Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support

The Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support program is a federal funding 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 focuses on improving the lives of individuals affected by substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring disorders (COD) through prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. This funding opportunity is designed to advance those goals by integrating workforce development into recovery pathways, recognizing that stable employment is a critical component of long-term recovery and social reintegration. The primary purpose of this program is to support individuals currently in treatment or recovery from SUD or COD in achieving independent living and meaningful participation in the workforce. The program emphasizes both economic and non-economic benefits of employment, including improved social connections, structured daily routines, and reduced likelihood of relapse or criminal justice involvement. Applicants are required to coordinate with a range of stakeholders, including state and local workforce development boards, government agencies, tribal organizations, and community partners, to create comprehensive employment support systems. Funding is provided in the form of grants, with an estimated total program funding of $10,500,000 and up to 21 awards anticipated. Each award may provide up to $500,000 per year for a project period of up to five years, contingent on continued performance and availability of funds. Grant funds must primarily support direct services to clients, including job training, vocational rehabilitation, job placement assistance, peer support services, and case management. Additional allowable activities include workforce training, telehealth expansion, and supportive services such as childcare and transportation, subject to specific funding limitations. Certain activities are explicitly prohibited, including the use of funds for harm reduction initiatives as defined by SAMHSA guidance and the purchase of certain medications. Eligibility is limited to domestic public and private nonprofit organizations that provide treatment and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders. Applicants must demonstrate partnerships with at least one local or state stakeholder, such as employers, workforce boards, or tribal entities. Organizations must also meet experience and credentialing requirements, including at least two years of relevant service delivery and compliance with applicable licensing and accreditation standards. Entities that previously received funding under specific earlier SAMHSA workforce programs are not eligible to apply. The application process requires submission through federal systems including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive application package that includes a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple required attachments such as letters of commitment, data collection plans, and organizational documentation. The project narrative is limited to 10 pages and must address defined evaluation criteria, including population need, implementation approach, evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection methods. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process followed by agency review for alignment with strategic priorities and federal requirements. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 23, 2026, with awards expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, and project start dates anticipated on September 30, 2026. Funded recipients must begin service delivery within four months of award and comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including semi-annual and annual progress reports, as well as detailed data reporting through SAMHSA systems. The program is not described as recurring, and no cost-sharing or matching funds are required. Key contacts for this opportunity include programmatic, financial, and review-related points of contact within SAMHSA, providing applicants with direct support during the application process. Overall, this grant represents a significant federal investment in integrating workforce development with substance use recovery services, aiming to create sustainable pathways to employment and long-term recovery for vulnerable populations.

Align closely with SAMHSA strategic priorities; emphasize evidence-based practices; demonstrate strong partnerships and workforce coordination; provide clear measurable outcomes and data collection plans