The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) has announced a funding opportunity aimed at enhancing community resilience and addressing trauma across New York State. This initiative, titled "Promoting Wellness and Healing in Communities," seeks to fund up to 20 community-based organizations or partnerships to implement or expand innovative, grass-roots strategies that support mental wellness, resilience, and healing at the community level. Each awardee may receive up to $750,000 over a three-year period, with annual funding capped at $250,000.
The grant aligns with a broader trauma-informed framework based on guidance from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), emphasizing recovery, resilience, and the importance of social networks in healing. The program is designed as a universal prevention project focused on community well-being and reducing trauma's effects on both individuals and collectives. It encourages interventions that reflect cultural practices, intergenerational engagement, and strategies rooted in community-defined strengths.
Eligible applicants include New York-based not-for-profits, for-profit organizations, local governments, and tribal entities. Not-for-profit applicants must be prequalified and registered through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Application components include proof of local government notification, a provider contact form, sexual harassment and gender-based violence certifications, a proposal narrative, and a detailed budget. Applications must be submitted via SFS, and no mailed or emailed submissions will be accepted.
Applicants are evaluated based on several technical and financial criteria including the quality and feasibility of proposed wellness strategies, commitment to trauma-informed principles, community engagement, equity, and data collection methods. Required participation includes quarterly virtual meetings hosted by OMH and engagement with the New York State Trauma-Informed Network & Resource Center (TINRC).
The current RFP cycle opened on September 30, 2025, and proposals are due by December 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST. Questions were accepted through October 16, with answers posted by November 5. Awards are expected to be announced by January 13, 2026, with contracts beginning July 1, 2026. The grant is recurring, with subsequent cycles likely following a similar timeline each year. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to begin prequalification early to avoid disqualification due to administrative delays.
Start prequalification early; submit 48+ hours before deadline to avoid disqualification.
