The Anxiety & Depression Initiative, Inc. (The ADI) is currently accepting proposals for its Get Out and Get Active Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support innovative projects that explore or promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This program seeks to fund projects that facilitate active lifestyles among individuals with mental illness, research the relationship between physical activity and mental health, or educate communities about how physical activity can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies based in the United States, and all projects must take place within the country. Each project must focus on at least one of the following objectives: introducing active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness, conducting research on the impact of physical activity on mental health, or educating the public on this intersection. Projects must be completed within 12 months of grant disbursement.
The ADI anticipates awarding up to $20,000 in total funding each year, with individual grants not exceeding $10,000. A single project’s budget must not exceed $20,000, and the grant request must cover at least 50% of the total project cost. Notably, employee salaries and wages are ineligible for funding, although they do not need to be included in the project’s cost calculation.
Grants may not be used for capital expenditures, food or entertainment, political or religious activities, subcontracting without prior approval, or indirect and general administrative costs unrelated to the project. A robust follow-up and accountability structure is built into the grant, requiring grantees to submit periodic progress and financial reports, acknowledge the funder in materials, and submit final evaluations and impact materials.
Applications must include a detailed proposal consisting of a cover form, cover letter, full project narrative, at least two letters of external support, and any necessary appendices. The submission deadline is May 30, 2025, and proposals must be sent via email to Grants@TheADI.org. Awards will be announced no later than October 1, 2025.
Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with ADI’s mission, potential for long-term impact, clarity and feasibility of implementation, budget accuracy, evaluation methods, and overall proposal quality. Additional information or interviews may be requested during the review period.
