Mental Health Awareness Training Grants

The Mental Health Awareness Training Grants program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is authorized under Section 520J of the Public Health Service Act and is designed to expand national capacity for mental health awareness and crisis response training. The initiative aligns with broader federal priorities to improve access to mental health services, enhance crisis intervention systems, and promote evidence based practices across communities. The agency emphasizes coordination with local systems, adherence to federal regulations, and measurable outcomes in mental health service delivery. The primary purpose of the program is to support the implementation of mental health awareness and literacy training across communities. Funded projects are expected to train key individuals such as school personnel, emergency responders, law enforcement, veterans, caregivers, and community leaders to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and respond appropriately. Training must also include safe de escalation techniques and education on connecting individuals to appropriate mental health services. Applicants must develop structured training plans, establish partnerships with licensed mental health providers, and create outreach strategies that promote awareness and engagement across diverse populations. Funding supports activities related to training delivery, community engagement, and partnership development. Applicants must identify evidence based or evidence informed curricula and ensure that trained individuals are equipped with tools to refer individuals in crisis to appropriate services. Funds may not be used for certain restricted activities, including food expenses, harm reduction initiatives, or activities that conflict with federal policy directives. Indirect costs are capped at eight percent, and infrastructure costs must comply with depreciation rules. Projects must begin implementation within four months of award and maintain ongoing activities throughout the project period. Eligibility is limited to states, political subdivisions of states, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and nonprofit private entities, including faith based organizations. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity and provide documentation of nonprofit status where applicable. Entities previously funded under a specific prior funding opportunity with a defined start date are not eligible. Cost sharing is not required for this program. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to collect and report performance data, including metrics related to individuals trained and individuals connected to services. The application process requires submission through federal systems including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Applicants must prepare a project abstract, project narrative, and budget narrative, along with multiple required attachments such as letters of commitment, data collection instruments, and documentation of nonprofit status. The project narrative is limited to ten pages and must address specific evaluation criteria including population need, implementation approach, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Applications must be submitted electronically and pass validation checks prior to the deadline. Applications are evaluated through a multi step review process that includes eligibility screening, merit review by peer reviewers, and final selection based on alignment with agency priorities and available funding. Reviewers assess the clarity of the proposed approach, alignment with strategic priorities, and the applicant’s capacity to execute the project. Funding decisions also consider geographic distribution and program impact potential. Applicants are notified of results through the eRA Commons system, and successful applicants receive a Notice of Award outlining terms and conditions. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 27, 2026, with awards expected by September 1, 2026, and project start dates anticipated for September 30, 2026. The program allows for a project period of up to three years, with annual continuation contingent on performance and funding availability. Recipients must submit regular progress reports and comply with federal reporting requirements. The program is expected to be part of an ongoing federal effort to strengthen mental health response systems nationwide, though recurrence is not explicitly guaranteed.

Align proposal with SAMHSA strategic priorities; clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and data collection plans; establish strong partnerships with licensed mental health providers; ensure compliance with all funding restrictions