Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services

CFDA 93.958 Active Grant

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$1.07B FY2026
$1.05B
FY24
$1.07B
FY25
$1.07B
FY26*
* estimated

Program Objective

To provide financial assistance to States and Territories to enable them to carry out the State's plan for providing comprehensive community mental health services to adults with a serious mental illness and to children with a serious emotional disturbance; monitor the progress in implementing a comprehensive community based mental health system; provide technical assistance to States and the Mental Health Planning Council that will assist the States in planning and implementing a comprehensive community based mental health system.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • U.S. State Government
  • U.S. Territory Government

States and U.S. Territories and possessions.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

MHBG Grant Awards are issued directly by The Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to the designated State agency.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Program details & compliance

Description

Provides comprehensive community mental health services to adults with a serious mental illness and to children with a serious emotional disturbance; monitor the progress in implementing a comprehensive community based mental health system; provide technical assistance to States and the Mental Health Planning Council that will assist the States in planning and implementing a comprehensive community based mental health system.

Mission Categories

Primary: Mental Health

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Funds may be used at the discretion of the state to achieve the described objectives except for certain requirements. State plans must meet prescribed criteria. Services under the plan will be provided only through appropriate, qualified community programs (which may include community mental health centers, child mental-health programs, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, mental health peer-support programs and mental-health primary consumer- directed programs). Services under the plan will be provided through community mental health centers only if the centers meet prescribed criteria. Up to 5 percent of grant funds may be used for administering the funds. Funds may not be used to provide inpatient services; to make cash payments to intended recipients of health services; to purchase or improve land, purchase, construct, or permanently improve (other than minor remodeling) any building or other facility, or purchase major medical equipment; to satisfy any requirement for the expenditure of nonfederal funds as a condition for the receipt of Federal funds; or to provide financial assistance to any entity other than a public or nonprofit private entity. States are required to provide systems of integrated services for children with SED. Each year the State shall expend not less than the amount expended in FY 1994. States are also required to set aside 10 percent of their allocation for implementing programs showing strong evidence of effectiveness that targets individuals with early serious mental illness including psychotic disorders. Other statutory requirements also apply.

Restrictions

Up to 5 percent of grant funds may be used for administering the funds. Funds may not be used to provide inpatient services; to make cash payments to intended recipients of health services; to purchase or improve land, purchase, construct, or permanently improve (other than minor remodeling) any building or other facility, or purchase major medical equipment; to satisfy any requirement for the expenditure of nonfederal funds as a condition for the receipt of Federal funds; or to provide financial assistance to any entity other than a public or nonprofit private entity. States are required to provide systems of integrated services for children with SED. Each year the State shall expend not less than the amount expended in FY 1994. States are also required to set aside 10 percent of their allocation for implementing programs showing strong evidence of effectiveness that targets individuals with early serious mental illness including psychotic disorders. Other statutory requirements also apply.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Formula

Statutory Formula: Title XIX Chapter 6A Part B Subpart I and III

Contacts

Maegan Marcano — Branch Chief, Formula Grants Branch
240-276-0421
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-01-05. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-30 02:34:45.