Cooperative Agreements for States and Territories to Improve Local 988 Capacity

The Cooperative Agreements for States and Territories to Improve Local 988 Capacity program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal initiative supports the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline system, which provides 24/7 access to crisis counseling via call, text, and chat. The program builds on the national transition to the 988 dialing code in 2022 and reflects SAMHSA’s role as the lead federal agency for behavioral health crisis services. The overarching goal is to strengthen crisis response infrastructure and ensure that individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or emotional crises receive timely and effective support. The primary purpose of the program is to improve state and territory response capacity for all 988 contacts and enhance services for populations at high risk of suicide and overdose. Applicants are expected to expand workforce capacity, ensure at least 90 percent of contacts are answered, and improve quality and clinical practices. The program also emphasizes developing follow-up systems, referral protocols, and sustainability plans to ensure long-term viability of crisis services. Coordination with emergency systems such as 911 and partnerships with tribal communities and local providers are key elements of the program’s design. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, with substantial federal involvement in project oversight. The total estimated funding available is over 211 million dollars, with approximately 56 awards anticipated. Award amounts vary by state or territory based on call volume and other factors outlined in an appendix, and projects may last up to three years. Funds are primarily intended for capacity building, including workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and system coordination. Restrictions apply, including limits on technology spending and prohibitions on certain activities such as food expenses or specific policy-related uses. Eligible applicants are limited to state and territorial government agencies, including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Only one award is permitted per state or territory. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to manage statewide 988 systems, coordinate with crisis contact centers, and implement required activities such as data reporting, quality monitoring, and cybersecurity measures. Tribal organizations are not eligible for this specific opportunity but may apply under a separate related program. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and eRA Commons, with several required components including a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting attachments such as timelines and letters of commitment. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and content requirements, including a maximum page limit for the project narrative. Applicants must also comply with federal registration requirements and maintain active accounts throughout the award lifecycle. Applications are evaluated through an initial eligibility review followed by a merit-based peer review process. Evaluation criteria include the applicant’s understanding of population needs, implementation strategy, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Final funding decisions consider alignment with SAMHSA priorities, availability of funds, and geographic distribution. Award notifications are expected after review, with project start dates projected shortly thereafter. The application deadline for this opportunity is July 17, 2026, with awards expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, and project start dates around September 30, 2026. Recipients must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including semi-annual progress reports, data submissions, and participation in national evaluations. While the program is not explicitly described as recurring, it aligns with ongoing federal efforts to sustain and improve crisis response systems nationwide.

Ensure strong alignment with SAMHSA priorities and clearly demonstrate capacity to meet 988 demand including workforce development, data reporting, and system coordination.