FY 2026 NOFO ANNOUNCMENT & APPLICATION

Issued by: Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO)
Funding Source: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Service Area: Illinois 60th House District – Lake County
Total Awards Available: Four (4)

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

Award Period: January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Notification of Award Date: March 5, 2026

PURPOSE OF FUNDING

The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is soliciting proposals from qualified community-based organizations to implement programs that address critical community needs related to food security, youth development, workforce readiness, and health equity within the 60th Illinois House District of Lake County. NIRCO will serve as the administrative entity for these sub-grant awards. All sub-grantee program narratives, budgets, and performance measures are subject to review and final approval by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) prior to contract execution. Funding will support culturally responsive, equity-driven programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainable community impact.

FUNDING DETAILS & USE OF FUNDS

Total Funding Available

NIRCO anticipates making four (4) sub-grant awards, subject to IDHS approval:

Food Pantry Initiative: $200,000
After-School Youth Program: $275,000
Job Club / Workforce Program: $275,000
Mobile Health Outreach Program: $275,000

Applicants must submit a program budget that aligns exactly with the award amount for the selected category.

For additional details, please review the complete NOFO announcement here.

To apply, complete the online application below.