Dementia Caregiver Program for Underserved Populations

The Dementia Caregiver Program for Underserved Populations is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), a state agency responsible for promoting and protecting the health of Illinois residents through public health initiatives, policy development, and community partnerships. This funding opportunity is part of IDPH’s broader dementia and aging strategy and aligns with statewide plans such as the Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan and the Illinois Department on Aging State Plan. The program reflects a commitment to addressing disparities in dementia care by supporting culturally responsive services for underserved caregiver populations across Illinois. The primary purpose of this grant is to expand access to education, support services, and community-based resources for caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). The program specifically targets underserved populations, including African American caregivers, Hispanic/Latinx caregivers, Asian American caregivers, and caregivers in rural areas. The initiative seeks to reduce stigma, improve caregiver well-being, and enhance knowledge and confidence in caregiving practices. Funded organizations are expected to deliver culturally tailored education, facilitate support groups, and create opportunities for community engagement such as memory cafes. Funding for this opportunity is provided through state general revenue funds, with an estimated total program allocation of $525,000 and up to six awards anticipated. Individual awards may reach up to $185,000. Funds must be used for allowable program-related expenses such as personnel, supplies, in-state travel, and contractual services necessary to deliver program activities. Restrictions prohibit use of funds for construction, equipment purchases, lobbying, fundraising, or clinical care. Indirect costs are permitted without specific restrictions, provided appropriate documentation is submitted. No cost sharing or matching funds are required. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit organizations as well as for-profit entities that demonstrate the capacity to develop and implement culturally appropriate dementia caregiver programming. Applicants must complete prequalification requirements through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system, including maintaining an active SAM registration, obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier, and meeting financial and compliance standards. Organizations must also demonstrate experience in program delivery, community engagement, and evaluation. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s EGrAMS system. Required components include a detailed project narrative outlining program design, target populations, implementation strategy, and evaluation methods; a comprehensive work plan; a detailed budget and justification; staffing information; and responses to a risk assessment questionnaire. Applicants must also provide documentation related to indirect cost rates and any subcontractor arrangements. The application must be complete at submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive, merit-based review process using a 100-point scoring rubric. Evaluation criteria include the scope of work and organizational capacity, quality and alignment of the work plan, and the reasonableness of the proposed budget. Awards will be determined based on program need, funding availability, and applicant performance history. Successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly progress and financial reports, participate in regular program meetings, and demonstrate measurable outcomes related to caregiver support and engagement. The application period opens on May 1, 2026 and closes on June 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The anticipated project period runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with potential for renewal in subsequent years based on performance and funding availability. Applicants may contact Allissa Hall at the Illinois Department of Public Health via email or phone for additional information or to request application materials. This opportunity is a single-cycle competitive grant with no explicit recurring schedule indicated.

Ensure strong alignment with evaluation criteria especially detailed work plans measurable outcomes and culturally tailored programming; demonstrate capacity and community partnerships; provide clear budget justification