Mental Health Nonprofit Grants

Federal and state grants provide essential funding for mental health nonprofits, community mental health centers, behavioral health agencies, and mental health advocacy organizations. Find grants to support mental health services, program expansion, staff training, facility improvements, and comprehensive mental health support in your community.

Types of Mental Health Nonprofit Grants

Community Mental Health Services

Grants supporting community mental health centers, outpatient services, crisis intervention, and comprehensive mental health treatment programs.

• Community mental health center operations
• Outpatient mental health services
• Crisis intervention and hotlines
• Mental health screening and assessment

Mental Health Advocacy & Education

Funding for mental health awareness campaigns, stigma reduction, mental health education, peer advocacy, and community engagement.

• Mental health awareness campaigns
• Stigma reduction initiatives
• Mental health education programs
• Community advocacy and engagement

Specialized Mental Health Services

Grants for specialized programs serving youth, teens, adults, seniors, and populations with specific mental health needs.

• Youth and adolescent mental health
• Senior mental health and depression screening
• Suicide prevention programs
• Mental health in schools and workplace

Capacity Building & Infrastructure

Funding for nonprofit capacity building, technology improvements, staff training, facility expansion, and infrastructure development.

• Staff training and development
• Technology and infrastructure
• Facility improvements and expansion
• Program evaluation and measurement

Eligibility for Mental Health Nonprofit Grants

Mental Health Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations focused on mental health, community mental health centers, behavioral health agencies, mental health advocacy groups, and mental health service providers are eligible to apply.

Community-Based Organizations

Community organizations providing mental health services, peer support, recovery programs, or mental health support in underserved communities can apply for funding to expand services and reach.

Health Systems & Healthcare Providers

Health departments, public health agencies, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and healthcare systems can apply for mental health funding to integrate and expand services.

Requirements

Typically require nonprofit status (501(c)(3)), board of directors, financial management capacity, and demonstrated commitment to mental health service delivery. Some grants focus on specific populations or underserved areas.

Key Federal Mental Health Grant Programs

Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (CMHSB)

Provides funding to states for community mental health services, crisis intervention, and support programs for people with serious mental illness.

SAMHSA Grant Programs

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers multiple grant programs for mental health organizations, treatment providers, and community programs.

CDC Mental Health Grants

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds mental health surveillance, suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and population health improvements.

HRSA Behavioral Health Grants

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) supports behavioral health workforce development, integrated care, and mental health services in underserved areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can mental health nonprofits receive in grants?

Grant amounts vary widely from $10,000 to $500,000+ depending on the program, organization size, and project scope. Community mental health centers typically receive larger grants than smaller advocacy organizations.

What makes a strong mental health nonprofit grant application?

Strong applications include clear needs assessment, specific goals and outcomes, detailed budgets, organizational capacity evidence, letters of support, and demonstrated impact in the community. Many funders prioritize organizations serving underserved populations.

Are there grants specifically for mental health advocacy organizations?

Yes, many foundations and government programs support mental health advocacy, stigma reduction, and public awareness campaigns. Organizations focused on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and peer advocacy often have dedicated funding sources.

How often should mental health nonprofits apply for grants?

Most organizations maintain a pipeline of grants with different funding cycles. You might apply to 5-10 grants annually across federal, state, foundation, and corporate sources. This diversifies funding and reduces dependency on any single source.

What reporting requirements come with mental health grants?

Most grants require annual progress reports, outcome measures, financial reporting, and evaluation data. Federal grants typically have more detailed reporting requirements than foundation grants. Plan for 10-20% of grant funds to support reporting and evaluation.

Mental Health Grant Resources

Key Resources

Organizations & Networks

• National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
• Mental Health America (MHA)
• American Psychiatric Association Foundation
• Community Mental Health Centers Association

Available Mental Health Nonprofit Grants

We're updating our mental health nonprofit grants database. Check back soon for the latest opportunities.

In the meantime, visit SAMHSA.gov and Grants.gov for mental health grant opportunities.