From the Illinois Department of Human Services:
As part of the State of Illinois’ holistic response to COVID-19 and the racial disparities its impact revealed, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has launched the Healing Illinois project in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust (the Trust). Healing Illinois is a step towards racial healing and the larger mission of fighting poverty and ending racial inequality for all Illinoisans.
Current events speak to the need of why our country, our state, our neighborhoods and communities, and our organizations and families need racial healing. We can’t overnight heal the wounds that centuries of racism have created, but we do want to contribute towards creating a state where the color of a person’s skin does not predict their life outcomes. There are too many names of people harmed and lives lost to structural and systemic racism. We know that healing activities alone won’t cure this social pandemic, but we believe it is a necessary step for our society.
On behalf of IDHS, the Trust is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Sept. 30 to organizations across the state to initiate this work. They will distribute $4.5 million in grants to support organizations conducting racial healing activities, helping to build a bridge towards a racially equitable Illinois. Read more. Application Deadlines: First Cycle: October 14, 2020 at 11:59 PM Second Cycle: October 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM
For more details on Healing Illinois – including grant eligibility, application tools, frequently asked questions, and the RFP – visit healing.illinois.gov. Inquiries can be answered on the website or during the following informational sessions:
Healing Illinois Info Session #1
September 29, 2020, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Click here to register in advance for this session.
Healing Illinois Info Session #2
October 8, 2020, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Click here to register in advance for this session.
Healing Illinois Info Session #3
October 15, 2020, from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Click here to register in advance for this session.
In addition, should you need more information, please email healingil@cct.org.