Statewide Family Network

The Statewide Family Network program is a federal discretionary grant opportunity administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities, and this program aligns with that mission by strengthening the role of families in supporting individuals with mental health conditions. The opportunity is listed under Assistance Listing 93.532, which supports regional and national significance projects aimed at improving mental health systems and outcomes. This funding is intended to bolster statewide infrastructure for family-driven mental health support services. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance the capacity of statewide, mental health family-controlled organizations. These organizations are expected to provide support, training, and mentorship to family members and primary caregivers of individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The program emphasizes peer-to-peer support and the development of sustainable systems that empower families to effectively navigate mental health services. Activities funded under this program typically include training programs, outreach efforts, technical assistance, and leadership development initiatives for family members. Funding is provided as a grant, with an estimated total program funding amount of $1,853,477 and approximately 12 awards expected. While specific award ceilings and floors are not provided in the forecast, the funding is intended to support statewide efforts, suggesting moderate distribution across multiple recipients. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible organizations. Allowable uses of funds are expected to align with program goals, including capacity building, training delivery, and support network expansion, though detailed budget guidance will likely be included in the full notice of funding opportunity upon release. Eligibility is limited to domestic public and private nonprofit entities, particularly those that are family-controlled and focused on mental health advocacy and support. The emphasis on family-controlled organizations indicates that governance and leadership should be primarily composed of family members or caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions. This ensures that funded activities remain grounded in lived experience and are responsive to the needs of families navigating mental health systems. While the eligibility category is broadly defined, applicants must demonstrate alignment with the program’s focus on statewide impact and family-centered services. The application process details are not fully available in the forecast stage, but applicants can expect to submit proposals through Grants.gov once the opportunity is officially posted. The estimated posting date is May 29, 2026, with application deadlines and award timelines to be announced in the full notice. Typically, SAMHSA applications require submission of a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity documentation, and evidence of compliance with federal requirements. Applicants may also need to register with federal systems such as SAM.gov and Grants.gov prior to submission. Evaluation criteria are not specified in the forecast but are expected to include alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, quality of the proposed approach, and potential for statewide impact. SAMHSA often prioritizes evidence-based practices, sustainability, and measurable outcomes in its grant evaluations. Award notifications and project start dates will be determined following the application review process and will be detailed in the full announcement. For additional information, applicants may contact the program representative, Emily Lichvar, via phone at 240-276-1859 or by email at Sfnnofo@samhsa.hhs.gov. As this is a forecasted opportunity, interested organizations are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for updates and prepare preliminary materials in advance of the official release. The program is part of ongoing federal efforts to strengthen mental health systems through community and family engagement, and similar opportunities may be offered in future funding cycles.