Eviction Mitigation Legal Assistance Program

The Eviction Mitigation Legal Assistance Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services, a state agency responsible for delivering social services and support programs to vulnerable populations across Illinois. This funding opportunity is issued as an initial announcement under the agency’s Legal Assistance program and is designed to address housing instability through targeted legal interventions. The program reflects the state’s broader commitment to preventing eviction and reducing homelessness by ensuring that tenants have access to legal representation and resources when facing housing disputes. The primary purpose of this grant is to support organizations that provide legal assistance services aimed at mitigating eviction proceedings. This includes representation in court, legal counseling, and related services that help tenants understand their rights and navigate the legal system. By funding these services, the program seeks to reduce eviction filings, prevent displacement, and stabilize communities. The scope of funding is substantial, with a single anticipated award intended to support a large-scale, coordinated legal assistance effort across eligible populations. Funding for this program is provided through state resources, with an estimated total program funding of $5,000,000. The award range is between $2,500,000 and $5,000,000, indicating that a single grantee is expected to receive the full allocation. There are no cost sharing or matching requirements, which lowers the financial barrier for applicants. Indirect costs are allowed without specific restrictions, enabling applicants to include administrative overhead as part of their budget in accordance with applicable guidelines. Eligibility criteria are not fully detailed in the summary notice, but given the nature of the program, it is likely intended for organizations capable of delivering legal services at scale, such as nonprofit legal aid providers or similar entities. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to administer a large grant and deliver measurable outcomes related to eviction prevention. The application process is conducted through the Illinois Department of Human Services website, where applicants must access and complete the required forms and submit all necessary documentation within the specified timeframe. The application window opens on May 12, 2026, and closes on June 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM. No technical assistance session is scheduled, indicating that applicants are expected to rely on the provided materials and their own expertise in preparing submissions. The agency contact for this opportunity is Shawna Sepich, who can be reached via email for inquiries related to the program. Applicants are encouraged to review all available documentation carefully to ensure compliance with submission requirements. Evaluation criteria and award notification timelines are not explicitly detailed in the summary notice, but standard state grant review processes typically include assessments of organizational capacity, program design, budget justification, and anticipated impact. The performance period is also not specified but is expected to align with the scope and scale of the funded activities. As this is an initial announcement with no indication of recurrence, the program appears to be a one-time funding opportunity, though future rounds may be issued depending on program outcomes and available funding.