FY2026 Cooperative Agreements for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Center Follow-Up Programs

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting the FY2026 Cooperative Agreements for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Center Follow-Up Programs. This funding initiative is part of the agency’s broader mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. The program is specifically tied to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance, as indicated by its assistance listing number 93.243. It continues SAMHSA’s work to support behavioral health through national programs with proven outcomes. This grant aims to strengthen the follow-up services provided by crisis centers within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network. The goal is to improve outcomes for individuals in crisis by enhancing post-contact support, reducing the risk of suicide, preventing overdose deaths, and minimizing the recurrence of crisis events. Follow-up care is a vital part of comprehensive behavioral health intervention strategies. It helps build resilience and ensures individuals stay connected to care after their initial call or contact, which has been shown to significantly improve long-term safety and stability outcomes. The anticipated funding for this program totals $7.5 million, to be distributed through approximately 30 cooperative agreements. The cooperative agreement model signals a substantial level of federal involvement in project implementation, often including monitoring, technical assistance, or coordination support. Specific award ceilings and floors have not been published at this forecast stage, and cost-sharing or matching contributions are not required for eligibility. This funding opportunity is categorized under “Health” and is discretionary in nature, meaning funds are allocated based on a competitive evaluation process rather than formula-based distributions. Eligible applicants are limited to crisis centers that are officially part of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network and provide 24/7 services. These centers must already be integrated into the Lifeline system and capable of delivering ongoing support post-initial contact. The program explicitly excludes broader applicant categories such as state governments or nonprofit organizations unless they meet this narrow eligibility scope. Additional documentation outlining eligibility and specific application requirements is not yet available but will be provided when the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is released. Although the opportunity is currently in a forecasted stage, key timeline indicators suggest a post date of May 1, 2026. The estimated application due date, award announcement, and project start date are yet to be published. Applicants should monitor Grants.gov and SAMHSA’s official site for updates. Based on the funding cycle, it is inferred that this program recurs annually, and future deadlines are likely to follow a similar calendar year pattern. There are currently no indications of pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers being required. Program inquiries should be directed to James Wright at SAMHSA, who can be reached at (240) 276-1615 or via email at [email protected]. As this is a forecasted opportunity, it is advised that interested crisis centers prepare by reviewing past application requirements from similar Lifeline funding opportunities and ensure their organizational readiness aligns with the expected scope and intensity of follow-up service delivery outlined in this grant forecast.