Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment
🏛 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis (HHS-SAMHS-SAMHSA)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations implementing or expanding Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services. Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, state and local health departments, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), community mental health centers, hospitals, and other healthcare delivery systems. The program supports SBIRT implementation in healthcare settings such as emergency departments, primary care clinics, trauma centers, and other medical settings. Activities funded include staff training, screening protocols, brief interventions for substance use, referral networks to treatment, and program evaluation. Geographic scope is national, though some funding streams may prioritize underserved or high-need regions. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to implement evidence-based SBIRT protocols and coordinate with local treatment providers.
Program description
The purpose of this program is to implement the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment public health model for children, adolescents, and/or adults in primary care and community health settings (e.g., health centers, hospital systems, HMOs, PPOs, health plans, FQHCs, behavioral health centers, pediatric health care providers offices, children’s hospitals) and schools, with a focus on screening for underage drinking, opioid use, and other substance use.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community Health Center
- FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)
- Hospital
- Mental Health Clinic
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (Assurances and Certifications)
- Detailed project narrative describing SBIRT implementation strategy
- Budget narrative and detailed budget (SF-424C)
- Organizational capacity statement and evidence of readiness
- Letters of commitment from substance abuse treatment partners and referral networks
- Job descriptions and qualifications of key staff
- Program evaluation and data collection plan
- Organizational chart and management structure
- Proof of nonprofit status (501(c)(3) determination letter) or government authority documentation
- Indirect cost rate agreement (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Shaquilla Terry
- 📧 SBIRT@samhsa.hhs.gov
- 📞 240-276-0362
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 93.490 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 93.490). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2026 est. | $545,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for SBIRT grants?
Eligible applicants typically include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, state and local governments, healthcare systems, FQHCs, community mental health centers, hospitals, and tribal organizations. Applicants must have demonstrated capacity to implement evidence-based SBIRT programming and coordinate with treatment referral networks.
What activities are supported by SBIRT funding?
Funding supports implementation or expansion of screening and brief intervention services, staff training and certification, development of screening protocols, coordination with substance abuse treatment providers, program evaluation, and data collection to measure outcomes.
When is the application deadline?
Application deadlines typically vary by funding cycle. Check the specific SAMHSA notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov for exact deadline dates, as they are announced separately for each funding year.
How competitive is this grant program?
SBIRT is a well-established SAMHSA program with significant demand. Applications are moderately to highly competitive. Successful proposals demonstrate organizational readiness, strong partnerships with treatment providers, and clear implementation plans.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts vary by program year and funding stream, typically ranging from $100,000 to $400,000+ depending on the scope and setting of SBIRT implementation. Check the specific NOFO for current year funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build strong partnerships with local substance abuse treatment providers before applying; funders want to see coordinated referral networks already in place
- Demonstrate organizational readiness by showing staff capacity, training plans, and existing infrastructure in your target healthcare setting
- Use SAMHSA's evidence-based SBIRT tools and protocols (AUDIT, DAST-10, or similar validated screening instruments) in your application narrative
- Include specific, measurable outcomes related to screening rates, intervention completion, referral rates, and treatment linkage in your evaluation plan
- Emphasize health equity and access for underserved populations; explain how SBIRT will reach vulnerable or marginalized communities in your service area
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications are often rejected when they lack documentation of partnerships with substance abuse treatment providers or fail to demonstrate how referrals will actually be made and tracked. Another common issue is insufficient organizational capacity planning—applicants may underestimate the training, staffing, and coordination needed to implement SBIRT successfully in healthcare settings. Finally, weak evaluation plans that don't include specific metrics for screening penetration, brief intervention uptake, and treatment linkage outcomes reduce competitiveness.
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