The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) released NOFO #3997-20-26-SHCN for the Social Health Care Network (SHCN) Program. HFS is seeking one statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to serve as a lead entity responsible for developing, maintaining, and strengthening a network of community-based organizations (CBOs) delivering health-related social needs (HRSN) services to Medicaid beneficiaries under the Illinois 1115 waiver. The SHCN will be responsible for building provider network capacity, supporting CBOs (including small, culturally-competent, and regionally distributed organizations) in becoming Medicaid providers for HRSN, community health worker, maternal health, violence prevention, reentry, and related services. Responsibilities include technical assistance, onboarding for Medicaid billing and closed-loop referral platforms (ICARRS and billing/claims), infrastructure and capacity building, contract management with MCOs and CBOs, and reporting on network adequacy and performance. A minimum of $3M (of up to $8M available for the 9-month first cycle) must be subgranted to CBOs for capacity building. The SHCN must be able to process philanthropic grants. The contract is anticipated to begin October 1, 2026, with an initial 9-month term (through June 30, 2027), renewable subject to budget appropriations.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are single statewide entities, properly registered and in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, with the capacity to develop, manage, and support a statewide network of CBOs providing Medicaid-eligible HRSN services under the 1115 waiver. The applicant must demonstrate robust financial management, capacity for making and monitoring subgrants, and strong community connections. Registration and prequalification through the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal are required. Managed care organizations, health plans, hospitals, and health systems may not apply.
Statewide 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Requirements Checklist
Applications must be submitted via the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal (Euna/Amplifund) by July 20, 2026, 5:00 PM CT. Letters of intent to apply are highly encouraged (not required) and should be sent to Thea Kachoris-Flores by June 26, 2026. Questions must be submitted by July 10, 2026, 4:00 PM CT. An optional virtual technical assistance session will be held June 16, 2026, 12–1 PM CT (registration required via WebEx). Applications must include program narrative, budget, organizational capacity statement, nonprofit and good standing documentation, GATA registration, signed certifications, and required attachments. No cost share or matching is required. Indirect costs are allowed only with a negotiated or elected rate filed via GATA. At least $3M of the award must be allocated to capacity building subgrants for CBOs, with 30% of those funds to CBOs with < $5M annual budgets. See the NOFO, GATA portal, and application instructions for full documentation and eligibility.
Required attachments
Completed Application Form
Proof of 501(c)(3) Status
Proof of Good Standing with IL Secretary of State
Proof of Registration with GATA Grantee Portal
Organizational Capacity Statement
Work Plan and Budget Narrative
Signed Uniform Grant Application and Certifications