The Advancing Community Driven Mental Health grant is a behavioral health initiative launched by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation (BCBSMA Foundation). The Foundation, a private philanthropic entity, is committed to expanding access to healthcare in Massachusetts, particularly for underserved populations. This specific grant opportunity supports the implementation of Problem Management Plus (PM+), a community-based mental health intervention, aimed at addressing the mental health challenges of individuals experiencing adversity in their everyday lives.
PM+ is designed to be a scalable psychological intervention for people affected by adversity, such as economic hardship, trauma, or marginalization. It is distinct from traditional clinical services in that it is delivered by trained non-clinical staff within community-based organizations. These staff members are taught to support individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental distress by providing structured guidance, teaching coping techniques, and offering referrals to additional services when necessary. This approach seeks to break down access barriers, particularly for communities that are economically, racially, culturally, or socially marginalized.
The goals of this grant program are twofold. First, it aims to improve and increase access to mental health services at the community level for individuals dealing with practical and emotional stressors. Second, it seeks to develop a capable non-clinical workforce within local organizations who can provide these supports effectively. The strategy ensures that help is accessible within community settings and not solely reliant on the clinical healthcare infrastructure, which can be inaccessible or intimidating for many individuals in need.
Organizations selected for the grant will receive support beyond funding. The BCBSMA Foundation, along with its collaborators—Partners In Health, The Family Van, and the Institute for Community Health—will provide training, technical assistance, and implementation support throughout the grant period. This holistic support structure is designed to ensure the successful adoption and sustainability of the PM+ model within grantee organizations.
The application process for the Advancing Community Driven Mental Health grant begins with the submission of a Letter of Interest (LOI), which is due by July 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A public webinar was held on June 18, 2025, to provide potential applicants with detailed guidance on the program and application process. Additionally, applicants can seek real-time guidance during scheduled office hours hosted by the Foundation’s Senior Director of Grantmaking, Jacquie Anderson, on July 2, 3, 10, and 17, 2025.
The grant period will span from 2025 to 2027, offering multi-year support to participating organizations. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation's application portal and associated documentation, including guidelines, readiness assessments, and webinar slides, for further instruction. While exact award amounts, matching requirements, and eligibility categories are not specified in the source, the program is clearly targeted toward community-based organizations positioned to implement a non-clinical mental health intervention in Massachusetts.
Applicants are encouraged to register early for the new portal (approval may take 48 hours). Office hours are available to answer questions.
