FY2026 Cooperative Agreements for States and Territories to Improve Local 988 Capacity

The Cooperative Agreements for States and Territories to Improve Local 988 Capacity is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This program is part of the broader national effort to strengthen the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline system, which provides immediate support through call, text, and chat services for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The funding is intended to support state and territorial infrastructure and coordination to ensure that 988 services are responsive, accessible, and effective across diverse populations. The primary purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of states and territories to respond to all 988 contacts originating within their jurisdictions. This includes improving call center operations, expanding staffing and technological capabilities, and strengthening coordination with local crisis response systems. A key focus is on improving service delivery for populations at elevated risk of suicide and overdose, ensuring equitable access and culturally competent care. The program emphasizes system-level improvements that enable timely, appropriate, and life-saving interventions. Funding under this opportunity is provided through cooperative agreements, indicating substantial involvement from the federal agency in program implementation and oversight. While specific allowable costs are not explicitly detailed in the forecast notice, funding is expected to support infrastructure development, workforce expansion, service coordination, and enhancements to crisis response systems. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible applicants and supports broader participation among state and territorial agencies. Eligibility is limited to state and territorial government agencies, including all U.S. states and specified territories such as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Only one award will be made per state or territory, and in cases where multiple applications are submitted from a single jurisdiction, only the highest-scoring application will be considered for funding. This structure reinforces a competitive selection process within each jurisdiction. The application process has not yet opened, as this opportunity is currently in forecast status. The estimated posting date is May 29, 2026, at which time full application instructions, required components, and submission procedures are expected to be released. Applicants will likely be required to submit proposals through Grants.gov, including detailed program plans, budgets, and supporting documentation. Evaluation criteria and review processes will be defined in the full notice of funding opportunity upon release. The total estimated program funding is 211,100,000 dollars, with approximately 56 awards anticipated, suggesting broad national coverage across eligible jurisdictions. Specific award amounts per recipient are not provided in the forecast. Key contact information is available for inquiries, including a program representative at SAMHSA. Timeline details such as application deadlines, award announcements, and project start dates have not yet been published, but applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance given the anticipated release schedule. This funding opportunity is not explicitly identified as recurring, though it aligns with ongoing federal investment in crisis response infrastructure. Organizations interested in applying should monitor Grants.gov for updates and prepare to engage quickly once the full announcement is released. The cooperative agreement structure and national scope indicate a significant opportunity for states and territories to strengthen their behavioral health crisis response systems.