Deadline: 31-Oct-2026
The Step Up for Mental Health program supports community-based initiatives that raise awareness and improve mental health in Saskatchewan. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for eligible registered charities, qualified donees, non-profits, and organized groups delivering mental health-focused projects that benefit Saskatchewan communities.
Program Overview
Step Up for Mental Health is a grant program that supports mental health initiatives across Saskatchewan.
The program is connected to Step Up for Mental Health, a Saskatoon-based run/walk event supported by Cameco as presenting sponsor. The event raises funds and awareness for mental health and helps support community-based projects that respond to local needs.
The program is intended to help organizations and groups deliver practical initiatives that strengthen mental health awareness, support, education, and community wellbeing.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the program is to support projects that improve mental health outcomes and increase awareness within Saskatchewan communities.
Applicants must show that their project focuses on mental health and provides clear benefits to communities in Saskatchewan.
The program encourages projects that are community-driven, locally relevant, well-planned, and supported by realistic budgets and evaluation plans.
Funding Details
Grant funding of up to $10,000 is available for eligible projects.
Key funding points include:
- Maximum grant amount: Up to $10,000
- Geographic focus: Saskatchewan
- Eligible project type: Community-based mental health initiatives
- Application method: Online application form
- Main purpose: Mental health awareness, support, and community wellbeing
Projects must operate within Saskatchewan and clearly benefit communities in the province.
Key Focus Areas
The program focuses on mental health awareness, support, and community-based action.
Key focus areas include:
- Mental health awareness
- Mental health support
- Community mental health needs
- Saskatchewan-based mental health initiatives
- Organizational capacity
- Community wellbeing
- Local priorities
- Partnership and collaboration
- Community engagement
- Project evaluation
- Realistic budgeting
- Mental health education and outreach
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to organizations and groups working on mental health-focused projects in Saskatchewan.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- Qualified donees
- Non-profit organizations
- Organized groups
Groups without a charitable number may also apply using the designated account setup process.
Project Eligibility
Eligible projects must focus on mental health and benefit communities within Saskatchewan.
Projects should clearly demonstrate:
- A mental health-related purpose
- A clear community need
- Benefits for Saskatchewan residents
- Alignment with local priorities
- Organizational capacity to deliver the initiative
- A realistic project budget
- A clear evaluation plan
- Potential for community impact
What the Program Can Support
The program can support a range of community-based mental health initiatives.
Supported activities may include:
- Mental health awareness campaigns
- Community education activities
- Mental health support programs
- Workshops and training sessions
- Peer support initiatives
- Outreach activities
- Community events focused on mental health
- Projects that reduce stigma
- Projects that improve access to support
- Initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through an online form.
The form must be completed in full for the application to be considered.
Applicants should provide clear and complete information about the project, community need, target population, budget, partnerships, organizational capacity, and evaluation approach.
Why This Program Matters
Mental health needs affect individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across Saskatchewan.
Step Up for Mental Health matters because it helps local organizations and groups respond to these needs through practical, community-based projects. By funding awareness, support, education, and outreach initiatives, the program helps reduce stigma, strengthen local capacity, and improve access to mental health resources.
The program also encourages collaboration and community ownership, making it easier for local groups to design initiatives that reflect the realities and priorities of the people they serve.
How the Program Works
The program works by providing grants to eligible organizations and groups delivering mental health-focused projects in Saskatchewan.
The process includes:
- Applicants identify a mental health need in a Saskatchewan community.
- Applicants design a project that responds to that need.
- The project plan includes activities, target groups, expected outcomes, budget, and evaluation methods.
- Applicants complete and submit the online application form.
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility, community need, organizational capacity, alignment with priorities, budget, and evaluation planning.
- Successful applicants receive grant funding of up to $10,000.
- Funded projects are implemented within Saskatchewan and benefit local communities.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a clear and complete application that explains the mental health need, project activities, community benefit, budget, and evaluation plan.
