Funding Opportunity - Restoring Our Neighborhoods

RESTORING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS FUND

Illinois House District 6

Notice of Funding Opportunity

The Restoring Our Neighborhoods Fund is a competitive grant program supporting trusted, community based organizations serving residents of Illinois House District 6.

This initiative is administered by The Restorative Project in partnership with State Representative Sonya Harper and funded through an appropriation aligned with the Illinois Department of Human Services. Awards are subject to state appropriation and execution of a grant agreement.

Award Amount: $100,000 – $300,000

Funding Type: Competitive Grant

Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Funds must be used exclusively for programming and program-related expenses.

Purpose

The Restoring Our Neighborhoods Fund invests in organizations that strengthen families, expand opportunity, and restore community stability across the 6th Legislative District.

Priority will be given to programs that support:

• Youth development and leadership

• Family stabilization and wellness

• Behavioral health and trauma-informed services

• Violence prevention and restorative justice

• Workforce development and economic mobility

• Early childhood and academic support

• Food access and community nutrition

• Rehabilitation and employment readiness

Strong preference will be given to organizations with a demonstrated, multi-year presence and sustained impact within the 6th District.

Who is eligible to apply

Applicants must:

• Be located in Illinois House District 6

• Be GATA prequalified and in good standing

• Comply with applicable IDHS grant and reporting requirements

• Align programming with at least one IDHS division

• Use funds solely for allowable program expenses

Eligible applicants include:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

• Faith-based organizations (non-sectarian programming only)

• Public schools and school districts

• Workforce and rehabilitation providers

• Community-based organizations

IDHS Division Alignment

Applications must align with one primary division:

• Family & Community Services

• Behavioral Health & Recovery

• Rehabilitation Services

• Early Childhood

Applicants must clearly identify their selected division and describe program alignment.

Allowable and Non-Allowable Costs

Allowable Costs

• Program staff salaries and fringe

• Contractual services (clinicians, instructors, facilitators)

• Program supplies and materials

• Participant stipends

• Transportation assistance

• Evaluation and reporting

• Administrative costs consistent with IDHS guidelines

Non-Allowable Costs

• Construction or renovations

• Land acquisition

• Capital improvements

• Religious instruction

• Political activities

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Organizational Overview and Mission

2. Project Narrative (maximum 5 pages)

3. IDHS Division Alignment Statement

4. Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative

5. GATA Prequalification Documentation

6. Most Recent Audit (if applicable)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by email as a single combined PDF.

Submit by email to: sruffai@therestorativeproject.org

Subject Line: RONF Application – [Organization Name]

File Name Format: OrganizationName_RONF2026.pdf

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Deadline

Application Deadline: June 4, 2026

Time: 11:59 PM (Central Time)

Review and Award Timeline

• Application Review: June 5 – June 20, 2026

• Award Notifications: By June 25, 2026

• Grant Start Date: July 1, 2026

Grant is subject to state budget appropriation

Evaluation Criteria (100 Points Total)

• Community Rootedness and District Presence – 30 points

• Community Need and Impact – 20 points

• Alignment with Fund Priorities – 15 points

• Organizational Capacity and Compliance – 15 points

• Program Design and Outcomes – 10 points

• Budget and Cost Reasonableness – 10 points

Reporting Requirements

Awardees must:

• Submit quarterly program and financial reports

• Maintain documentation for audit purposes

• Participate in compliance monitoring

• Demonstrate measurable program outcomes

Failure to comply may result in termination of the award.

Questions and Technical Assistance

Contact: sruffai@therestorativeproject.org

This funding opportunity is subject to all applicable State of Illinois requirements, including GATA and IDHS grant compliance standards. Awards are contingent upon available funding and execution of a formal grant agreement.