Federal Grant Award Summary

Illinois Action For Children received a $4.2 million Project Grant award from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Head Start under the Head Start program (CFDA 93.600) with an award date of June 30, 2026, and ultimate completion date of December 31, 2026. This funding supports the delivery of comprehensive early childhood education and family support services designed to enhance school readiness for low-income children and families in Illinois. The organization operates local Head Start programs that provide educational services, health screenings, nutritional support, and parent engagement activities for children ages three to five, along with Early Head Start services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

In addition to direct programming, Illinois Action For Children leverages complementary federal and state funding streams to enhance service delivery, including participation in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program for meal reimbursement and collaboration with the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois State Board of Education on child development and subsidized childcare initiatives. These coordinated efforts support professional development for early childhood educators, technology upgrades, and expanded family engagement programming that strengthens the overall quality and reach of early childhood services across the state.