Peer Run Organization - Clubhouse Model, Technical Assistance Program

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is offering a funding opportunity through its Office of Community Supports, Bureau of Recovery Supports, to support the development and expansion of peer-run organizations using the Clubhouse Model. This Request for Applications seeks to identify and fund a single organization that will provide statewide technical assistance to existing and emerging Clubhouse programs. The funding is supported by state General Revenue Funds for the fiscal biennium and reflects a broader policy priority to expand community-based behavioral health services, reduce hospitalization rates, and strengthen recovery-oriented systems of care across Ohio. The primary purpose of this grant is to build capacity among peer-run organizations by delivering structured technical assistance, including education, consultation, and ongoing support. The selected grantee will be responsible for designing and implementing a statewide system that supports organizations developing or expanding Clubhouse programs. These programs are based on a psychosocial rehabilitation model that emphasizes community integration, employment, education, and wellness for individuals living with serious mental illness. The grant aims to strengthen infrastructure, promote adoption of evidence-based practices, and increase the availability of Clubhouse services throughout the state. Funding will support a wide range of activities tied to technical assistance and system development. These include creating toolkits, evaluation reports, sustainability plans, and readiness assessments aligned with Clubhouse International standards. The grantee will also be expected to conduct outreach, facilitate training sessions, host learning communities, and develop marketing and educational materials. Additionally, the grantee must support organizations in identifying areas for growth such as employment services, housing supports, or youth programming. All activities must align with established Clubhouse standards and demonstrate measurable outcomes related to program expansion and effectiveness. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to nonprofit organizations and government entities with demonstrated expertise in the Clubhouse Model, behavioral health systems, and program evaluation. Applicants must have the capacity to deliver services statewide, employ subject matter experts, and incorporate lived experience into program design. Organizations must also demonstrate the ability to complete all required deliverables and provide technical assistance during standard business hours. Individual applicants are mentioned in definition terms but formal eligibility requirements specify organizational applicants with nonprofit or governmental status. Applications must be submitted electronically via email and include several required components such as a face sheet, abstract, detailed project description, staffing plan, evaluation framework, and a comprehensive budget narrative. The project description must outline how each deliverable will be completed, including timelines, responsible personnel, and quality assurance processes. Applicants must also describe their technical assistance approach, prior experience, and strategies for sustainability beyond the grant period. Applications are limited in length and must adhere to strict formatting requirements. The application timeline is clearly defined, with the opportunity posted in mid-June and applications due by the end of June. Questions must be submitted prior to a specified deadline, and responses are shared publicly. Awards are expected to be announced shortly after the application deadline, and the selected grantee must be prepared to begin work shortly after receiving formal authorization. The performance period spans one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent on performance and funding availability. Evaluation of applications is based on criteria such as technical capacity, feasibility, prior experience, and alignment with project goals. Overall, this grant represents a targeted investment in strengthening peer-led recovery services across Ohio. By funding a single technical assistance provider, the Department aims to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability in the implementation of the Clubhouse Model. The initiative emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and evidence-based practices, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals living with mental illness and enhancing the statewide behavioral health system.

Ensure detailed and feasible deliverables plan with clear timelines and SMART objectives; Demonstrate strong prior experience in technical assistance and behavioral health systems; Align proposal closely with Clubhouse Model standards and statewide scalability