Coover Regional Youth Mental Health Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Regional Grant Program, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) and The Commerce Trust Company, is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of mental health among rural youth. This initiative aligns directly with CFO's mission to enhance community well-being, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to mental health services is severely limited. The program recognizes the higher prevalence of serious mental illness, adolescent depression, psychological distress, and suicide in rural communities compared to urban centers, compounded by a lack of accessible services and public transportation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are rural youth aged 0-21 years old. The overarching impact goal is to significantly improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population. The program prioritizes increasing access to mental health services, fostering the creation of new and sustainable mental health programs, and expanding existing initiatives. Additionally, it focuses on providing mental health education for rural youth and their families, as well as professional mental health training for individuals engaged in youth-oriented programs and services. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges of rural mental health. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the availability and utilization of mental health services for rural youth, a reduction in the incidence of mental health crises, and improved mental health literacy within rural communities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the program's focus on creating and expanding programs, and providing education and training, implies a commitment to tangible improvements in the mental health landscape of rural Missouri. The suggested grant range of $15,000 – $25,000 for individual proposals and a total program support of up to $250,000 indicates a substantial investment in achieving these outcomes. The Coover Regional Grant Program’s strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in increased access, program development, education, and professional training, significant positive shifts in rural youth mental health can be achieved. This strategy is designed to build capacity within rural communities, empowering local organizations to address mental health needs effectively and sustainably. Eligible agencies, including nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, local government entities, and school districts, must serve in the CFO service area outside of Greene County, specifically rural Missouri south of the Missouri River and outside the metro areas of St. Louis and Kansas City, ensuring that funding directly targets the most underserved regions.