Trauma-Informed Services in Schools
🏛 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis (HHS-SAMHS-SAMHSA)
Can you apply?
This grant is for school-based organizations seeking to implement trauma-informed mental health services. Public school districts, charter schools, and nonprofit partners can apply. The program supports schools in grades K-12 serving students exposed to trauma. Eligible activities include staff training, student counseling, crisis intervention, and program development.
Geographic scope is nationwide, though some funding may prioritize underserved or high-need districts. Schools must commit to evidence-based or promising practices. Applicants should partner with mental health professionals or community organizations if they lack internal capacity.
Program description
The purpose of this program is to increase student access to evidence-based support services and mental health care by developing innovative initiatives, activities, and programs to link local school systems with local trauma support and mental health services.
Note: At least one award will be made to tribes or tribal organizations pending adequate application volume.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Work Plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of Support from school district and mental health partners
- Evaluation Plan
- Evidence of organizational capacity (staffing, qualifications)
Program contact
- 👤 Nancy Kelly
- 📧 tiss_nofo@samhsa.hhs.gov
- 📞 240-276-1143
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 can apply for this grant?
Public K-12 school districts, charter schools, and schools partnering with nonprofit mental health organizations. Applicants must demonstrate serving students with trauma exposure.
What activities does this grant support?
Staff training on trauma-informed approaches, student counseling services, crisis intervention protocols, and program evaluation. Some funding may support facility improvements or equipment.
Is there a match requirement?
Many SAMHSA grants require cost-share or matching funds. Check the specific FOA for exact percentages, typically 10-25% of total project cost.
How competitive is this program?
Very competitive. Applicants with existing trauma services, strong evaluation plans, and underserved student populations score higher. Clear outcomes and sustainability plans are essential.
What is the typical award amount?
Award sizes vary by program focus and funding year. Expect awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000+, depending on scope and geographic scale.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear need data: document trauma prevalence in your student population using school records, surveys, or community data.
- Build strong partnerships with mental health providers or community organizations to strengthen credibility and service delivery capacity.
- Design a detailed implementation timeline that shows realistic staff training rollout and phased service expansion.
- Include specific, measurable outcomes like reduced suspensions, improved attendance, or documented student mental health improvements.
- Plan for sustainability: explain how services will continue after federal funding ends through state budgets, insurance billing, or fundraising.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Many applications lack concrete baseline data on student trauma or mental health needs. Weak or vague partnership agreements with mental health providers reduce competitiveness. Sustainability plans that rely entirely on future federal funding are unrealistic and viewed skeptically.
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