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May RPSA Blog!

As we approach the end of fiscal year 24′, this month’s RPSA blog aims to provide insights into eCornerstone, the future of RPSA funding, and additional funding resources available for potential grantees.

Grantees have been requested by IDHS to backdate program information to July 1, 2023, and input data into eCornerstone. This includes vital details such as site information, participant demographics, and weekly attendance. While we understand the significant demand this may place on some organizations, we strongly advise all RPSA 2775 grantees to promptly enter their program data into eCornerstone.

The use of eCornerstone is a requirement under RPSA 2775 grants. Engaging with eCornerstone not only ensures compliance with grant requirements but also facilitates the tracking of crucial program details, program engagement metrics, and assists in the completion of quarterly Periodic Performance Reports (PPR).

For those seeking additional support with eCornerstone, resources such as the FY24 eCornerstone Training for RPSA YDS (2775) and HRYIS (2776) led by IDHS, as well as the FY24 eCornerstone tip sheet developed by ACT Now, are available on ANCAL, ACT Now’s online learning center. If you are not a member of ANCAL please register to access these resources. Once you have created an account you will be able to search for the resources in the Resource Folder.

Looking ahead to fiscal year 25’ RPSA funding, there are notable changes: 

  • This year’s proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025, beginning July 1, will see the discontinuation of the RPSA 2775 Youth Development grant. 
  • RPSA 3007 Youth-Interventions Services grant will be continued spanning three months, from July 1, 2024, to September 31, 2024, with plans for competitive bidding in late summer.

Given these changes in RPSA funding, we encourage organizations to review these opportunities and consider applying if they align with their mission and capacity.

Below is a compilation of funding opportunities available:

  • FY24 Teen REACH NOFO
    • The IDHS Office of Community and Positive Youth Development (OCPYD) is offering a competitive notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for its Teen REACH program anticipated to begin in July 2024. Teen REACH (Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope) is a comprehensive youth development initiative that provides after school program services to at-risk youth between the ages of 6 and 17. Teen REACH programs are open 240 days a year during the high risk critical after-school hours. The core services provided include Improving Academic Performance; Life Skills Education; Parental Involvement; Recreation, Sports, and Cultural/Artistic Activities; Positive Adult Mentors and Service-Learning Activities.
  • FY 24 Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Demonstration Program
    • FYSB’s Division of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) is accepting applications for the RHY Prevention Demonstration Program (RHY-PDP). RHY-PDP supports the design and delivery of community-based demonstration initiatives to prevent youth from experiencing homelessness.
  • Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Collaborative on Workforce and Economic Development
    • This initiative aims to support innovative approaches to workforce development, entrepreneurship, business development, and public/private partnerships, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Close:
    • Funding Number: 335618
    • CFDA: 93.569
    • Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) non higher edu
  • Youth Ambassadors for Community Service 2025: 
    • The U.S. Embassy France Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to implement an exchange program for up to 30 French high school students, in the United States, for fifteen days in October and/or November 2025. Through the Youth Ambassadors for Community Service program, up to 30 young adults from France between the ages of 15 and 17 will develop the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to become more engaged in their communities, learn about the U.S. education system, and will further their understanding of the United States.
    • Close: 5/31/2024
    • CFDA Number(s): 19.040
    • Funding Number: PDS-FRANCE-FY2024-04
    • Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
    • For more information, eligibility, and deadlines please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity PDS-France-FY2024-04 and/or refer to the U.S. Embassy in France website (Grants Programs)
  • Demonstrating Policy Effectiveness To Promote Black Youth Mental Health
    • This initiative seeks to identify successful health and wellness policies for improving Black youth mental health, including suicide prevention. The demonstration projects are expected to: (1) implement evidence-based policies for addressing Black youth mental and suicide prevention; (2) pilot the policy assessment protocols that determine the level of effectiveness of general health and wellness policies in improving Black youth mental health in diverse settings; and (3) develop and implement demonstrations of selected innovative and culturally effective policy approaches to improve Black youth mental health.
    • Close:
    • Funding Number: 334922
    • CFDA: 93.137
    • Eligible Applicants: Others
  • NEA Challenge America, FY2025
    • Challenge America offers support primarily to small organizations for projects in all artistic disciplines that extend the reach of the arts to groups/communities with rich and dynamic artistic and cultural contributions to share that are underserved. The program is rooted in principles that include, but are not limited to, our recognition that: • Some groups/communities and some geographic areas with rich cultural identities have limited grant funding opportunities, and/or have been historically underserved by national arts funding; • Some small organizations may face barriers to accessing grant funding; and • Some applicants to the NEA may benefit from enhanced technical assistance resources. Challenge America seeks to address these potential barriers for organizations seeking funding. The program features an abbreviated application, a standardized $10,000 grant amount, and a robust structure of technical assistance to facilitate entry to NEA funding opportunities.
    • Close: 4/30/2024
    • CFDA Number(s): 45.024
    • Funding Number: 2024NEA01CA
    • Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
    • Program Guidelines and Application Instructions
  • Grand Victoria Foundation
    • To learn about funding priorities and eligibility criteria, organizations are encouraged to sign up for their newsletter. Applicants must be registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity or partnered with a fiscal sponsor meeting this requirement. The foundation supports organizations in Illinois that align with its program strategies.
  • Polk Bros Foundation
    • Organizations whose work aligns with funding priorities and have completed the necessary steps may log in to the Polk Bros Foundation’s online Grants Portal to initiate the application process.Black youth mental health, including suicide prevention strategies.

For further support and assistance finding funding opportunities please reach out to your selected RPSA TTAS provider.