RFAs: MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program (US)

The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program provides funding support to U.S.-based nonprofit community organisations working to improve mental health outcomes for young people of color. The programme supports innovative initiatives that address mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) inequities, expand culturally appropriate care, and improve access to services.

About the Programme

The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program supports community-based organisations that are creating solutions to reduce mental health disparities among young people of color.

The programme recognises organisations developing innovative approaches that:

• Improve mental health outcomes.
• Address inequalities in mental health and substance use disorder services.
• Increase awareness of mental health challenges.
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support.

Programme Objectives

The grant programme focuses on four major objectives:

Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Inequities

Supported organisations should work to reduce barriers that prevent young people of color from accessing quality mental health services.

Activities may include:

• Community-based mental health programmes.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Prevention initiatives.
• Support services for underserved groups.

Increase Awareness

The programme supports initiatives that educate communities about:

• Mental health challenges.
• Substance use disorders.
• Available support resources.
• Importance of seeking care.

Improve Equitable Access to Care

Projects should help increase access to:

• Mental health services.
• Substance use disorder support.
• Community-based interventions.
• Early support programmes.

Strengthen Culturally Appropriate Services

The programme encourages services that are:

• Culturally responsive.
• Linguistically accessible.
• Inclusive of community needs.
• Designed for young people of color.

Funding Support

Selected grant recipients will receive:

• Total Award: $10,000
• Funding Period: Two years

Continuation into the second year depends on successful completion of the first year requirements.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be:

• U.S.-based nonprofit community organisations.
• Certified as tax-exempt under the IRS.

Eligible tax statuses include:

• 501(c)(3) organisations
• 501(c)(4) organisations
• 501(c)(6) organisations

Applicant Requirements

Eligible organisations must:

• Address one or more programme priorities.
• Demonstrate recent work addressing mental health inequities.
• Focus on improving outcomes for young people of color.
• Present a scalable and sustainable project plan.
• Have operated for at least two consecutive years.
• Participate in quarterly virtual meetings organised by the programme.

Eligible Project Areas

Projects may include:

• Mental health awareness programmes.
• Community education activities.
• Culturally appropriate counselling support.
• Substance use disorder prevention initiatives.
• Youth-focused mental health services.
• Community outreach programmes.

Coalition Eligibility

Unincorporated state or community coalitions may apply if they:

• Identify a qualified fiscal agent.
• Meet the same operational requirements.
• Demonstrate capacity to manage grant activities.

Ineligible Applicants

The programme does not fund:

• Individuals.
• For-profit organisations.
• Organisations without IRS 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) status.
• Organisations that discriminate against protected groups.
• Capital improvement projects.

Application Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Organisational experience.
• Previous mental health equity work.
• Community impact.
• Sustainability plans.
• Ability to implement innovative programmes.

Selection Priorities

Strong applications will show:

• Clear understanding of mental health inequities.
• Direct benefits for young people of color.
• Community engagement.
• Culturally appropriate approaches.
• Potential for long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program?

It is a funding programme supporting nonprofit organisations working to improve mental health outcomes for young people of color.

How much funding is available?

Selected organisations receive $10,000 over two years, with second-year continuation based on successful first-year performance.

Who can apply?

U.S.-based nonprofit organisations with IRS tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) can apply.

What type of projects are supported?

The programme supports mental health awareness, equitable access to care, culturally appropriate services, and substance use disorder prevention initiatives.

Can individuals apply?

No. The programme only supports eligible nonprofit community organisations.

Conclusion

The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program provides important support for nonprofit organisations addressing mental health disparities among young people of color. Through funding for innovative programmes, awareness activities, and culturally responsive services, the initiative aims to improve equitable access to mental health and substance use disorder care and strengthen community-based solutions.