Application Preparation Steps
- Confirm applicant eligibility
Applicants should confirm that they are a registered charity, qualified donee, non-profit organization, or organized group. - Use the designated process if needed
Groups without a charitable number should use the designated account setup process before or during application preparation. - Identify the mental health need
The application should clearly describe the mental health issue, gap, or priority the project will address. - Describe the target community
Applicants should explain which Saskatchewan community or population will benefit from the project. - Explain the project activities
The proposal should describe what will be delivered, such as awareness events, education sessions, support activities, outreach, or community programming. - Show community benefit
Applicants should explain how the project will improve mental health awareness, support, access, or wellbeing. - Demonstrate organizational capacity
The application should show that the applicant has the skills, people, systems, and experience needed to deliver the project. - Highlight partnerships
Applicants should describe any collaboration with community groups, service providers, schools, volunteers, health organizations, or local partners. - Prepare a realistic budget
The budget should show how the requested funding will be used and should not exceed $10,000. - Include an evaluation plan
Applicants should explain how they will measure project success, track participation, collect feedback, or assess outcomes. - Complete the online form fully
The online application form must be completed in full for consideration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting incomplete or unclear applications.
Common mistakes include:
- Not completing the online form in full
- Submitting a project that does not clearly focus on mental health
- Failing to show benefit to Saskatchewan communities
- Not explaining the community need
- Providing a weak or unrealistic budget
- Not including an evaluation plan
- Failing to show organizational capacity
- Not describing partnerships or collaboration
- Requesting more than $10,000
- Submitting vague project activities
- Not explaining how the project aligns with local priorities
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application should be clear, practical, community-focused, and realistic.
Applicants should:
- Clearly define the mental health need
- Show how the need was identified
- Explain who will benefit from the project
- Connect the project to Saskatchewan community priorities
- Include practical and achievable activities
- Demonstrate strong organizational capacity
- Build partnerships where possible
- Provide a clear budget
- Include a simple but meaningful evaluation plan
- Explain how the project will raise awareness or improve mental health support
- Use clear language throughout the online form
Key Terms Explained
Step Up for Mental Health
Step Up for Mental Health is a Saskatoon-based run/walk event supported by Cameco as presenting sponsor. It raises funds and awareness for mental health initiatives in Saskatchewan.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness means helping people better understand mental health, reduce stigma, recognize signs of distress, and know where to seek support.
Community-Based Initiative
A community-based initiative is a project designed and delivered by local groups or organizations to respond to needs within a specific community.
Registered Charity
A registered charity is an organization officially recognized for charitable purposes and able to issue charitable receipts.
Qualified Donee
A qualified donee is an organization recognized as eligible to receive charitable gifts under relevant rules.
Organized Group
An organized group is a group of people working together for a shared purpose, even if they may not have formal charitable registration.
Evaluation Plan
An evaluation plan explains how a project will measure results, track progress, and understand whether it achieved its goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Step Up for Mental Health program?
Step Up for Mental Health is a grant program that supports community-based mental health initiatives in Saskatchewan.
Who supports Step Up for Mental Health?
Step Up for Mental Health is a Saskatoon-based run/walk event supported by Cameco as presenting sponsor.
How much funding is available?
Eligible projects may receive grant funding of up to $10,000.
Who can apply?
Registered charities, qualified donees, non-profits, and organized groups can apply.
Can groups without a charitable number apply?
Yes. Groups without a charitable number may apply using the designated account setup process.
Where must projects take place?
Projects must operate within and benefit communities in Saskatchewan.
What types of projects are supported?
The program supports mental health awareness, support, education, outreach, community programming, partnership-based initiatives, and projects that address local mental health needs.
How are applications submitted?
Applications must be submitted through the online application form.
What should applicants demonstrate?
Applicants should demonstrate community need, organizational capacity, alignment with local priorities, partnerships, realistic budgeting, and a clear evaluation plan.
What is the main purpose of the funding?
The main purpose is to support projects that raise awareness and improve mental health in Saskatchewan communities.
Conclusion
The Step Up for Mental Health program provides valuable grant support for organizations and groups working to improve mental health awareness and support across Saskatchewan. By offering up to $10,000 for eligible community-based initiatives, the program helps local groups respond to mental health needs, strengthen partnerships, build organizational capacity, and deliver practical projects that improve wellbeing in Saskatchewan communities.
For more information, visit Saskatoon Community Foundation.
