Call for Proposals: van Ameringen Foundation Grants on Mental Health (US)

In 2024, the vAF Board welcomes LOI’s that propose new and innovative approaches, as well as continued support for people and programs that have proven to make a difference. The mental health issues confronting Philadelphia and New York City are daunting, and they are actively seeking grantee partners who are proposing both small and large solutions. Children’s mental health care, particularly school based; culturally competent mental health services for traditionally underserved populations; wraparound mental health care in supportive housing programs; harm reduction models and substance use treatment for dual diagnosed individuals; and trauma informed care for low-income communities affected by the challenges of persistent poverty and gun violence are particular areas of interest.

The Foundation encourages innovative and practical grant proposals in areas which:

• Increase the accessibility of mental health services to people and communities with limited financial means and opportunities;
• Offer preventive and early-intervention strategies;
• Advocate for systemic change with local or national impact.

Grant Types

• The van Ameringen Foundation provides general support and project specific grants in two overall categories:
  • Direct Service Grants
    • The Foundation funds programs and projects that provide a direct service, such as case management, assessment, counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, training, or jobs, housing, and other supports to people and communities confronting significant mental illness.
  • Non-Direct Service Grants
    • Advocacy: The Foundation funds strategies that seek to create changes in the law, public policy, or in the perceptions and practices of the public and private sectors responsible for improving mental healthcare, particularly in unserved or underserved communities.
    • Media/Dissemination: The Foundation funds efforts which seek to share research findings, best practices, and knowledge related to improving the mental health safety net and system. This may be in the form of a publication, training, or media project using traditional or new forms of communication.
    • Training: The Foundation funds activities that provide learning and skill-building opportunities for mental health providers, advocates, people living with mental illness, policymakers, and family or community members who are seeking to deepen their understanding, knowledge, treatment, or social change efforts.

Funding Information

• ​Direct Service Grants​
  • Duration: Up to three years
  • Size: Between $25,000 – $75,000 annually
• Non-Direct Service Grants
  • Duration: Up to three years
  • Advocacy Grant Size: Up to $250,000 annually
  • Media/Dissemination & Training Grant Size: Between$ 25,000 – $ 75,000 annually

What they do not Fund?

• The Foundation is not active in programs for intellectual disability or physical disability, nor do they make grants directly to individuals. Given the limited resources, the Foundation also is not able to support endowment campaigns, capital projects, annual fund-raising drives, or international activities and institutions. They are no longer providing grants outside of New York City or Philadelphia.

Eligibility Criteria

• The van Ameringen Foundation provides grants exclusively in the five boroughs of New York City and within the city limits of Philadelphia, as well as advocacy support at the national level.
• Before requesting further support, grantees are asked to wait at least one year after submitting a final report.

For more information, visit van Ameringen Foundation.