Crisis Program Enhancement Grants

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services administers the Crisis Program Enhancement Grant under statutory authority 46.536 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This program was created to strengthen county and regional crisis response systems that serve individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, particularly in rural areas. The funder, a state agency within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is responsible for promoting integrated behavioral health programs that coordinate community-based, emergency, and law enforcement responses for individuals in crisis. Under the pending 2025–2027 Wisconsin biennial budget, this program is proposed for expansion through draft bill 25-1236 P3 (DOA BB0251). The proposed amendment would broaden eligibility to include counties, multi-county regions, and municipalities to support law enforcement and behavioral health service collaboration in crisis response. It would appropriate a total of two million dollars ($2,000,000) per biennium for this new collaboration component, in addition to the existing rural crisis funding. The maximum single award would not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), and each recipient must provide a minimum twenty-five percent (25 percent) match of the grant amount for the funded purpose. Funding may be used to establish, enhance, or expand coordinated crisis programs or co-responder models between behavioral health professionals and public safety agencies. Eligible costs may include staffing, training, communication systems, and crisis stabilization coordination. DHS oversees the allocation, award, and reporting processes and ensures that each grantee meets statutory match and program requirements. Indirect administrative costs must remain consistent with state grant management policy and cannot exceed amounts set by DHS in award guidance. Eligible applicants include Wisconsin counties, municipalities, and regional collaborations formed by multiple counties or municipalities. Awards are made on a competitive basis according to program criteria established by DHS. Because the program is state-funded and statutory, it is limited to Wisconsin jurisdictions. The program is non-recurring during the current cycle; the next opportunity is contingent upon enactment of the 2025–2027 budget and subsequent DHS funding announcement. Applications are not currently being accepted. Once authorized, DHS will release a solicitation through its official procurement and grant portals. Submission typically requires completion of the state’s online grant application forms and demonstration of local match capability. Review and selection will be conducted by DHS program staff according to statutory alignment, readiness, and regional impact. Award announcements are generally made following budget enactment and program appropriation. Applicants should monitor the DHS solicitations page and budget implementation notices for updated timelines and application instructions.

Monitor DHS solicitations; ensure 25% local match and interagency coordination.