SNAP & TANF E&T Training and Technical Assistance

The Illinois Department of Human Services, through its Division of Family and Community Services and Office of Workforce Development, is offering funding under the SNAP and TANF Employment and Training and Technical Assistance program. This initiative is designed to support a statewide transformation of employment and training systems that serve individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The agency seeks to partner with an experienced organization capable of delivering large-scale technical assistance, system redesign, and capacity-building services to strengthen program delivery across Illinois. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to modernize and improve the effectiveness of employment and training services by enhancing provider capacity, standardizing operational processes, and improving participant outcomes. The selected grantee will support a comprehensive initiative that integrates workforce development best practices, strengthens compliance and reporting systems, and expands service access across geographic regions. The work is structured around improving participant experience, strengthening provider networks, and building sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term economic mobility outcomes. Funding will support activities across three major phases over approximately a 12-month performance period. These phases include a statewide assessment and discovery process, development of infrastructure and standardized systems, and implementation of performance management and accountability frameworks. Allowable uses of funds include technical assistance delivery, development of policy and operational tools, training systems, data systems improvement, and statewide convenings. Indirect costs are permitted without restriction, and pre-award costs may be allowed with prior approval. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Eligibility for this grant is broad and includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, educational institutions, research organizations, and technical assistance firms with demonstrated experience in workforce development and systems transformation. Applicants must meet strict prequalification requirements, including registration in SAM.gov, maintaining a valid Unique Entity Identifier, and being in good standing with state and federal compliance systems. Applicants must also demonstrate prior experience with similar large-scale initiatives and provide references and evidence of successful past performance. The application process requires submission of a complete application package via email, including a program narrative, budget entered into the state’s CSA tracking system, and required forms such as the Uniform Application and Conflict of Interest Disclosure. Applications must be submitted electronically by the stated deadline, and incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent in advance to receive assistance with prequalification requirements. Applications will be evaluated based on a merit review process that considers organizational capacity, quality of proposed approach, demonstrated need, and budget justification. Reviewers will score applications according to established criteria, and final funding decisions will consider additional factors such as geographic distribution and past performance. The anticipated award period begins no sooner than July 1, 2026, with potential for renewal contingent on performance and available funding. Key dates include an application opening on June 4, 2026, and a closing deadline of July 6, 2026. The agency contact for this opportunity is Sheena Panoor, who can be reached via email for questions. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in strengthening Illinois’ workforce development infrastructure and improving outcomes for individuals participating in SNAP and TANF programs.

Emphasize demonstrated experience with large scale system transformation and workforce programs; provide clear evidence of past performance and measurable impact; ensure full compliance with prequalification and submission requirements