Best Mental Health Grants in Connecticut

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut working on aging, mental health, and related equity issues can receive multi-year, general operating support that may include staff wellness and leadership development. Grants from Point32Health Foundation help community-based groups addressing social and racial justice, policy, advocacy, and systems change for older people in communities facing systemic barriers.

With a mission to support community programs, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation provides Connecticut 501(c)(3) organizations with US $1,000 - US $15,000 for program-focused work in health and human services, including mental health, education, environment, and community vitality. Eligible nonprofits must operate where Dominion Energy serves or has significant business interests and apply during spring or fall cycles.

Connecticut 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for mental health, youth development, job readiness, and related programs that build skills and stability. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives that equip people for future careers, expand inclusive prosperity, and advance environmental sustainability in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active presence.

Small 501(c)(3) organizations offering mental health or emotional support services in Connecticut and the broader Northeast can apply for grants up to US $2,500 to relieve suffering for people or animals in need. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation also considers related programs like youth development, rehabilitation, after-school initiatives, and nutrition support.

Connecticut mental health and public safety organizations can receive funding to deliver crisis intervention team (CIT) training statewide for law enforcement, first responders, dispatchers, and behavioral health clinicians. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services provides up to US $306,100 to qualified CIT-trained entities; an electronic LOI and attendance at a mandatory bidder’s conference are required.

Connecticut mental health and education providers can seek funding to deliver supported education services for adults with mental health or co-occurring substance use disorders. Focused on integrated educational support, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offers US $170,000 to maintain a high-quality, statewide Supported Education network that helps participants pursue their educational goals.

Connecticut mental health and addiction service providers can seek funding to operate 23-hour Rapid Evaluation, Stabilization and Treatment (REST) crisis centers in rural Regions 3 and 5. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services provides up to US $3,000,000 to expand adult crisis stabilization, offering walk-in, police drop-off, and referral-based care in trauma-informed settings.

Larger, established U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on mental health, health access, or education programs for adolescents, post-secondary students, or adult learners in Connecticut and other eligible states can seek support for expansion or continuation of proven programs. The L B Research and Education Foundation awards US $10,000 - US $75,000, beginning with a 300–500 word concept paper and rolling review.

Organizations providing disaster-related crisis counseling and mental health support in Connecticut and nationwide can apply for SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline program, with awards up to US $1,200,000 to manage and strengthen helpline services. Funding supports 24/7 confidential assistance for people in the U.S. and territories facing emotional distress from natural or human-caused disasters.

Students pursuing mental health-related degrees can access funding for accredited higher education through the Jeryl Salmond II Memorial Scholarship, a renewable award supporting fields like counseling, clinical social work, psychology, and sociology. Grants from Central Carolina Community Foundation help mental health and psychiatric students, including those in Connecticut, who meet GPA and enrollment requirements and are studying at nonprofit institutions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified grassroots groups in Connecticut can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 for health and human services programs, including mental health, food, housing, and general health. The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain prioritizes projects serving New Britain and Berlin, especially those supporting children’s mental health and basic needs.

Students with developmental, emotional, physical, or similar challenges, or those who have worked with such students, can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship. Focused on disability-related needs, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington invites graduates of specified Washington and Texas school districts pursuing further study, including mental health fields, to apply for awards of US $1,000 - US $1,400.

Nonprofit organizations in Connecticut providing food, housing, health, mental health, and other basic needs can seek flexible support, typically US $8,000 - US $20,000, to aid residents’ economic stability. Farmington Bank Community Foundation’s Cycle One grants can fund ongoing programs, start-up costs, capital needs, or, in select cases, core operating support.

