Alert: Applications for California’s $2 million K-12 behavioral health grant close Friday (4/4/25)
California nonprofits have until April 4th, 2025, to apply for a $2 million statewide grant focused on behavioral health advocacy for K-12 students. Here's what you need to know.
Nonprofit organizations across California have until Friday, April 4th, 2025, at noon to apply for the statewide grant focused on behavioral health advocacy, training, and outreach for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (BHSOAC) is offering a grant totaling $2,010,000 to one statewide organization with demonstrated expertise in mental health advocacy. The selected organization will work with local entities from each of California’s eight designated regions to form a statewide youth behavioral health coalition.
What is the Kindergarten – 12th Grade Student Advocacy Grant?
California’s K-12 students face growing behavioral and mental health challenges, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data indicates that:
- One in three high school students report feeling chronically sad or hopeless.
- One in five students have seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Despite increased funding and attention towards school-based mental health services, significant gaps remain, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged students, foster youth, homeless youth, and those living in rural areas.
This grant aims to address these disparities by amplifying youth voices in policy advocacy, increasing awareness of behavioral health issues, and enhancing access to evidence-based care.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit statewide organization operating for at least two years.
- Demonstrate experience in coordinating advocacy activities and organizing conferences specifically addressing K-12 student behavioral health needs.
- Possess established relationships with state legislators, county supervisors, and other key decision-makers.
The successful applicant will also collaborate with local entities to strengthen regional advocacy capabilities, providing training and educational opportunities to empower student voices statewide.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official grant portal. All necessary documents and detailed application instructions can be found on the CA Grant Portal, or below:
Request for Applications Documents:
Additional Materials:
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: Friday, April 4, 2025, by 12:00 PM
- Notice of Intent to Award: April 24, 2025
Nonprofits are urged to finalize their submissions promptly to ensure eligibility for this vital opportunity to make a lasting impact on California’s K-12 student mental health landscape.
