Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education)

Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) is a forecasted grant opportunity funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It aims to strengthen the capacity of educational systems across the United States by fostering a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services. The program supports initiatives that build partnerships among state and local educational and mental health agencies, as well as community-based providers and other stakeholders engaged in youth wellbeing. The central goal of Project AWARE is to increase awareness of mental health issues among school-aged youth and to provide training to school personnel to detect and respond to mental health challenges. Award recipients will work collaboratively with State Education Agencies (SEAs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Tribal Education Agencies (TEAs), and State Mental Health Agencies to improve access to behavioral health services. These efforts are designed to create environments that support emotional wellness and resiliency in K-12 educational settings. Funding will support activities such as professional development for school staff, student screening and referral systems, school-community partnerships, and the development of comprehensive mental health frameworks within school districts. While the exact allowable and restricted costs are not detailed in the forecast notice, the nature of the program suggests expenditures should be aligned with SAMHSA's overarching objectives in youth mental health support and system integration. Project AWARE does not require a cost-sharing or matching contribution from applicants. Eligible applicants include domestic public and private nonprofit entities, which opens the opportunity to a broad range of potential implementers including school districts, community organizations, and tribal entities. The estimated total program funding is $56,170,333, with an expected 37 awards, though the specific award ceilings or floors have not yet been published. The forecasted application post date is February 17, 2026. As of the last update on December 11, 2025, neither a definitive application deadline nor project start date has been specified. Applicants will need to monitor Grants.gov or SAMHSA communications for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to confirm application requirements, deadlines, and timeline. For additional questions or early engagement, interested parties may contact Nancy Kelly at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration via email at [email protected] or phone at (240) 276-1143.