[Archived] Friends of AMHC Seeking Proposals for Mini-Grant Program

Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center Seeking Proposals for Youth-Led Mental Health Stigma Reduction Mini-Grant Program

For Immediate Release: May 18, 2015

Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center are requesting proposals for a Youth-Led Mental Health Stigma Reduction Mini-Grant Program, aimed at eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness in youth.

The mini-grant program, funded by a regional suicide prevention grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, will fund youth-planned, youth-led projects to reduce stigma among their peers. Proposals are due by May 22, 2015. The brief online application is available here. The program’s goals are to:

1. Empower youth to reduce the stigma of mental illness in their communities and focus on suicide prevention;
2. Educate youth on facts regarding mental illness, including how to recognize it and seek help for oneself or others; and
3. Educate youth on ways they can promote their own and others’ mental health.

The following types of organizations are eligible for mini-grants:

• Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service, or youth groups affiliated with one;
• Youth-serving groups affiliated with Alexandria City Public Schools;
• Public agencies other than the Alexandria Community Services Board.

Applicants must serve youth from the City of Alexandria. Applicants may request up to $1,000. It is anticipated that the average award will be $500.

One in five people in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. It could be serious depression, anxiety, psychosis, an eating disorder, or any of a number of common conditions, all of which are treatable. Yet, because of the stigma associated with mental illness, people are often reluctant to admit that they or someone they care about has a mental health problem.

Examples of projects youth groups may consider with grant fund assistance include developing a public service announcement, designing and distributing an outreach piece, or holding a teen anti-stigma themed celebration.

For more information regarding eligibility, requirements or to apply, visit www.alexandriava.gov/DCHS or email Dan Sweeney.