Mental Health Round 2 Apps Available August 1

The Decatur County Community Foundation announces a new round of funding for projects addressing Decatur County’s mental health needs.

DCCF is seeking to fund projects that fill mental health service gaps in Decatur County. Registered 501c3 organizations, schools, or other individuals/organizations providing mental health services to the uninsured/underinsured are encouraged to apply.

Grant applications will be available starting August 1.  The application deadline is September 1.

Interested parties should see below for the full Request for Proposal, eligibility requirements, and additional details. Grant applications can be completed by visiting dccfound.org.

For questions or information that is not found on the RFP, contact the Foundation at info@dccfound.org or 812.662.6364.

During the Foundation’s first round of funding in 2025, nine projects received funding to implement projects, including the start-up of the Crisis Intervention Team and the new mental health services at the Community Healthcare Clinic.

The Decatur County Community Foundation’s mental health grant is available thanks to

$5M in grant funding from the Lilly Endowment. 

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Request for Proposals (RFP): Decatur County Community Foundation Community Wellness & Mental Health Funding through the Lilly Endowment

1. Endowment Overview

• Purpose: To fund evidence-based, culturally competent, and community enriching mental health initiatives across Decatur County. Proposals should target the following: improve mental health outcomes, provide services, reduce stigma, and prevent crisis escalation.

• County-Wide Requirement: Projects must explicitly demonstrate how they will serve populations, fill service gaps, or create regional infrastructure within Decatur County.

• Release Date: August 1, 2026

• Initial Proposal Deadline: September 1, 2026, at 4:00pm EST

• Final Proposal Deadline: TBD

2. Eligibility

Eligible lead applicants must be located in or primarily serve Decatur County and belong to one of the following categories:

• Registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit or Community-Based Organization (CBO)

• Accredited Public, Charter, or Private K-12 School / School District

• Individuals or organizations that provide community based mental health to the un-insured or under-insured population.

3. Application Requirements

A complete submission must include the following components:

1. Executive Summary: A brief overview of the proposed project, county-wide reach, and expected outcomes.

2. Statement of County Need: Empirical evidence, local statistics, and data demonstrating specific mental health challenges within the Decatur County community.

3. Logic Model & Evaluation Plan: Defined, measurable goals, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and a strategy for data collection and reporting.

4. Long-Term Sustainability Plan: A detailed, mandatory narrative explaining how the initiative, positions, or services will be financially and operationally sustained after this county grant funding concludes.

5. Project Budget and Justification: A line-item budget detailing personnel, equipment, training, and operational costs.

6. Partnership Agreements: If applicable, executed MOUs or letters of commitment from all collaborating partners.

   
   

4. Sustainability & Post-Grant Planning

Because this is a seed-funding initiative, applicants must provide a robust Sustainability Plan that addresses:

• Future Funding Streams: Identification of alternative funding sources (e.g., federal/state grants, county budget line items, billing reimbursements, private philanthropy).

• Resource Integration: Plans to integrate project workflows or staff roles into the permanent operating budgets of the requested organization.

• Community Ownership: Evidence of local stakeholder engagement that ensures the program remains a priority after the grant cycle ends.

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• County-Wide Impact & Need: Clearly defined local mental health issues and targeted county demographics.

• Program Feasibility: Realistic timelines, achievable goals, and strong project design.

• Sustainability & Future Viability: A concrete, realistic plan to secure post-grant funding and institutionalize the program.

• Budget Appropriateness: Cost-effectiveness and clear justification of requested funds.

6. Submission Instructions

All applications must be submitted via https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dccfoundgrant no later than September 1, 2026, at 4:00pm EST. Late submissions will not be reviewed. Direct all questions regarding this RFP to info@dccfound.org.