NIRCO Announces FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity with IDHS

The Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO) is pleased to announce the release of its FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), made possible through funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

This competitive sub-grant opportunity is designed to support community-based organizations serving residents of the 60th Illinois House District in Lake County with programs that address critical community needs and advance equity, stability, and long-term well-being.

Purpose of Funding

Through this NOFO, NIRCO seeks proposals from qualified organizations to implement culturally responsive, equity-driven programs in the following priority areas:

• Food Security

• Youth Development

• Workforce Readiness

• Health Equity

NIRCO will serve as the administrative entity for these sub-grant awards. All proposed program narratives, budgets, and performance measures are subject to review and final approval by IDHS prior to contract execution.

Funding Categories & Award Amounts

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

• 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 funding category.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

• Notification of Award: March 5, 2026

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

All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and final approval by IDHS.

Competitive Review Process

Applications will be reviewed through a competitive, point-based scoring process aligned with the criteria outlined in the NOFO and application. NIRCO has established formal Policies and Procedures for Competitive Awards and Application Scoring to ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent review process that reflects state-level best practices.

How to Apply

Interested organizations are encouraged to carefully review the full NOFO announcement before applying.

• View the complete FY 2026 NOFO announcement and submit the application here: NIRCO 2026 NOFO Announcement and Application

Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

NIRCO looks forward to partnering with organizations that are committed to strengthening communities, advancing equity, and improving outcomes for individuals and families across Lake County.