New York State Clubhouses

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is soliciting proposals through the Clubhouses Request for Proposals (RFP #MH253014) to establish and expand Clubhouse programs across four OMH regions: Central, Hudson River, Western, and Long Island. This initiative supports the development of approximately eight new Clubhouses, with a target of two awards per region. The RFP is open to both current providers seeking to convert existing psychosocial clubs or recovery centers to the Clubhouse Model and new providers intending to open entirely new Clubhouse locations. These Clubhouses must serve adults aged 18 and older living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), including those with co-occurring substance use and physical health conditions. Clubhouses operate under a member-driven, evidence-based model that promotes recovery and community integration through structured, collaborative activities. The model is grounded in shared ownership, voluntary participation, and mutual respect between members and staff. OMH requires that new Clubhouses obtain Clubhouse International accreditation within the first four fiscal years and follow its global standards. The facilities must operate independently in physical space, be open a minimum of five days per week during standard business hours, and offer evening and weekend programming once fully operational. Funding through this RFP is structured according to regional classifications, with specific allocations based on whether the applicant proposes to operate in rural, suburban, or urban counties. Annual award amounts range from $551,175 to $1,456,994 depending on the county type. The total available funding is $6.6 million annually for five years. Awardees must use the funds to cover operating costs, staffing (including a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts), accreditation, training, and technical assistance. Submissions are to be completed through the Statewide Financial System (SFS), which enforces strict formatting, file-naming, and documentation requirements. All applicants must be prequalified in SFS prior to submission. Proposals will be evaluated in two parts: a technical evaluation and a financial assessment. The technical evaluation will allocate up to 100 points across criteria such as program description, implementation, agency performance, and diversity/equity/inclusion. A minimum score of 75 points is required to be considered for funding. Each proposal must demonstrate collaboration with local governmental units and include letters of support either from existing program participants (if converting) or prospective community members (if opening a new Clubhouse). Required certifications include a Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy and a Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace Policy. The anticipated timeline includes a bidder's conference on January 5, 2026, questions due by January 29, and proposals due by March 12, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by April 23, 2026, with contracts commencing January 1, 2027. All applications must be submitted via SFS by the specified deadline. Prequalification in SFS must be completed at least five business days before submission to avoid disqualification. No extensions or exceptions will be granted. Applicants are also required to notify the appropriate Local Governmental Unit and upload proof of this notification to the SFS system.

Submit via SFS at least 48 hours early; follow strict naming and file format rules to avoid disqualification.