Circles of Care for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN)

The Circles of Care for American Indian/Alaska Natives program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This federal initiative is part of a broader effort to address mental health disparities and improve behavioral health systems within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The program operates under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance and reflects longstanding federal commitments to supporting culturally appropriate, community-driven health planning in tribal contexts. The purpose of this program is to provide support to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations as they plan and develop a comprehensive, community-based system of care. A system of care is defined as a coordinated network of effective mental health services and supports that are organized to meet the diverse needs of children, youth, and young adults, along with their families. The program emphasizes culturally relevant approaches and community engagement, ensuring that planning efforts reflect the values, traditions, and specific needs of each tribal community served. Funding through this opportunity is intended to support planning and development activities rather than direct service delivery. Allowable uses of funds typically include needs assessments, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, system design, and coordination among service providers. These efforts aim to build a sustainable framework for mental health services that integrates traditional healing practices with modern behavioral health approaches. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding, which reduces financial barriers for eligible applicants and encourages broader participation. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, tribal organizations, Urban Indian Organizations, and consortia of tribes or tribal organizations. This inclusive eligibility structure ensures that a wide range of entities serving Native populations can participate, provided they meet the federal recognition or organizational criteria outlined. The program is national in scope but specifically targeted to Native communities, reflecting its specialized focus. The application process is expected to follow standard federal grant submission procedures through Grants.gov once the opportunity is officially posted. While specific application components are not yet detailed in the forecast, applicants can anticipate requirements such as project narratives, budget justifications, and organizational capacity documentation. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the strength of the proposed planning approach, cultural competence, community involvement, and the potential to establish a viable system of care. At the time of this forecast, the opportunity has not yet opened for applications. The estimated posting date is May 29, 2026, with application deadlines and award timelines to be announced in the full notice of funding opportunity. A total program funding amount of 6,863,777 dollars is anticipated, with approximately 19 awards expected. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare in advance by engaging stakeholders and assessing community needs. For additional information, applicants may contact the program representative via email or phone as provided in the notice.