The current submission period is open between September 23- November 1, 2024. 

Introduction

The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board  (MHRSB) of Lucas County is a governmental entity responsible for planning, funding, monitoring, and evaluating services and programs for residents with serious mental and emotional disorders and addictions. Funds come from various sources, including the federal and state governments and our local levies. The mission of MHRSB is to “cultivate a high quality, efficient, and accountable network of community assets dedicated to reducing the impact of mental illness and addiction.

Background
The Mental Wellness Community Grants are an important strategy in MHRSB efforts to encourage activities throughout Lucas County that promote positive mental health and prevent substance abuse. The MHRSB is pleased to announce its Mental Wellness Community Grant funding opportunity. The Board seeks to provide funding up to $20,000 per project to grassroots organizations* in Lucas County that will provide programs and/or services that offer skill-building, information, resources, support, or coping strategies aligned with our mission and goals. Programming and services funded must impact identified consumer or at-risk populations within Lucas County.

*MHRSB defines grassroots organizations as those developed and/or operated at the community level with individuals or groups indigenous to the community. Grassroots organizations include of individuals empowered to identify their own needs and define their own goals and the strategies for achieving them.

MHRSB Mental Wellness Community Grant Funding Priorities:

  • Programs that offer activities and/or services that reduce the impact of mental illness and addiction on individuals and families.
  • Programs and projects that focus on reducing violence within the city of Toledo.
  • Build upon individual and community strengths to achieve positive change, or assist persons dealing with mental illness or addictions to achieve their goals and/or maintain recovery status.
  • Projects that are in response to current or emerging challenges related to mental wellness, specifically stigma reduction and increasing awareness of mental health and addiction within Lucas County communities.
  • Programs offering creative and innovative programming that target current high-risk neighborhoods or populations aligned with the MHRSB mission of cultivating community assets that reduce the impact of mental illness and addiction.
  • Organizations that address the priorities listed above and are submitting proposals for the first time.

Organizational Eligibility and Restrictions

Eligibility:

  • The organization’s total annualized budget cannot exceed $750,000.
  • Applicants must be grassroots community-based organizations.
  • The project request must be accessible to Lucas County residents and must clearly describe its impact on the targeted population.
  • The project must be completed by June 30, 2025.
  • OMHAS-certified agencies are ineligible to receive grant funds.

Limitations:

  • Priority will be given to reimbursement for programming expenses.
  • Grant funds cannot be used for expenses related to fundraising events.
  • Grant funds cannot be used for political purposes.
  • Grant funds cannot cover equipment such as iPads, iPods, tablets, etc.
  • Travel and lodging for speakers and/or staff are not allowable costs for community mental wellness grants.
  • MHRSB cannot provide full event funding. Applicants should effectively leverage resources, both cash and in-kind support.
  • Organizations that meet the new eligibility criteria and have previously received a mini-grant may apply, but a group can only be awarded one mini-grant per fiscal year.
  • Services must be provided to Lucas County residents without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, age, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, creed, human immunodeficiency virus status or other federal, state or local protected classes.

NOTE: Incomplete or Late Packets Will Not Be Reviewed

Proposal Summary

Documentation:
In order to be considered for a Mental Wellness Community Grant, an applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Completed proposal with all requested information included
  • Request for Funding Proposal Summary
  • IRS form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification)

Funding Levels/Award Amounts
A total of up to $200,000 is available for programs serving Lucas County residents; the maximum funding per project is $20,000. The grant period is from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. The selection committee reserves the right to adjust the amount awarded to successful applicants.

Requirements
All recipients must complete these minimum requirements:

  • Invite MHRSB staff to all events.
  • Include the MHRSB logo on all signage, promotional materials (t-shirts, water bottles, magnets, etc.),
    and on social networking websites and other printed materials.
  • Submit electronic copies of photos from the event or program.
  • A final accounting of funds must be submitted within 60 days after the end of the activity.
  • All unused funds must be returned to the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas
    County.

Current and emerging priority challenges:

  • Services that impact residents who live in low-income zip codes
  • Services that impact Lucas County residents and friends and family members of those affected by suicide (completed or attempts)
  • Services that address the impacts of the opioid crisis in Lucas County
  • Programs and services that address gun violence within the city of Toledo

Submission of Proposals
Interested parties should submit proposals via the digital application (linked below) or by emailing your application to: netmail@lcmhrsb.oh.gov

The subject line should read: Mental Wellness Community Grant Application

  • Proposals should not exceed 10 pages in length (including attachments).
  • Proposals exceeding 10 pages in length will not be reviewed.
  • Proposals should be received by 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2024.
  • Incomplete or late packets will not be reviewed.

Please direct all questions to rkasprzak@lcmhrsb.oh.gov .

Our Mission is to cultivate a high-quality network of resources that inspires personal recovery and promotes mental wellness for Lucas County residents.