In 2000, ADA for Illinois will initiate a mini-grant program to promote awareness and increased understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act within the State of Illinois.

ADA for Illinois is a collaboration of people with disabilities, business leaders, service providers and government agencies that educates about and promotes full implementation of the ADA throughout the State of Illinois. ADA for Illinois was established in 1991 as a steering committee of the Great Lakes Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, coordinated through the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Great Lakes Center is one of ten regional centers throughout the U.S. and funded by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research to provide technical assistance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The goal of the ADA for Illinois mini-grant program is to develop collaborative partnerships between disability-related organizations, businesses, government and non-profit agencies throughout Illinois to increase awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act and thereby facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in our communities.

Awards will range from $500 to $2,000. This request for proposal does not obligate ADA for Illinois to fund any of the submitted proposals. The ADA for Illinois Steering Committee reserves the right to reject any or all grant proposals. Projects that are already funded (by public or private funding) will not be eligible for steering committee funding, unless the applicant can clearly illustrate how the project will extend beyond the objectives and activities that the current funding supports.

• The project must relate to one or more titles of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Employment, Public Services, Public Accommodations or Telecommunications and the funds must be obligated by September 30 with activities completed by December 30.

• Only projects for training, development of original materials, dissemination, and/or research will be considered. Funding is not available for personnel, direct consumer services, building modifications, or activities associated with litigation.

• Award recipients are required to invest a matching contribution of funds and/or in-kind support of at least 25% of the awarded amount.

• All advertisements, news releases, reports, and materials created as a result of the project must indicate "ADA for Illinois, a steering committee of the Great Lakes Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center" as a co-sponsor of the project.

• A final report on the project, including a brief narrative and data indicating the outcomes and impact of the project, a final financial report, and copies of materials developed must be provided to ADA for Illinois in the form of a written document. A short presentation at a scheduled ADA for Illinois meeting will also be requested.

• All funded projects must comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Projects that involve collaboration with another agency or individual must include a letter of support from each collaborating party.

1. Complete the Application Cover Sheet. Include a Project Abstract (a clear, short description of the project) in 100 words or less.
   
2. On separate paper, please provide a narrative that clearly describes the proposed project (not to exceed four pages):

1. Project Description - describe what you intend to do and why it is needed.
   
2. Population(s) and Geographic Area(s) that the project will target.
   
3. Project Objective(s) with Action Steps/Timelines for each.
   
4. Types of collaboration, if applicable. Include letters of intent from any collaborating partners.
   
5. Method of evaluation the project: indicate types of data to be collected, and how outcomes (impact) will be measured.
   
6. Proposed Budget: break out the use of the requested funds in the following format. Indicate what other funds and/or in-kind contributions will be used (25% required).

Line Item Materials, supplies Duplication, printing Travel Postage Other

Amount Requested

In-kind Contributions

Note: Personnel, direct service, or building modifications will not be funded.

3. Provide one original and three copies of the completed proposal, including the Application Cover Sheet and supporting materials, and one copy on computer disk.