Disaster Distress Helpline (Short Title: DDH)
🏛 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis (HHS-SAMHS-SAMHSA)
Can you apply?
This grant is for nonprofits, organizations, and qualified groups providing mental health services through telephone and text support to disaster-affected populations. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) organizations, faith-based organizations, and other entities with proven experience in disaster response, crisis counseling, or behavioral health services. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, confidential support to individuals affected by disasters, and funding supports operation of call centers, texting platforms, training for counselors, and outreach to affected communities. Geographic scope includes all U.S. states and territories. Applicants should demonstrate existing capacity or readiness to provide 24/7 crisis support services, cultural competency, and experience serving vulnerable and underserved populations impacted by disasters.
This grant is for nonprofits, organizations, and qualified groups providing mental health services through telephone and text support to disaster-affected populations. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) organizations, faith-based organizations, and other entities with proven experience in disaster response, crisis counseling, or behavioral health services. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, confidential support to individuals affected by disasters, and funding supports operation of call centers, texting platforms, training for counselors, and outreach to affected communities. Geographic scope includes all U.S. states and territories. Applicants should demonstrate existing capacity or readiness to provide 24/7 crisis support services, cultural competency, and experience serving vulnerable and underserved populations impacted by disasters.
Program description
The purpose of the Disaster Distress Helpline is to provide immediate, confidential, and accessible emotional support services to individuals and communities across the United States who are experiencing psychological distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for nonprofits, organizations, and qualified groups providing mental health services through telephone and text support to disaster-affected populations. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) organizations, faith-based organizations, and other entities with proven experience in disaster response, crisis counseling, or behavioral health services. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, confidential support to individuals affected by disasters, and funding supports operation of call centers, texting platforms, training for counselors, and outreach to affected communities. Geographic scope includes all U.S. states and territories. Applicants should demonstrate existing capacity or readiness to provide 24/7 crisis support services, cultural competency, and experience serving vulnerable and underserved populations impacted by disasters.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (required attachments form)
- Narrative Project Description (typically 15-25 pages covering need, goals, activities, and evaluation)
- Budget and Budget Narrative (SF-424A or detailed budget justification)
- Organizational documentation (501(c)(3) certification, board roster, past audits)
- Letters of support/commitment from disaster response partners and community stakeholders
- Evidence of organizational capacity (staff qualifications, mental health credentials)
- Evaluation plan with specific performance metrics and data collection methods
- Disaster response/crisis counseling experience documentation and outcome data from previous programs
Program contact
- 👤 Carmen Baldwin Grantor
- 📧 NOFOBudget.CMHS@samhsa.hhs.gov
- 📞 336-837-8054
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 the Disaster Distress Helpline grant?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based organizations, state and local governments, tribal entities, and other qualified organizations with experience in mental health services, disaster response, or crisis support can apply.
What is the deadline for applications?
The application deadline is June 15, 2026, with applications opening May 15, 2026. Check the official funding opportunity announcement for any updates or extensions.
What activities does this grant support?
Funding supports operation of crisis counseling services via phone and text, staff training and hiring for crisis counselors, technology infrastructure, outreach and marketing to disaster-affected communities, and coordination with disaster response partners.
How competitive is this grant?
This is a moderately competitive federal grant. Applications should demonstrate strong track records in crisis support, cultural competency, and partnerships with disaster response agencies. Clear evaluation metrics and sustainability plans strengthen competitiveness.
What is the typical funding range?
Typical grant amounts for disaster mental health programs range from $100,000 to several million dollars depending on scope, but consult the specific funding opportunity announcement for exact award ranges and priorities.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's proven experience in crisis counseling, mental health response, or disaster services. Include specific examples of past success with disaster populations and measurable outcomes.
- Develop a clear plan for 24/7 service delivery, including staffing levels, counselor training protocols, cultural and linguistic competencies, and quality assurance measures.
- Demonstrate strong partnerships with FEMA, state/local emergency management agencies, health departments, and community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations affected by disasters.
- Include specific, measurable goals for call volume, response times, caller demographics, and follow-up support. Show how you will track outcomes and adjust services based on feedback.
- Address sustainability and cost-efficiency in your budget. Show how you leverage existing infrastructure, technology platforms, and staff to maximize the impact of federal funding.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail to clearly demonstrate sufficient organizational capacity and experience in crisis mental health services or disaster response. Weak partnerships with disaster response agencies and insufficient detail on counselor training, cultural competency, and 24/7 operational logistics are common weaknesses. Additionally, vague outcome metrics, unrealistic budgets, or failure to address how the organization will reach underserved and vulnerable disaster-affected populations significantly reduce competitiveness.
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