480-50-3707 Head Start
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations supporting Illinois's early childhood infrastructure and Head Start collaboration. Illinois Department of Early Childhood administers it as a state collaboration office (HSCO) grant through federal ACF funding.
Head Start programs, state agencies, and community organizations working on early childhood systems may be eligible. The focus is building partnerships between Head Start and other child-serving programs.
Activities include coordinating statewide collaboration across eight priority areas: child care, education, health, welfare, community services, disability services, homeless services, and family literacy. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to convene stakeholders and strengthen access to comprehensive services for low-income children.
This grant is for organizations supporting Illinois's early childhood infrastructure and Head Start collaboration. Illinois Department of Early Childhood administers it as a state collaboration office (HSCO) grant through federal ACF funding.
Head Start programs, state agencies, and community organizations working on early childhood systems may be eligible. The focus is building partnerships between Head Start and other child-serving programs.
Activities include coordinating statewide collaboration across eight priority areas: child care, education, health, welfare, community services, disability services, homeless services, and family literacy. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to convene stakeholders and strengthen access to comprehensive services for low-income children.
Program description
The Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSCO) is a federal-state partnership funded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Head Start as the state point of contact for Head Start and collaboration to assist in building early childhood systems and access to comprehensive services for all low income children. The Illinois HSCO:
• Encourages widespread collaboration between Head Start and other appropriate programs, services and initiatives.
• Augments Head Start’s capacity to be a partner in State initiatives on behalf of children and families; and
• Facilitates Head Start’s involvement in state policies, plans, processes, and decisions affecting the Head Start target population.
The HSCO accomplishes these purposes by working with Head Start, state, federal and community stakeholders in the eight federal priority areas of child care, education, health, welfare, community services, disabilities, homeless services, and family literacy. The HSSCO supports collaboration and alignment between local Head Start programs to support Illinois’ goal of ensuring equity and efficiency for families and providers. Federal Assistance Listing: 93.600. Administered by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 480-50-3707).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations supporting Illinois's early childhood infrastructure and Head Start collaboration. Illinois Department of Early Childhood administers it as a state collaboration office (HSCO) grant through federal ACF funding.
Head Start programs, state agencies, and community organizations working on early childhood systems may be eligible. The focus is building partnerships between Head Start and other child-serving programs.
Activities include coordinating statewide collaboration across eight priority areas: child care, education, health, welfare, community services, disability services, homeless services, and family literacy. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to convene stakeholders and strengthen access to comprehensive services for low-income children.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application through Illinois GATA system
- Organization documentation (501(c)(3) status, IRS determination letter)
- Detailed description of proposed collaboration activities
- Letters of support from Head Start programs and partner organizations
- Budget (if required by state)
- Organizational capacity/staffing plan
Program contact
- 👤 Wendy Williams
- 📧 wendy.williams@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-3292
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.600 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$839,927,303
-
$427,896,331
-
$403,282,358
-
$358,501,261
-
$355,204,337
-
$321,573,170
-
$304,236,922
-
$296,892,393
-
$293,352,408
-
$261,732,630
Top States by Funding
- CA 28 awards $6,078.9M
- TX 12 awards $1,705.6M
- FL 8 awards $1,178.6M
- NY 5 awards $835.7M
- AZ 6 awards $818.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the HSCO grant?
Typically Head Start programs and state/community organizations focused on early childhood systems. Contact the Illinois Department of Early Childhood for specific eligibility confirmation.
What is the deadline?
September 30, 2026. Confirm the deadline through the Illinois GATA system or department.
What activities does this grant support?
Collaboration and coordination across child care, education, health, welfare, community services, disability services, homeless services, and family literacy. Building partnerships between Head Start and other programs is central.
How competitive is this funding?
Specifics depend on the Illinois Department of Early Childhood's selection criteria. Demonstrated collaboration experience and strong stakeholder relationships strengthen applications.
What is the funding level?
The total pool is approximately $109,200. Individual award amounts are not specified; contact the agency for details.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the Illinois Department of Early Childhood early. Clarify your organization's eligibility and the application process before investing time.
- Document existing partnerships with Head Start programs and other child-serving agencies. The grant prioritizes collaboration.
- Align your proposal with all eight federal priority areas where possible. Show how you'll support multiple systems simultaneously.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Illinois's early childhood landscape. Reference state plans, initiatives, and identified gaps.
- Plan for measurable outcomes in collaboration and access to services. Track the number and types of partnerships facilitated.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when organizations cannot demonstrate existing relationships with Head Start programs or lack understanding of state early childhood priorities. Proposals without clear collaboration metrics or defined stakeholder involvement are less competitive. Applicants unfamiliar with the eight federal priority areas or Illinois's current early childhood initiatives miss opportunities to align with funder goals.
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