The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants

The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program was initiated in 2021 through a partnership between the American Psychiatric Association's Division of Diversity and Health Equity (DDHE) and the APA Foundation. Its creation was inspired by a shared commitment to addressing disparities in mental health outcomes for young people of color. The program is fueled by community engagement and supported financially by the MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K, an event launched to raise awareness about mental health inequities and to honor mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. This grant program seeks to fund community-based non-profit organizations that are actively addressing mental health and substance use disorder disparities faced by youth of color. Applicants may focus on innovative programming, awareness efforts, or enhancements in the accessibility and quality of culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services. Successful applicants will demonstrate a scalable and sustainable project plan aligned with these objectives and must have been operational for at least two consecutive years. The program awards a total of $10,000 per recipient for a two-year project period, contingent upon successful completion of the first year. Funding may be used to support programming that promotes equity in mental health and substance use care, though capital improvement projects are not eligible. The grant does not fund individuals or for-profit entities, and all applicants must hold tax-exempt status under Sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. In cases where an applicant is an unincorporated coalition, a fiscal sponsor must be designated. Eligibility is restricted to U.S.-based community organizations that serve youth of color and meet the program’s operational and tax-exempt criteria. In addition, recipients must be willing to participate in quarterly virtual meetings hosted by the grant administrators. Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, or other federally protected categories are ineligible, as are those without valid tax-exempt status. The application cycle for the MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program opens annually on August 1 and closes on September 30. This recurring timeline allows organizations to prepare their submissions in advance, especially if they aim to align with the expected next cycle. There are no pre-application requirements or phased submission processes, simplifying access to the opportunity. Inquiries regarding the program can be directed to the Division of Diversity and Health Equity at the American Psychiatric Association. The designated email for correspondence is moore@psych.org. Interested applicants are encouraged to review details about current and past grantees, eligibility requirements, and terms of award on the official program page.