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Social Service Agency Grant Application
Introduction to the Community Mental Health Board
The purpose of the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board (VTCMHB) is to aid individuals in the enhancement, maintenance, and/or restoration of their mental health within the context of their environment. As the local mental health authority for Vernon Township, the Board's focus is on Mental Illness, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use/Dependence/Addictions.
The Community Mental Health Act (405 ILCS 20/1) provides that a Community Mental Health Board will plan, fund, coordinate, and evaluate public services for prevention and treatment of persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and addiction problems in its geographic area. The VTCMHB makes rules and regulations to administer services and facilities that it directs, supervises, or funds consistent with the provisions of the Act. The Board is committed to being a responsible trustee of Vernon Township's mental health tax. This document sets forth the service, financial, and administrative accountability requirements of the Board. Furthermore, these requirements and guidelines explain the criteria by which the Board monitors and evaluates compliance with the Board's service, fiscal, and administrative requirements.
General Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Funding
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board may provide supplemental funding for any entity that demonstrates the ability to provide mental health, developmental disability, or addiction services to the residents of Vernon Township, and that have operated for a minimum of one fiscal year. Applicants will demonstrate they have the appropriate academic certification/licensure, and appropriate experience. Applicants will demonstrate service, fiscal, and administrative accountability. Applicants will complete a standard application.
Service Recipients
The VTCMHB may fund agencies in prevention, support, and treatment for mental health, addiction, and developmental disabilities that service residents of Vernon Township. Vernon Township has a population of approximately 71,000 residents covering portions of the following communities: Buffalo Grove, Indian Creek, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, the City of Lake Forest, and unincorporated Vernon Township. Please click here to view a map of the Township.
Standard Grant Approval
If approved by the Board, grant contracts may include a one-time lump sum payment as needed. Payment is predicated on the budget and obligations associated with the contract. Accountability is tied to defined performance measurers against accepted practices. The renewal of a grant for another period is not guaranteed and will be based on provider performance, needs assessment findings, or a desire by the VTCMHB to redirect funding in response to a change in goals, objectives, or priorities.
Awarding of Grants
The VTCMHB may award funds through a grant proposal process in which agencies are invited to submit an application according to appropriate specifications detailed in the application. These specifications, in many instances, require that agencies meet qualifications set forth in statutes, laws, rules, regulations of federal, state, county, or local government entities. When such legal requirements exist, an individual or agency will demonstrate the capability to meet these in order to be eligible for funding.
The VTCMHB makes decisions regarding grant applicant funding requests based on the following criteria:
- Does the service relate to the VTCMHB priorities?
- Is the service within the VTCMHB authority as defined by Illinois statutes?
- Does the agency meet the required rules and regulations?
- Does the agency meet all the appropriate eligibility requirements for VTCMHB funding?
VTCMHB Fiscal Year and Timeline for Submitting Information to Receive Funding
The VTCMHB fiscal year is April 1 - March 31. Grant applications will be due on May 29th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Recipients of funding should be notified of their grant awards in July of 2026.
A second round of grant applications will open October 26th, if the VTCMHB has funds remaining. Applications are due by December 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Recipients of second-round funding will be notified in 2027.
Application Remarks
- Applications for new agencies can be submitted electronically here.
- Applications for returning agencies can be submitted electronically here.
- Applications, including all supporting materials, must be submitted by May 29th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
- Applications with missing information will be considered incomplete.
- Questions on the application process may be emailed to Barrett@vernontownship.com.
- All agencies must be incorporated agencies, with proof of not-for-profit status for one year minimum and not another taxing body.
- Any grant request of more than $100,000 may require a formal presentation to the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board by an agency board member or senior staff person.
- Agencies granted funding may be asked to send an agency representative to a scheduled VTCMHB meeting within the granting year.
- All questions on the application require a response.
- Services provided should be of a type that a township might otherwise provide directly or indirectly to its residents.
- VTMCHB Board members and/or staff, at their discretion, may arrange to visit individual sites.
- If approved, a service agreement will be provided to the requesting agency. This must be returned and signed by a signatory representative of the agency.
- Agencies receiving a grant must provide proof of insurance with Vernon Township as additionally insured.
- Approved agencies may be expected to provide proof of how funds were spent through mid-year and/or year-end reports.
- The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is currently prioritizing program support not capital projects. Remaining funds may be distributed for capital projects.
All applicants must attach the following (if applicable):
- Previous fiscal year audit
- A copy of the agency's 501 (c)(3) determination letter.