2025 Mental Health Service Expansion and Workforce Development Grant

The San Diego Foundation (SDF) is offering the 2025 Mental Health Service Expansion and Workforce Development Grant to support nonprofit service providers and workforce development efforts that enhance access to mental, behavioral, and early relational health services for children, youth, and families in the San Diego region. This initiative is part of SDF’s Healthy Children & Families Initiative and Early Childhood Initiative, which aim to improve wellness and expand opportunities for underserved communities. The total available funding for this grant cycle is $1.5 million, divided into two primary categories: $1 million for mental, behavioral, and early relational health services that promote access to care through culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices. $500,000 for workforce development, specifically supporting organizations that provide paid stipends to individuals pursuing careers in mental and behavioral health professions. The grant is designed to address the growing need for mental health professionals in the San Diego region. Studies indicate that 18,500 additional behavioral health professionals will be needed by 2027. The initiative also seeks to increase diversity within the behavioral health workforce, as research shows that over 80% of professionals in the field are White, compared to only 5% Black or African American professionals. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that provide mental and behavioral health services to children, youth, and families. Applicants must use culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches to improve access and reduce stigma associated with mental health care. Additionally, workforce development initiatives must focus on diverse local recruitment and paid stipends to increase equitable access to careers in behavioral health. The application process is managed through the SDF grant portal. Applications must be submitted online by March 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. A PDF of the application questions is available for review before submission, but only online submissions will be accepted. The grant timeline is as follows: March 3, 2025 – Application Opens March 28, 2025 (5:00 p.m. PDT) – Application Deadline May 2025 (tentative) – Applicants Notified For further inquiries, applicants can contact San Diego Foundation at (619) 235-2300 or via email at info@sdfoundation.org. Additional details and application instructions are available on the SDF grant portal.