FY2026 Support for 988 Tribal Response Cooperative Agreements

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers federal programs aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes across the United States. Through its Support for 988 Tribal Response Cooperative Agreements program, SAMHSA seeks to strengthen crisis response systems serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to expand access to mental health services, reduce suicide risk, and improve coordination among crisis response systems, particularly through the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The primary purpose of this program is to improve the connection and response to 988 contacts originating in Tribal communities or initiated by American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The program emphasizes culturally competent crisis services, integration between Tribal systems and 988 crisis centers, and enhanced collaboration with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community-based organizations. SAMHSA aims to ensure that Tribal populations have access to trained crisis counselors and coordinated follow-up care, addressing the disproportionately high suicide rates in these communities. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, indicating substantial federal involvement in program oversight and implementation. Awardees are expected to use funds primarily for capacity building and infrastructure development, including establishing partnerships with crisis centers, developing data collection systems, implementing culturally responsive training, and increasing awareness of 988 services. Allowable activities also include workforce development, community outreach, prevention programming, and development of Tribal-specific crisis resources. However, funds cannot be used for prohibited activities such as discriminatory practices, harm reduction initiatives as defined by SAMHSA policy, or activities that conflict with federal regulations. Eligibility is limited to federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations. Applicants may apply individually or as part of a consortium, though a single entity must serve as the primary applicant and assume legal responsibility. The program does not require cost sharing or matching funds, reducing financial barriers for eligible entities. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, partnerships, and readiness to implement required activities while complying with federal grant regulations. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or eRA Commons and includes several components such as a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting attachments. Required attachments include letters of commitment, data collection tools, project timeline, staff bios, and documentation of nonprofit status where applicable. Applicants must also complete standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A. Registration in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is mandatory prior to submission. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria including population need, implementation approach, organizational experience, and data collection plans. Reviewers assess the feasibility, alignment with SAMHSA priorities, and potential impact of proposed projects. Final funding decisions also consider alignment with federal priorities, availability of funds, and risk assessment. Awards are expected to be announced around September 1, 2026, with project start dates at the end of September 2026 and a three-year period of performance. Key contacts are provided for programmatic, financial, and review-related inquiries, including SAMHSA staff responsible for overseeing the grant. Applicants are encouraged to engage with these contacts for clarification during the application process. Following award, recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including semi-annual and annual progress reports, performance data submission, and participation in national evaluations. The program is designed as a multi-year investment in strengthening Tribal crisis response systems and improving behavioral health outcomes in underserved communities.

Align project with SAMHSA strategic priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes and data collection capacity; build strong Tribal and crisis center partnerships; ensure cultural competency in program design