West Haven ARPA Grant

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is offering its Mental Health Matters Grant Program, aiming to bolster mental health resources across Arizona. This initiative aligns directly with the Foundation's broader mission to advance community health by addressing critical health needs, in this case, mental well-being. The program's core objective is to expand statewide resources, which includes increasing access to mental health services and support systems throughout all counties in Arizona. The grant program specifically targets non-profit organizations and academic institutions that are working to improve mental health outcomes. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it easier for individuals to seek and receive necessary care. By connecting people to care that promotes positive mental health, the Foundation seeks to save lives and improve the overall well-being of Arizona residents. The program prioritizes mental health competitive grants, with individual awards up to $125,000. These funds are intended to support direct project-related expenses. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion of funding for lobbying, capital expenditures (such as buildings, construction, or renovations), and services that are otherwise billable. This focus ensures that the grant money is directly applied to program implementation and service delivery, maximizing its impact on mental health initiatives. The expected outcomes of the Mental Health Matters Grant Program include an increase in available mental health resources, a measurable reduction in mental health stigma, and a greater number of individuals successfully connected to mental health care services. The project period for these grants is from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, allowing for a focused year of activity. This clear timeline and funding structure reflect the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in direct mental health support and anti-stigma efforts will lead to improved community mental health and healthier lives for Arizona citizens.