FY2026 Mental Health Grants for Health Care Professionals

The Mental Health Grants for Health Care Professionals FY2026 program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This initiative aims to strengthen the mental well-being of health care professionals across Minnesota by funding the creation and expansion of evidence-based or evidence-informed programs. It stems from legislative action through 2022 and 2023 state laws and reflects the state’s strategic commitment to mitigating workforce mental health issues, stigma, and structural stressors in health care settings. The grant program will distribute a total of $1,000,000 through an estimated 10 awards, each ranging between $25,000 and $150,000. No matching funds are required, and the program targets a diverse array of health care professions, including but not limited to physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and dentists. Eligible applicants must be located in Minnesota and include health care systems, clinics, hospitals, community mental health clinics, federally qualified health centers, Indian Health Services, and professional associations. Partnerships and collaborations that address structural workplace stressors are strongly encouraged. The grant program seeks proposals that directly address stigma and barriers to accessing mental health and substance use disorder services among health care professionals, promote resiliency and self-care, and reform systemic structures that contribute to burnout. Eligible projects may include peer-to-peer support programs, mental health and resiliency tools, workplace modification efforts, stigma reduction campaigns, and research on healthcare delivery reform. Expenses such as consultant fees and technology costs (e.g., app purchases) are allowed, while costs for fundraising, political activity, and non-health care professional staff are excluded. Applicants must submit proposals through MDH’s online Grants Portal by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on August 1, 2025. The application period began on June 4, 2025, with a webinar held on June 17, 2025. Award announcements will be made in early September 2025, and the grant performance period is scheduled from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. The application must include detailed narratives addressing the current mental health environment, upstream causes of burnout, retention and job satisfaction data, proposed interventions, budget justifications, and sustainability plans. Required attachments include audited financial statements, federally negotiated indirect cost rates (if applicable), and a conflict-of-interest disclosure. Evaluation of applications will be conducted by a review committee using a 100-point scoring system. Review criteria encompass organizational background, project clarity, impact potential, data-supported need, peer support elements, evaluation strategies, and sustainability. MDH reserves the right to cancel or withhold awards and will conduct site monitoring and financial reconciliations for grants over $50,000. All reports and invoices must be submitted quarterly, and compliance with state nondiscrimination and affirmative action laws is required. For additional inquiries, applicants may contact MDH at Health.ORHPC.WorkforceGrants@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-201-3634. Responses to questions submitted before July 21, 2025, will be posted online. All application materials are public data upon the close of the evaluation process, with the exception of properly labeled and justified trade secrets.

Submit early, use data to justify need, and align with stated outcomes.