Counseling Services for Parents of Deceased Children

The Arizona Department of Health Services, through its Bureau of Chronic Disease and Health Promotion, has announced a funding opportunity to expand counseling services for parents in the state of Arizona whose children have died as a result of violence. The department has legislatively allocated funds to support nonprofit organizations that can directly provide professional counseling, with the goal of improving emotional and psychological care for grieving parents. This program is designed to address an acute need for supportive services that help families navigate trauma and loss. The purpose of this Request for Grant Application is to increase the accessibility and quality of counseling programs for parents facing the devastating effects of violent death in their families. By enhancing community-level resources, the initiative seeks to strengthen the resilience and recovery of affected families while addressing gaps in the availability of qualified mental health providers who can offer direct, licensed counseling services. Importantly, the grant does not fund referral programs but requires providers to deliver services directly to beneficiaries. Funding under this opportunity totals up to $499,882.28, with the potential for one or multiple awards depending on the needs and areas served. The project duration extends from the award date through June 30, 2026. The department reserves the right to make partial awards. No cost-sharing or matching requirement is imposed, ensuring greater accessibility for eligible organizations. While no minimum or maximum award amounts are specified, applicants are expected to provide detailed budgets that align with program goals and allowable uses. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations headquartered in Arizona, in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service, and licensed to provide counseling services within the state. Additionally, applicants and any subrecipients must not have corrective action plans in place. Service providers must hold valid licenses to deliver counseling services in Arizona as of the award start date. Local government entities and other qualifying organizations may apply if they meet these criteria. This ensures that funded organizations are established, compliant, and capable of providing the required services. Applications will open on October 8, 2025, and close on November 19, 2025. A pre-application conference will be held virtually on October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local Arizona time via Google Meet. Applicants are encouraged to attend to clarify requirements, timelines, and submission expectations. Submissions should be directed to Emmanuel Benjamin, Senior Procurement Specialist with the Arizona Department of Health Services, who will serve as the primary program contact. His office is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and he may be contacted via phone or email for assistance. The funding is a one-time opportunity, with no indication of recurring annual cycles. Applicants must ensure that they prepare complete and timely submissions to be considered for funding. Evaluation will focus on the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality, licensed counseling services directly to parents of deceased children, their compliance with eligibility rules, and their ability to serve Arizona communities in need. Selected organizations will play a vital role in supporting families during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.