Partnership Grants

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) is a state corporation tasked with administering the Alaska Mental Health Trust, a perpetual trust established to enhance the well-being of Alaskans experiencing mental health challenges and related conditions. Operating in a manner similar to a private foundation, AMHTA provides leadership in advocacy, planning, funding, and implementation of a comprehensive integrated mental health program. Trust beneficiaries include Alaskans who live with mental illness, developmental disabilities, chronic alcoholism and other substance use disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, as well as traumatic brain injuries. The Trust also emphasizes prevention and early intervention to reduce future incidences of these conditions. The Partnership Grant Program offered by AMHTA is designed to support organizations serving Trust beneficiaries by providing funding for projects that align with the Trust’s mission and strategic funding priorities. Although the application process was updated in February 2025, the types of initiatives supported through this program remain consistent. Funding may be directed toward a specific purpose or need, as long as it clearly benefits the designated beneficiary population. Eligible applicants include foundations, government agencies, tribal entities, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. All proposals must demonstrate a direct and measurable benefit to Trust beneficiaries and must avoid duplication of services already offered by local, state, or federal agencies. Applications should include clearly defined beneficiary groups and explain the connection between proposed services and their expected impacts. The Partnership Grant Program supports a range of project types. Examples of allowable funding uses include pilot projects that explore emerging or evidence-based practices, capital construction or major renovation projects for facilities that directly serve Trust beneficiaries, and inclusive projects where funding is awarded proportionally based on the percentage of beneficiaries served. Prevention initiatives may also qualify if there is a strong justification for their relevance to Trust beneficiaries and a plan for data collection and impact assessment. However, the grant does not fund ongoing operating expenses, continuation of previously funded grants, or the purchase and maintenance of vehicles or fuel. As of February 2025, applications are accepted on a quarterly basis with deadlines on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15, each due by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Time. If a deadline falls on a weekend or a recognized State of Alaska holiday, submissions are due the next business day at 5:00 p.m. The decision process typically takes between three to five months, though it can take longer in some cases. Applications must be submitted through the newly updated GrantsConnect portal, which requires all users, including past grantees, to create a new account. For questions regarding the program or assistance with the application process, prospective applicants can contact Lucas Lind, Grants Administrator, at Lucas.Lind@alaska.gov or Carrie Predeger, Grants Accountability Manager, at Carrie.Predeger@alaska.gov. Additional application tools, such as a help center and instructional guides for the portal, are available through the AMHTA website.