Adult Mental Health in Michigan

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, a private foundation based in Detroit and established in 1976, continues the legacy of Ethel “Peggy” Flinn and her brother James “Jim” Flinn, Jr., who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and dedicated his life to improving mental health outcomes. The Foundation's mission is to advance effective, evidence-based mental health treatment and services in Michigan, with a particular focus on the southeastern region of the state. The counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw constitute the Foundation's primary geographic focus for grantmaking. Through the 2025 Adult Mental Health Request for Proposals (RFP), the Foundation seeks to fund local or state governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations delivering mental health care to adults aged 22 and older. Proposals must align with the Foundation’s goal of accelerating the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in community settings. Approximately $500,000 in total funding is available for this RFP, with two-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Funding decisions will be made based on how well the proposals align with priority areas such as integrating behavioral health into primary care, implementing best practice therapeutic or peer support programs, improving behavioral health outcomes for veterans, diverting individuals from the criminal justice system into treatment, and fostering systemic cross-sector collaborations. Eligible applicants must be located in southeast Michigan and serve adult populations. Proposals should clearly outline the organization’s mission, history, goals, current services, and capacity to implement the proposed program. The proposal must identify the target population, justify the need for services, and describe the evidence base supporting the proposed model, including how the initiative will improve access, delivery, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, applicants must describe collaborative partners, expected measurable outcomes, an evaluation plan, and a sustainability strategy for post-grant continuation, including potential billing or alternate revenue streams. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grantmaking portal, accessible at www.flinnfoundation.org/apply. Required attachments include an Executive Summary using the Foundation's template, a completed Budget/Actual Expenditure Report, and a current financial audit by an independent CPA from the past two fiscal years. The Executive Summary is limited to two pages and must succinctly articulate the need, goals, activities, and anticipated outcomes of the proposed program. All applications must be submitted before 4:00 p.m. on July 17, 2025. Applicants will be notified of decisions on September 16, 2025, and funds will be distributed on December 18, 2025. The grant term begins January 1, 2026, and ends December 31, 2027. Grantees are required to submit a progress report by March 1, 2027, and a final report by March 1, 2028. Contact for inquiries is Andrea M. Cole, President and CEO, via email at acole@flinnfoundation.org or by phone at (313) 309-3437. While optional, applicants may reach out to the Foundation for eligibility discussions or proposal clarification.

Avoid jargon and buzzwords; use clear and plain language; the Executive Summary must be compelling and no more than two pages.