988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Center Follow-Up Programs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering a federal funding opportunity titled the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Center Follow-Up Programs. This program is designed to strengthen the nation’s crisis response infrastructure by enhancing follow-up services provided by crisis centers that are part of the 988 Lifeline network. SAMHSA plays a central role in advancing behavioral health nationwide, and this funding opportunity aligns with its strategic priorities to address serious mental illness, expand crisis care, and improve access to evidence-based treatment and recovery services. The primary purpose of this program is to expand and improve follow-up care for individuals who have contacted the 988 Lifeline. The initiative focuses on ensuring that individuals at risk of suicide or overdose receive continued support after their initial crisis interaction. Key objectives include implementing systematic follow-up protocols, improving coordination across crisis services such as mobile crisis outreach and stabilization services, reducing unnecessary involvement of emergency responders, and strengthening connections to long-term recovery and support systems. The program emphasizes continuity of care and seeks to reduce repeat crises and adverse outcomes. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, reflecting the expectation of substantial federal involvement in program oversight and implementation. The total estimated funding available is 7.5 million dollars, with approximately 30 awards anticipated. Each award may provide up to 250,000 dollars per year for a project period of up to three years. Funds are primarily intended for capacity building activities that enhance organizational ability to deliver sustained and effective follow-up services. Allowable activities include integrating peer support, establishing partnerships with behavioral health providers, and developing protocols for follow-up care, while restrictions prohibit expenditures such as food and certain policy-related activities. Eligibility for this program is limited to crisis centers that are part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network and provide continuous 24/7 services. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to implement required activities, including follow-up within 24 hours of contact, ongoing risk assessment for up to 12 months, and coordination with community partners. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or eRA Commons and includes a project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple supporting attachments such as timelines, letters of commitment, and documentation of nonprofit status where applicable. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process that includes initial eligibility screening, merit review, and risk assessment. Evaluation criteria focus on the population of need, implementation approach, organizational capacity, and data collection and performance measurement strategies. Applicants must clearly outline measurable objectives, demonstrate alignment with SAMHSA priorities, and provide detailed plans for data reporting through systems such as SPARS. Awards are expected to be announced by early September 2026, with project start dates at the end of September 2026. The application deadline for this opportunity is July 17, 2026, with submissions due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. Applicants are required to maintain registrations with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission. SAMHSA provides multiple points of contact for programmatic, financial, and review-related inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to support throughout the application process. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, and it is not explicitly stated as recurring, indicating that future funding cycles are uncertain.

Align proposal with SAMHSA strategic priorities; clearly define measurable outcomes; demonstrate strong data collection and reporting capacity; ensure compliance with required activities and federal regulations