The Health Fund's Behavioral Health Initiative

The Health Fund's Behavioral Health Initiative serves to improve access to effective mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services for Michigan residents, serve populations experiencing significant health disparities, and strengthen the behavioral health system through investments in infrastructure, workforce development, technology, and sustainability planning. In 2026, operating as a transition year before behavioral health grantmaking integrates into the Healthy Aging and Healthy Kids programs in 2027, the fund issued a separate, one-time Behavioral Health RFP focused on advancing promising supported work as well as high-impact investments that address critical needs in the behavioral health ecosystem across Michigan.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public agencies operating in Michigan. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to address mental health and substance use challenges and improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents, with priority given to initiatives addressing significant health disparities.

Project eligibility encompasses initiatives that expand access to mental health and SUD services, support behavioral health infrastructure, implement technology solutions, and build workforce capacity. Eligible projects may focus on populations spanning children, older adults, or all Michiganders.

The application process requires submission of a mandatory concept paper by March 30, 2026. Applicants invited to submit full proposals are notified by May 5, 2026, and full applications are due by June 1, 2026. Grant decisions are announced on September 15, 2026. All application materials must be submitted through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant portal.