Rural Mental Health Innovation Grant
Support bold ideas. Expand access. Strengthen rural mental health.
Through generous support from West Fraser, Mental Health America (MHA) is launching a multi-faceted initiative to strengthen mental health in the communities where West Fraser employees live and work.
As part of this effort, MHA will award two $55,000 grants to nonprofit organizations advancing innovative, community-driven approaches to mental health in rural communities.
These grants are intended to support efforts already underway — helping organizations expand, adapt, and strengthen solutions that address real and persistent barriers such as limited access to care, transportation challenges, and stigma.
To further support this work, MHA offers a range of rural mental health resources, including free webinars and practical tools designed for individuals and communities. Learn more and access these resources through MHA’s Rural Mental Health Resource Center.
Grant application
Applications are now closed for this funding opportunity.
What is the Rural Mental Health Innovation Grant?
The Rural Mental Health Innovation Grant supports organizations that are already implementing or testing promising approaches to strengthen mental health in rural communities and are ready to expand their work.
This funding is intended to:
- Build on existing programs, not brand new ideas
- Strengthen implementation and reach
- Generate insights that can be applied in other rural communities
Examples of eligible approaches include, but are not limited to:
- Peer support or navigator models
- Telehealth or digital access strategies
- Tailored community interventions
- Nontraditional engagement and/or community outreach approaches
- Use of emerging technologies
Note: To qualify for this grant, organizations MUST serve communities in one of the specific states/counties identified.
What will grantees do?
If selected, grantees will:
- Implement and strengthen an existing mental health program, including expanding current programming to serve rural communities
- Serve one or more eligible rural communities
- Participate in bi-monthly group technical assistance calls
- Engage in one-on-one support in alternating months
- Participate in site visits as requested by MHA
- Submit three progress reports throughout the grant period
Who should apply?
You may be a strong fit if you:
- Serve communities in one of the specific states/counties listed below (this is required)
- Are a nonprofit organization (501c3) in good standing
- Have been operating for 5 or more years
- Have a program beyond the idea stage
- Can demonstrate impact or early results
- Have the staffing and capacity to carry out the work
- Can commit to reporting, technical assistance, and collaboration
Eligible service areas
Applicants MUST serve one or more of the following locations. Organizations DO NOT need to be physically located in these communities, but must demonstrate a clear and intentional plan to serve them.
Arkansas
Grant County
Pope County
Sebastian County
Florida
Duval County
Escambia County
Georgia
Ben Hill County
Crisp County
Laurens County
Pierce County
Mississippi
Lee County
North Carolina
Columbus County
Northampton County
Texas
Angelina County
Bowie County
Marion County
Nacogdoches County
Rusk County
Timeline
June 1, 2026
5 pm ET
Application deadline
August 1, 2026
Grant period begins
June 30, 2027
Grant period ends
Funding details
- Two grants will be awarded
- $55,000 per grant
- 11-month funding period (August 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be located in an eligible county?
No. You may be based elsewhere, but you must demonstrate a clear plan to serve one or more eligible communities.
What locations are eligible, and how should I select them in the application?
Review the list of eligible service areas. Applicants must select one state and one or more eligible counties within that state in the application. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how the applicant will serve those communities.
Can I apply with a new idea?
No. This opportunity is for programs that are already being implemented and show early promise or impact.
Is support provided during the grant?
Yes. Grantees receive ongoing technical assistance, including bi-monthly group calls and one-on-one support provided in alternating months.
What reporting is required?
Three reports during the grant period that include progress, outcomes, financial tracking, photos, and stories of impact.
How to apply
Applications for this grant are now closed.
Questions?
Harpur Schwartz
Director of Special Projects
hschwartz@mhanational.org
Funding for this project is supported by contributions from West Fraser as a part of an initiative focused on supporting mental health awareness in rural areas.
