Safe Option Support (SOS) Program: CTI Teams
🏛 New York State Office of Mental Health
✓ Free, no account · Source: New York SFS Grant Opportunity Portal · Last verified Oct 22, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for New York State nonprofits providing mental health and public safety services. Not-for-profit organizations can apply to establish or operate Crisis Text Initiative (CTI) Teams that offer immediate mental health crisis support.
The program focuses on expanding crisis intervention capacity through trained response teams. Organizations must be registered nonprofits based in New York State. Projects run for 60 months (5 years).
This funding supports workforce development, training, and operational costs for crisis response teams. No cost-sharing is required from applicants.
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Program description
Safe Option Support (SOS) Program: CTI Teams is a New York State grant opportunity administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Total program funding is approximately $56,278,325. Eligible applicants: Not-For-Profit. Focus area: Government Supports, Health Services, Public Safety Supports. Project period: 60 Month(s). Applications are due 2026-12-16. Posted through the New York State Grant Opportunity Portal in the Statewide Financial System (SFS).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- New York State grant application form (via SFS portal)
- Project narrative describing crisis intervention team model
- Detailed budget for 60-month project period
- Letters of support from law enforcement and emergency response partners
- Organizational financial statements and tax-exempt status documentation
- Staff qualifications and crisis intervention training plans
Program contact
- 👤 Amanda Szczepkowski
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Only not-for-profit organizations registered in New York State can apply. Your organization must have capacity to establish and operate crisis intervention teams.
What is the project duration?
Projects are funded for 60 months (5 years). This allows sustained crisis response program development.
What activities are supported?
Funding supports training crisis intervention teams, salaries, operational costs, and mental health crisis support services. Focus is on immediate intervention and public safety coordination.
How competitive is this funding?
With $56+ million in total funding available, this is moderately competitive. Applications with clear crisis intervention plans and experienced staff are stronger.
What is the deadline?
Applications are due December 16, 2026. Submit through the New York State Grant Opportunity Portal.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your organization's crisis response experience and staff qualifications. Reviewers want proven ability to deploy teams quickly.
- Detail your partnership with local law enforcement and emergency services. Coordination is essential for program success.
- Include specific metrics showing how you'll measure team response times and mental health outcomes.
- Build a realistic budget covering staff training, ongoing professional development, and operational expenses for the full 60-month period.
- Demonstrate commitment to serving underserved populations and reducing unnecessary law enforcement involvement in mental health crises.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to document existing partnerships with police departments and emergency responders. Vague outcome metrics that don't track crisis intervention effectiveness. Underestimating long-term operational costs for a multi-year, statewide program.
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