experience working with target populations and provide documentation of relevant training, partnerships, and service capacity. The application process requires submission through the Illinois Department of Public Health Electronic Grants Administration and Management System. Applicants must prepare a detailed scope of work with SMART objectives, a comprehensive work plan, and a justified budget. Required attachments include organizational documentation, risk assessments, and evidence of coordination with regional HIV prevention agencies. Applications are reviewed based on criteria including organizational capacity, demonstrated need, quality of proposed methods, alignment with SMARTIE objectives, and budget justification, with a total possible score of 100 points. The application window for this funding opportunity opens on July 1, 2026 and closes on July 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of up to two renewals contingent on performance and funding availability. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award and must comply with reporting requirements, including monthly financial and performance reports detailing program outcomes and impacts.

Ensure strong alignment with SMARTIE objectives clearly define target populations and provide evidence based approaches with detailed budget justification