Technical Assistance Center for Mental Health Peer-Led Organizations

The Technical Assistance Center for Mental Health Peer-Led Organizations is a forecasted discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding initiative is designed to bolster the capacity of mental health peer-run organizations (PROs), which are organizations led and staffed primarily by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, often referred to as peers. These entities play a crucial role in providing community-based support and services for adults with serious mental illness (SMI), making them a vital component of the broader mental health care ecosystem. The primary goal of this program is to provide technical assistance and training to PROs, helping them improve their infrastructure, service delivery models, and overall sustainability. This may include support in areas such as strategic planning, governance, workforce development, peer certification, service evaluation, and grant management. The technical assistance center established through this funding opportunity will serve as a national resource to elevate the peer-led behavioral health workforce and support organizations in meeting emerging challenges in community mental health service delivery. The grant will provide a single award totaling approximately $1,796,348. However, the forecast does not currently specify an award floor or ceiling, nor does it define the length of the performance period. It is also important to note that this funding opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants, making it more accessible to a broad range of eligible entities. The assistance is listed under CFDA number 93.532, which corresponds to the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance. Eligible applicants for this opportunity are domestic public and private nonprofit entities. This may include community-based organizations, peer-led nonprofits, and other similar entities operating within the United States that are committed to the peer-led mental health service model. Entities must demonstrate their nonprofit status and alignment with the program’s purpose, and they must be capable of delivering comprehensive technical assistance to a national network of PROs. As of the current forecast, the estimated post date for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is April 15, 2026. Application deadlines, award dates, and project start dates have not yet been specified. Given the nature of federal funding forecasts, potential applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and SAMHSA’s website for updates. Interested organizations may also contact Eric Weakly at [email protected] or (240) 276-1303 for more information or clarification. This opportunity is projected to be announced annually and may have recurring application cycles. Based on the forecast and analysis date of March 23, 2026, the current cycle is classified under early engagement. Applicants should plan accordingly and begin internal preparations in anticipation of the official release and application instructions.