TANF Employment & Training Program - Support Services Program

The TANF Support Services Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) through the Division of Family and Community Services, is designed to reduce transportation barriers for low-income individuals seeking or maintaining employment. The program specifically targets those participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and related programs, helping them access jobs at large employers—defined as entities with over 500 full-time employees—within Illinois and neighboring states. This initiative is rooted in the broader mission of the Department to assist vulnerable families in achieving self-sufficiency and economic independence. This grant program is federally authorized under 45 CFR 200 and further supported by Illinois statutes and administrative codes. The goal is to provide daily transportation support to eligible individuals so they can reach work reliably, fostering stable employment and financial security. The services funded by this grant must not duplicate existing services, though they may complement them. By addressing transportation—one of the most cited barriers to employment among low-income populations—the TANF Support Services Program plays a pivotal role in workforce participation and long-term economic stability for participants. Eligibility for this program is limited to public and private nonprofit community-based organizations and local government units in Illinois that have previously received funding from the IDHS for the TANF Job Placement Program. Applicants must also be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State and must complete the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) pre-qualification process, which includes submission of a financial and administrative risk assessment via the Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). All organizations must be registered with the GATA/CSFA system and compliant with state and federal audit and administrative requirements. The application process begins with registration through the GATA portal, followed by submission of a standardized application and budget via the Community Service Agreement (CSA) system. Applicants must also complete the ICQ annually, although this does not need to be finalized before application submission. Evaluation of proposals is merit-based but also takes into account factors such as geographic distribution, demonstrated community need, racial equity considerations, and past grantee performance. Awards are not guaranteed and remain subject to available funding. Applications are due by May 13, 2025. Based on the established process, applicants can expect to receive funding notifications within 30 to 45 days after submission. Awardees will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA), which must be signed and returned before the agreement is executed. The performance period for awarded grants runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The program allows for up to two one-year renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and compliance. Award amounts may reach up to $223,300 per year, as observed in current allocations. The most recent year’s funding level mirrors this ceiling. While no matching funds are explicitly required, awardees must follow allowable cost guidelines under the Uniform Grant Agreement and submit periodic financial, performance, and close-out reports. All grantees are subject to state and federal audit and records retention requirements, and must maintain compliance for at least three years following the close of the grant.

Register and complete all required prequalification steps before deadline or application will be rejected.