Assertive Community Treatment
🏛 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis (HHS-SAMHS-SAMHSA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations serving individuals with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders who are difficult to engage in traditional mental health services. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a team-based approach that provides comprehensive, coordinated care in the community. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, community mental health centers, local health departments, and other government agencies. The program supports the implementation and expansion of ACT teams that provide services such as case management, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Geographic scope is nationwide. Activities funded include staffing ACT teams, training, evidence-based service delivery, and services integration for individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
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Program description
The purpose of this program is to establish or expand ACT programs for transition-aged youth (age 18-25), adults, and older adults with a serious mental illness (SMI) including individuals with SMI who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative (typically 25-30 pages maximum)
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation (audits, IRS Form 990, organizational chart)
- Letters of commitment from proposed ACT team members
- Letters of support from community partners and stakeholders
- Data on target population, service gaps, and epidemiology
- Implementation timeline and milestones
- Sustainability plan detailing funding strategies beyond grant period
- Evaluation plan with measurable outcomes
- Certification of nonprofit status or government agency documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Shane Grant
- 📧 ACTMonitoringTeam@samhsa.hhs.gov
- 📞 240-276-1157
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 93.532 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.532). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2026 est. | $945,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, community mental health centers, community health centers (FQHCs), state and local health departments, tribal organizations, and other government agencies can apply. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement and sustain an Assertive Community Treatment team.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant funds the development, implementation, and expansion of ACT teams providing community-based mental health and substance abuse services, including case management, psychiatric services, employment support, and crisis intervention.
Is there a match requirement?
Applicants should review the current Notice of Funding Opportunity for cost-sharing or matching requirements, which may apply to this funding stream.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a moderately to highly competitive grant. SAMHSA receives numerous applications and prioritizes programs serving underserved populations and those able to achieve sustainable ACT operations.
What is the typical funding range?
Federal ACT grants typically range from $200,000 to $500,000+ annually per award, though amounts vary by program year and available appropriations. Review the NOFO for exact funding details.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your application narrative on the specific population you will serve and why ACT is the appropriate intervention model. Include clear demographic data and unmet service needs in your community.
- Assemble a multidisciplinary ACT team with demonstrated expertise: psychiatrist or MD, nurse, case managers, substance abuse specialist, and employment/vocational specialist. Include letters of commitment from team members.
- Develop a detailed implementation timeline that clearly phases in staffing and services. Include milestones for team recruitment, training, and service expansion.
- Provide evidence of organizational capacity by including financial records, audit reports, and documentation of other successful programs your organization operates.
- Plan for sustainability beyond the grant period. Describe your strategy for braiding funding from Medicaid, Medicare, state mental health funding, and other sources to maintain ACT operations after federal funding ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applicants fail to provide a convincing implementation plan with specific timelines and milestones, making reviewers question whether the team can actually launch and sustain ACT services. Others submit weak team rosters lacking key disciplines (especially psychiatry) or fail to secure commitment letters from proposed staff members. Additionally, applications often lack specific data on the target population and service gaps, making it hard for reviewers to understand why ACT is needed and whether the applicant can reach the intended clients effectively.
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