Children's Mental Health Initiative

The Children’s Mental Health Initiative is a forecasted discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This initiative is part of SAMHSA's broader efforts to support the mental health and emotional well-being of children and youth in the United States, particularly those facing or at risk for serious emotional disturbances (SED). SAMHSA’s mission includes providing resources and guidance to help improve mental health outcomes through community-based, family-driven, and youth-guided services. The primary objective of the Children’s Mental Health Initiative is to fund comprehensive community mental health services for children and youth from birth through age 21 who are at risk for or already experiencing SED. The grant aims to create, expand, and sustain effective, culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed systems of care that integrate mental health, primary care, education, child welfare, and juvenile justice services. The end goal is to ensure that eligible youth and their families have access to coordinated, evidence-based mental health services. This initiative is forecasted to support approximately 22 awards with an estimated total program funding of $43,353,763. While specific award ceilings and floors are not stated, cost-sharing or matching contributions are required from awardees. Eligible entities include state governments, territories, political subdivisions such as counties, and federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations. These eligibility criteria are determined statutorily, underscoring the program’s focus on broad, state- and community-level implementation. Key dates to monitor include the estimated post date of February 17, 2026. The program's application due date, award date, and project start date have not yet been released. However, based on the annual nature of SAMHSA's funding programs and the forecast's structure, prospective applicants should anticipate a spring/summer 2026 application cycle. Given its recurring nature, future cycles are likely, and applicants should begin preparatory work early. Applications are expected to be submitted through Grants.gov. While detailed submission steps and required application components have not been released as part of the forecast, typical SAMHSA submissions include a narrative, budget documents, letters of support, and a project abstract. Interested parties should direct any questions to Emily Lichvar at (240) 276-1859 or via email at ChildrensMentalHealthInitiative@samhsa.hhs.gov. All potential applicants are encouraged to subscribe for updates on the Grants.gov forecast page.