Promoting Wellness and Healing in Communities

The New York State Office of Mental Health has released a funding opportunity through the program Promoting Wellness and Healing in Communities. This initiative supports efforts to strengthen resilience, reduce the impact of trauma, and promote community-based wellness strategies across New York State. The grant responds to the growing recognition of trauma as both an individual and collective issue, with a focus on the role of communities in facilitating healing, recovery, and resilience. Building on federal frameworks such as SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach, the program aims to extend trauma-informed practices into community networks and local support systems. The purpose of the program is to enable community-based organizations, local governments, for-profit agencies, and tribal organizations in New York to implement or expand strategies that foster mental wellness, prevent trauma, and enhance recovery. Eligible initiatives may include arts and cultural practices, mindfulness and movement programs, intergenerational activities, community conversations, peer mentoring, recreational activities, and support for culturally rooted healing practices. Funded projects must also incorporate partnerships with at least one community entity such as schools, faith organizations, neighborhood associations, or service providers to ensure broad engagement and sustainability. Awards under this program will provide up to $750,000 per organization over a three-year period, with annual disbursements of $250,000. Up to twenty awards are planned, distributed across the five OMH regions of the state. Funds may be used for implementation of wellness supports, community events, materials development, training activities, and engagement with the NYS Trauma-Informed Network and Resource Center (TINRC). Allowable costs also include program participation in required trainings and technical assistance. Awardees are required to adhere to state spending rules, including caps on indirect costs at 15 percent and adherence to state travel reimbursement rates. Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Prequalification is mandatory for nonprofit applicants, and all applicants must be registered as vendors in SFS prior to submission. The application process includes completion of a proposal template, budget submission, and supporting documents such as proof of LGU notification, contact forms, sexual harassment prevention certification, and gender-based violence certification. The timeline requires applicants to submit questions by October 16, 2025, with responses posted November 5, 2025. Final applications are due December 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern. Awards are anticipated in January 2026, with contracts beginning in July 2026. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit and financial soundness. The technical section carries 80 points, focusing on applicant qualifications, project structure, implementation of wellness strategies, promotion of mental health awareness, collaboration with NYS TINRC, and commitment to equity. The financial section carries 20 points and assesses the clarity, reasonableness, and feasibility of the proposed budget. Applicants must meet a minimum score of 70 points to be considered for funding. OMH reserves the right to reallocate awards across regions if sufficient qualified proposals are not received. The contract period is three years, with quarterly and annual reporting required to demonstrate progress in partnership development, implementation of wellness strategies, dissemination of mental wellness information, and engagement with TINRC activities. Awardees will also participate in quarterly OMH meetings and submit financial reports to ensure accountability. The program places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, requiring applicants to demonstrate strategies to reduce disparities in access to wellness and healing supports for marginalized populations. This funding opportunity is positioned as a critical investment in building healthier, more resilient communities across New York State.

Prequalify early in SFS; do not wait until the last day to submit; proposals must include community partnerships, trauma-informed approaches, and equity commitments.