Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education)

The Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) grant, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is designed to build and sustain school-based mental health services. SAMHSA operates as a key federal agency supporting public health efforts focused on behavioral health and substance use, with a mission of reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. This forecasted grant opportunity underscores SAMHSA’s continued commitment to advancing mental health infrastructure at the intersection of schools and communities. The primary purpose of Project AWARE is to develop sustainable infrastructures for mental health service delivery within school environments. Grantees are expected to foster collaborative partnerships among critical stakeholders, including State Education Agencies (SEAs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Tribal Education Agencies (TEAs), State Mental Health Agencies, community-based behavioral health providers, school personnel, families, and youth. This integrated network of support is intended to promote access to mental health services for school-aged children and create more resilient educational environments. While the forecast does not yet define specific award amounts or floor/ceiling figures, the estimated total funding available through this opportunity is $55,254,593. It is expected that 36 awards will be granted, although the final number may depend on the availability of funds and quality of applications received. Notably, there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, which may increase accessibility for a wider range of public and nonprofit entities. Eligibility for this grant includes a broad array of domestic public and private nonprofit entities, such as school districts, mental health providers, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate capacity for cross-agency collaboration and sustained implementation of school mental health services. While the forecast notice does not detail submission requirements or evaluation criteria at this stage, prospective applicants should prepare to establish partnerships, design service delivery models, and articulate plans for long-term sustainability. The estimated post date for the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is April 1, 2026. At this time, there is no specific application due date or performance period identified. However, based on the annual release cycle suggested by the forecast pattern, applicants may anticipate future due dates around the same time each year. Interested entities should monitor Grants.gov and SAMHSA’s communications closely for the official NOFO release. For more information, prospective applicants may contact Nancy Kelly at (240) 276-1143 or via email at [email protected]. Because this is a forecasted opportunity (Forecast 5), all application details are subject to change, and interested organizations should stay alert for updates on submission timelines, eligibility clarifications, and finalized funding amounts.