Providers Clinical Support System - Universities

The Providers Clinical Support System - Universities grant program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a sub-agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA plays a central role in improving the behavioral health of the nation, with a mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. This specific grant opportunity is cataloged under Assistance Listing 93.490, which is designated for Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Projects of Regional and National Significance. The core objective of this grant is to enhance the capacity of graduate-level health professional students to effectively address substance use disorders (SUDs) in their future clinical practice. Upon entering the workforce as licensed practitioners, students supported through this program will be equipped to identify, intervene in, and treat individuals with SUDs. The initiative emphasizes an understanding of SUD as a chronic illness, covering both the medical consequences and recovery support systems. Students are expected to gain not only academic knowledge of evidence-based treatment models but also hands-on experience by engaging with practitioners and individuals in long-term recovery. The anticipated structure of this grant will likely support academic institutions in designing curriculum enhancements and structured clinical experiences that integrate SUD treatment components. Funding is expected to cover program development, clinical placements, faculty training, and coordination with community recovery programs. Although the specific spending guidelines are not detailed in the forecast, grants of this nature typically disallow expenditures such as capital improvements or lobbying activities. No cost-sharing or matching requirement is listed, simplifying the application process for eligible entities. Eligibility for this grant is limited to domestic public and private nonprofit entities, a category that broadly encompasses universities, colleges, and other academic institutions. The goal is to reach institutions with accredited graduate-level health professional programs that can commit to integrating SUD education into core curricula. Although the eligibility description is relatively broad, it inherently restricts the opportunity to U.S.-based institutions that are nonprofit in nature. The forecast indicates an estimated post date of April 15, 2026, though the application due date has not been published yet. This places the opportunity in the "Early Engagement" stage, and interested institutions should monitor SAMHSA’s grants page or Grants.gov for updates. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers are mentioned in the forecasted notice. As a forecast, the opportunity may be subject to change, but the agency's inclusion of contact information suggests a readiness to field inquiries from interested applicants. Questions about the opportunity may be directed to Belinda Greenfield at (240) 276-2545 or via email at [email protected]. Since the opportunity is listed as forecasted without specific award or start dates, applicants are advised to prepare in advance and monitor for updates. The total estimated funding available is $1.2 million, with four awards expected, though individual award amounts are not yet defined. Based on the agency's history and the scope of the initiative, awards will likely be distributed across a small number of institutions that demonstrate readiness to embed and sustain SUD-related curriculum innovations.