Safe from the Start (SFS) implementation Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO #2116-0125)

LINK TO NOFO Information & Instructions

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority is requesting proposals for grants Safe from the Start (SFS) implementation. Grants will be made with SFY26 funds. A total of $2,868,000 in funding in SFS Program is available through this solicitation for use over a period of 12 months.

*Application deadline: 5:00 P.M., February 24, 2025

Program Requirements

The Safe from the Start (SFS) Program is designed to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive and coordinated community-based models to identify, assess, and serve children, primarily ages birth to 5, who have been exposed to violence in their homes and/or communities. The SFS Program Model consists of four major components:

• Coalition and Collaboration Building
• Direct Services
• Public Awareness
• Evaluation

All SFS grantees must comply with the following requirements:

• Follow the SFS program model as described in the Program Description section.
• Administer assessments as outlined in the evaluation protocol.
• Enter client data into the database on a quarterly basis (the 15th of the month following each quarter, e.g., Quarter 1 data covering the period of July through September must be entered by October 15th) at minimum. Sites are highly encouraged to enter data more frequently.
• Hire a program coordinator with SFS or other funds.
• Attend and actively participate in:
  • Annual in-person SFY26 SFS coordinators meetings (Springfield).
  • ICJIA hosted trainings.
  • Bi-monthly meetings facilitated by ICJIA.
  • Ad hoc meetings or focus groups hosted by ICJIA.
• Submit all quarterly and year-end reports.

Eligibility Information

Agencies must be registered through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/, to become eligible to apply for an award.

Applicants must be in GOOD standing with all GATA pre-qualification requirements prior to application due date. Approval of the Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) SFY25 is required before the execution of the grant agreement.

Eligible Applicants:

Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations located within Illinois. Services must be provided within Illinois.

Deadline

Completed application materials must be submitted via AmpliFund by 5:00 p.m., February 24, 2025, to be considered for funding. Proposals will not be accepted by email, mail, fax, or in-person. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Late submissions cannot be submitted and will not be reviewed.

Available Funds

A total of $2,868,000 in funding is available through this solicitation. Applicants may request a minimum of $175,000 and a maximum of $239,000 in grant funding.

Agreements that result from this funding opportunity are contingent upon and subject to the availability of funds.

Period of Performance

Funding is available for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Technical Assistance Session

Technical assistance recordings providing additional information regarding this funding opportunity will be available for viewing beginning at 3:00 P.M., January 24, 2025.

VIEW THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WEBINAR RECORDING

Information provided during this webinar recording will be unofficial and not binding on the state.

Timeline

Reporting

Recipients must submit periodic financial reports, periodic performance reports, final financial and performance reports, and, a calendar year end financial report in accordance with the CFR Part 200 Uniform Requirements. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are delinquent.

Required Documents

The following documents must be completed in AmpliFund by the 5:00 P.M., February 24, 2025, deadline for application review.

• United States Internal Revenue Service 501©(3) determination letter - (Non-Profit Agency Required)
• Uniform State Grant Application
• Budget and Budget Narrative
• Letters of Support - Applicants must submit at least 2 letters of support from local Coalition member agencies

Download the NOFO packet with instructions on how to apply here: NOFO Zip File:

Questions

Questions regarding this NOFO may be submitted to CJA.Safefromthestartgrants@Illinois.gov until 5:00 P.M., February 20, 2025.

All substantive questions and responses will be posted. Updates to NOFO materials, and questions from applicants and their responses are revised weekly. View them on our website and on AmpliFund.

Due to the competitive nature of this solicitation, applicants may not discuss this opportunity directly or indirectly with any ICJIA employee other than the respondent of this email address.

Contact Information

Jashay Fisher-Fowler
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
CJA.Safefromthestartgrants@Illinois.gov