Connecticut mental health research institutions and interdisciplinary teams can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to establish ALACRITY practice-based research centers. Grants up to US $1,500,000 support high-impact studies to optimize mental health interventions, improve access and quality of care, leverage data and technology, and train emerging clinical researchers across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Connecticut research institutions working on mental health and psychiatric conditions can access funding through Cures Within Reach to run clinical repurposing trials using already approved drugs, devices, nutraceuticals, or diagnostics. Eligible U.S.-based academic, nonprofit, governmental institutions, and VA health systems may receive up to US $75,000 for proof-of-concept or early-phase trials benefiting veterans and active military.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Madeline A. Naegle Scholarship for Mental Health Nursing

In 2018, Madeline A. Naegle, PhD, CNS-PMH, RN, BC, FAAN, a national and international nursing leader in mental health/substance abuse education, research, and practice together with NEF created this scholarship with a preference to graduate nurses specializing in mental health nursing.

The Judith G. Whitaker Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must have two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a valid RN license and a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students focusing on nursing research. This scholarship reflects over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education and leadership.

The Joanne V. Pontier Scholarship, established in 2022 by Mary V. Insall, honors her sister, a dedicated emergency nurse. With a generous $50,000 donation, this scholarship supports emergency nurses pursuing graduate studies. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and have a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students in nursing research. This scholarship aims to foster leadership in nursing and improve emergency care, ultimately saving lives and supporting families.

The Joan L. Conroy Scholarship, established in 2024, supports Ph.D. nursing students dedicated to educating future nurses. It honors Joan L. Conroy's legacy, emphasizing her love for education and nursing. Applicants must have two semesters left in their program and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric nursing and home health care. This scholarship is funded by the Nurses Educational Funds Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes nursing leadership through educational scholarships.

The Jane Eleanor Knox Scholarship, established by a $50,000 bequest from Dr. Knox, supports doctoral nursing students committed to leadership in the field. Applicants must possess a current RN license and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6 while enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship fosters the advancement of nursing education and leadership through financial support from Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

The Isabel McIsaac Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports master's and doctoral nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Preference is given to candidates pursuing nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and is funded solely through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education.

The Isabel Hampton Robb Scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports doctoral candidates in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have two semesters of study remaining after the award notification. Preference is given to those majoring in nursing research or organizational study. With over a century of service, NEF is dedicated to advancing nursing leadership through scholarship assistance, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals.

The Henry B. Spencer Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports RNs pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and professional nursing association membership. This scholarship prioritizes doctoral students focusing on nursing research or organizational study, continuing a legacy of leadership in nursing established by Henry Spencer.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

Adult Treatment Court Program

Overview

The Department of Justice began supporting treatment courts over 25 years ago. Through the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Congress first authorized the Attorney General to make grants to states, state courts, local courts, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribal government to establish treatment courts. In 1995, the Office of Justice Programs established the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, occurring just 6 years after the implementation of the nation’s first treatment court in Miami, Florida. This work was merged into the Bureau of Justice Assistance in 2003.

The Adult Treatment Court Program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to plan, implement, and enhance the operations of adult treatment courts, including tribal healing to wellness courts. Adult treatment court programs are a tool for criminal court partners and the judiciary to facilitate coordinated approaches that address the needs of nonviolent individuals involved in the justice system who have substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health needs.

These courts effectively integrate evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, random drug testing, equitable sanctions and incentives, and recovery support services in judicially supervised court settings to reduce recidivism and substance use and misuse, as well as prevent overdoses. These initiatives can incorporate cultural elements and approaches.

Category 1: Planning and Implementation (Anticipated Award Amount: $950,000)

Planning and Implementation grants are available to eligible jurisdictions ready to commit to a 6-month planning phase followed by an implementation and/or launch of an ATC that supports core capacity and provides critical behavioral health treatment, case management and coordinated judicial supervision, sanctions and incentives, and other supportive services, such as transitional housing, peer recovery services, relapse prevention and employment services, that can reduce recidivism.

Just One More Grant aims to transform lives by providing financial support to individuals and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. who are overcoming challenges like mental health issues, drug misuse, and educational barriers. The foundation encourages applications from those committed to personal growth and community support. Though current grants are paused for nonprofits, interested individuals with actionable plans are invited to apply. More information and past winners can be found on their website.