Community Network Anchors
🏛 Illinois Department of Public Health
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois-based organizations to become Community Network Anchors in one of six IDPH Health Regions. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, public agencies, and health systems with capacity to convene and coordinate community networks. Applicants must demonstrate ability to work with diverse partners including mental health providers, schools, faith groups, family organizations, and local government. Projects support regional coordination of mental health, public health, behavioral health, and family-centered care services. All work must comply with federal cost principles and state regulations.
Program description
The Community Network Anchor grant will fund 6 regional lead entities throughout Illinois to coordinate, organize, streamline and grow community networks across the six IDPH Health Regions. Community Network Anchors will support and fortify local mental health, public health, behavioral health, wellness, family-centered care, and general health needs of local communities by regularly convening local community networks and engaging with IDPH to execute best practices across communities in their region. Community Network Anchors will be expected to fortify existing Community Networks, which are defined as ecosystems of diverse partners coupled with braided supports that promote the well-being of families by connecting them with the people and resources, they say they need to heal and thrive, helping to prevent and mitigate crisis. A network host convenes a community network with diverse partners regularly (such as monthly or quarterly) who represent sectors such as, but not limited to, local mental health providers, hospitals, healthcare providers, schools, family-run organizations, parents, faith-based groups, advocacy organizations, local government, law enforcement, etc. IDPH and CBHTI will provide Community Network Anchors with a foundational understanding of existing community network activity in their region. Grant recipients will be expected to build upon these materials as part of their scope of work. All grant funds must be used for the sole purposes set forth in the grant proposal and application and must be used in compliance with all applicable laws. Grant funds may not be used as matching funds for any other grant program unless specifically allowed under grant program guidelines. Use of grant funds for prohibited purposes may result in loss of grant award and/or place the grantee at risk for repayment of those funds used for the prohibited purpose. Regardless of the source of funding (federal pass-through or State), all grant-funded expenses must be compliant with Cost Principles under Subpart E of 2CFR200 unless an exception is noted in federal or State statutes or regulations. Allowability Allowable – All grant funds must be used for items that are necessary and reasonable for the proper and efficient performance of the grant and may only be used for the purposes stated in the grant agreement, work plan, and budget. Items must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations. Allocable – Grant-funded costs must be chargeable or assignable to the grant in accordance with relative benefits received. The allocation methodology should be documented and should be consistent across funding sources for similar costs. Reasonable – The amounts charged for any item must be reasonable. That means the nature and amount of the expense does not exceed what a prudent person under the same circumstances would expend; and that the items are generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the performance of the grant. Beneficiaries: N/A Federal Assistance Listing: 93.994 — Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to the States. Administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 482-00-3692).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA form(s) as required by Illinois (check IDPH website)
- Project narrative describing regional network coordination plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of commitment from key community partners
- Evidence of 501(c)(3) status or public agency documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Sierra Wilson
- 📧 sierra.m.wilson@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.994 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$41,406,438
-
$40,854,533
-
$40,639,513
-
$40,332,828
-
$39,802,210
-
$39,549,234
-
$39,399,139
-
$39,255,586
-
$39,137,370
-
$38,954,671
Top States by Funding
- CA 6 awards $231.7M
- NY 6 awards $226.7M
- TX 6 awards $219.3M
- PA 6 awards $141.6M
- OH 6 awards $132.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2026 | $100,000 | |
| 2027 | $900,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for Community Network Anchors funding?
Illinois-based nonprofits, government agencies, health systems, or similar organizations with capacity to convene community networks. Applicants must serve one of six IDPH Health Regions.
What activities are funded under this grant?
Convening and coordinating existing community networks. Supporting regional mental health, public health, behavioral health, and family-centered care initiatives. Building partnerships across diverse community sectors.
Are indirect costs allowed in the budget?
Costs must comply with federal Cost Principles under 2 CFR 200. Indirect costs are typically allowed if your organization has an approved indirect cost rate.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No. This grant does not require cost-sharing or matching funds.
How much funding is available?
Up to $150,000 total is available for six regional lead entities statewide. The exact award amount per region should be clarified with IDPH.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by identifying which of the six IDPH Health Regions you serve and confirm regional capacity to convene partners.
- Document existing community network activity in your region before applying. IDPH provides baseline materials you should build upon.
- Show specific sectors and partners you will engage: mental health, schools, faith groups, family organizations, and local government.
- Budget conservatively for convening activities, coordination staff, and partner engagement. Keep all expenses strictly tied to grant purposes.
- Review 2 CFR 200 cost principles early to ensure all proposed expenses meet federal allowability standards.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing activities outside the six regional focus areas or attempting to serve non-IDPH Health Region areas. Using grant funds for purposes other than community network convening and coordination. Failing to document how proposed work builds on existing IDPH community network materials.
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