2024 Mini Grants

Background

The Behavioral Wellness Community Grants are an important strategy in MHRSB efforts to encourage activities throughout the six-county region that promote positive mental health and prevent substance abuse. The MHRSB is pleased to announce its FY 25 Behavioral Wellness Community Grant funding opportunity. The Board seeks to provide funding up to $10,000 per project to grassroots organizations* in the six-county area that will provide programs and/or services that offer skill-building, information, resources, support, or coping strategies aligned with our mission and goals. Programming and services funded must impact identified consumer or at-risk populations within the service area.

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*MHRSB defines grassroots organizations as those developed and/or operated at the community level with individuals or groups indigenous to the community. Grassroots organizations include individuals empowered to identify their own needs and define their own goals and the strategies for achieving them.

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MHRSB Behavioral Wellness Community Grant Funding Priorities:

• Programs that offer activities and/or services that reduce the impact of mental illness and addiction on individuals and families.

• Programs and projects that focus on reducing violence within the service area.

• Build upon individual and community strengths to achieve positive change or assist persons dealing with mental illness or addictions to achieve their goals and/or maintain recovery status.

• Projects that are in response to current or emerging challenges related to mental wellness, specifically stigma reduction and increasing awareness of mental health and addiction within the region.

• Programs offering creative and innovative programming that target current high-risk neighborhoods or populations and are aligned with the MHRSB mission of cultivating community assets that reduce the impact of mental illness and addiction.

• Organizations that address the priorities listed above and are submitting proposals for the first time.

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Organizational Eligibility and Restrictions

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Eligibility

• The organization’s total annualized budget cannot exceed $750,000.

• Applicants must be grassroots community-based organizations.

• The project request must be accessible to six county residents and must clearly describe its impact on the targeted population.

• The project must be completed by May 31, 2025.

• OMHAS-certified agencies are ineligible to receive grant funds.

 

Limitations

• Priority will be given to reimbursement for programming expenses.

• Grant funds cannot be used for expenses related to fundraising events.

• Grant funds cannot be used for political purposes.

• Grant funds cannot cover equipment such as iPads, iPods, tablets, etc.

• Travel and lodging for speakers and/or staff are not allowable costs for community mini grants.

• MHRSB cannot provide full event funding. Applicants should effectively leverage resources, both cash and in-kind support.

• Organizations that meet the new eligibility criteria and have previously received a mini-grant may apply, but a group can only be awarded one mini-grant per fiscal year.

• Services must be provided to six county residents without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, age, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, creed, human immunodeficiency virus status or other federal, state or local protected classes.

NOTE: Incomplete or Late Packets Will Not Be Reviewed

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Proposal Summary

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Documentation
To be considered for a Behavioral Wellness Community Grant, an applicant must submit the following documentation:

• Completed proposal with all requested information included

• Request for Funding Proposal Summary

• IRS form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification)

 

Funding Levels/Award Amounts
A total of up to $125,000 is available for programs serving six county residents; the maximum funding per project is $10,000. The grant period is from September 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. The selection committee reserves the right to adjust the amount awarded to successful applicants.

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Requirements

All recipients must complete these minimum requirements:

• Invite MHRSB staff to all events.

• Include the MHRSB logo on all signage, promotional materials (t-shirts, water bottles, magnets, etc.),
  and on social networking websites and other printed materials.

• Submit electronic copies of photos from the event or program.

• A final accounting of funds must be submitted within 60 days after the end of the activity.

• All unused funds must be returned to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of the Muskingum Area.

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Current and emerging priority challenges

• Services that impact residents who live in low-income zip codes.

• Services that impact Six County residents and friends and family members of those affected by suicide (completed or attempts)

• Services that address the impacts of the opioid crisis in six-county region.

• Programs and services that address school violence and bullying within the six-county region.

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Submission of Proposals

Interested parties should submit proposals by emailing your application to: admin@mhrs.org.

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Subject line should read: Behavioral Wellness Community Grant Application

• Proposals should not exceed 10 pages in length (including attachments).

• Proposals exceeding 10 pages in length will not be reviewed.

• Proposals should be received by 4:30 pm on September 30th, 2024.

• Incomplete or late packets will not be reviewed.