Adult and Adolescent Mental Health & Substance Abuse Community Program Grants

The County of Kauai Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, through its Life’s Choices Kauai initiative, is offering funding for community-based programs through its Adult and Adolescent Mental Health & Substance Abuse Community Program Grants. This funding opportunity aims to expand access to critical behavioral health services on Kauai by supporting initiatives that provide clinical mental health and/or substance abuse treatment and prevention services. The program focuses on addressing gaps in treatment infrastructure, particularly for adolescents and adults suffering from mental health conditions, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and those in recovery. Grants under this program are intended to increase the availability and accessibility of inpatient and outpatient services, facilitate the delivery of evidence-based interventions, and strengthen collaboration among local community agencies. Emphasis is placed on supporting pro-social activities for youth and young adults that enhance personal development, reduce risky behaviors, and foster community engagement. Proposed programs must align with these objectives and demonstrate a capacity for coordination across the continuum of care. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that are either based in Kauai or are Hawaii-based entities working with a Kauai-based fiscal sponsor and providing services exclusively within the county. Organizations must have a demonstrated commitment to equity and at least one year of experience relevant to the proposed project. A current Equity Plan and compliance with Hawaii’s procurement standards via the Hawaii Compliance Express system are also required. Applicants must submit their proposals via email by February 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM HST. The application window opens on January 3, 2025. All proposals must be emailed to opagrants@kauai.gov; submissions by mail or fax will not be accepted. Selection notifications will be issued during the week of February 24, 2025, and the funding period spans from March 15, 2025, through March 14, 2026. Proposals will be evaluated in a multi-phase process that includes initial eligibility screening, technical scoring, community input, and final review. Projects may request between $25,000 and $1,000,000 in funding, though the total available pool is capped at $1,000,000. Funds must be used primarily for direct services, and administrative expenses may not exceed 20% of the total project budget. Matching funds are not required. Proposals should include detailed project plans, equity reflections, staffing qualifications, and performance evaluation strategies. Reporting requirements include quarterly and final reports documenting outcomes aligned with national behavioral health indicators. Awards will be finalized via a signed grant agreement.

Strong emphasis on evidence-based practices, culturally appropriate care, and equitable access. Highlight how the program meets local behavioral health gaps and serves underserved populations.