Mental Health Program Grants

Federal and state grants fund mental health programs, organizations, initiatives, and nonprofits delivering community mental health services. Find funding for program development, expansion, and innovation in mental health service delivery.

Types of Mental Health Program Grants

Program Development & Innovation

Grants supporting development of new mental health programs, evidence-based interventions, and service innovation.

• New mental health program development
• Evidence-based program implementation
• Mental health innovation grants
• Pilot and demonstration projects

Service Expansion & Operations

Funding for expanding mental health services, operations, staffing, and infrastructure improvements.

• Community mental health center expansion
• Mental health clinic operations
• Staff hiring and professional development
• Equipment and facility improvements

Specialized Populations & Services

Grants for mental health programs serving specific populations and specialized service areas.

• Child and adolescent mental health programs
• Geriatric mental health services
• Culturally-specific mental health programs
• Crisis intervention and emergency services

System & Infrastructure

Funding for mental health system development, coordination, and infrastructure improvements.

• Mental health system coordination
• Data and evaluation systems
• Workforce development programs
• Technology and telehealth infrastructure

Eligibility for Mental Health Program Grants

Nonprofits & Community Organizations

501(c)(3) nonprofits operating mental health programs, community health centers, and mental health nonprofits are primary grant recipients. Organizations must demonstrate mission alignment, fiscal capacity, and service delivery track record.

Government & Public Health Agencies

State and local health departments, public health agencies, mental health authorities, and government organizations providing mental health services are eligible for federal and state program funding.

Healthcare & Medical Institutions

Hospitals, health centers, primary care organizations, and integrated health systems with mental health programs can receive funding to expand or improve mental health services.

Educational & Training Institutions

Universities, schools of medicine, schools of social work, and training institutions implementing mental health education and training programs are eligible for workforce development grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of organizations can apply for mental health program grants?

Primary applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies (state/local health departments, mental health authorities), hospitals, health centers, and public institutions. Eligibility depends on the grant; some programs fund only nonprofits, others include government and educational institutions.

What can program grants fund?

Mental health program grants fund: (1) Program development and innovation, (2) Staff hiring and training, (3) Equipment and facility improvements, (4) Service expansion, (5) Evidence-based program implementation, (6) Specialized services (youth, geriatric, crisis), (7) Data and evaluation systems, (8) Technology and telehealth infrastructure.

What is SAMHSA Block Grant funding for mental health programs?

SAMHSA provides annual Block Grants to states for mental health services. States then distribute funds to community mental health programs and nonprofits. Contact your state mental health agency to learn about available Block Grant funding for mental health programs and services.

Are there grants for expanding community mental health centers?

Yes. HRSA Community Health Center Program grants, SAMHSA mental health expansion grants, state mental health agency funding, and foundation grants all support community mental health center expansion. These typically require serving underinsured and uninsured populations.

What about grants for crisis mental health services?

SAMHSA's Crisis Services Grants fund crisis hotlines, crisis stabilization programs, and emergency mental health services. HRSA and state mental health agencies also fund crisis intervention and emergency mental health programs. These are particularly funded to serve suicide prevention and acute mental health emergencies.

Who are the main funders of mental health programs?

Primary funders include: SAMHSA (Block Grants, specific program funding), HRSA (Community Health Centers), NIMH (research and training), state health and mental health agencies, foundations (Robert Wood Johnson, Casey Foundation, MacArthur), and private health insurance foundations. Each has different funding priorities and populations served.

Mental Health Program Resources

SAMHSA Grants & Funding

SAMHSA.gov provides information on mental health program grants, Block Grants to states, and funding opportunities for mental health organizations.

HRSA Community Health Center Grants

HRSA.gov administers Community Health Center Program grants supporting primary care and mental health services in underserved areas.

State Mental Health Agencies

Each state's mental health agency distributes state and federal funding to community mental health organizations. Contact your state mental health agency for funding opportunities.

Foundation Funding

Major foundations funding mental health programs: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Casey Foundation, Ford Foundation, Mellon Foundation. Foundation Center (foundationcenter.org) lists thousands of mental health program grants.