Veterans Mental Health Services Program Grant
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 414 on April 25, 2023, with the support of state legislators and the Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS). The bill creates the Veterans Mental Health Services Program, which is a grant program to improve access to mental health services for military service members, veterans, and their families in the state of Georgia.
The grant program is funded through state appropriations in Fiscal Year 2023. The total grant funding is $750,000 for FY2023 (executed by no later than 30 June 2023).
The grant recipients for 2023 chosen after a thorough review of eligible applicants are the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Aspire Health Partners and the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program.
Program Requirements:
Subject to the availability of funding, competitive matching grants will be awarded to nonprofit community behavioral health programs that meet eligibility criteria. Applicants MUST have matching funding.
Eligible organizations must be non profits (501(c)3) in the state of Georgia which:
- provide behavioral health services;
- utilize evidence-based practices;
- integrate military cultural competency training for staff members;
- connect clients with appropriate community-based behavioral health services upon discharge in a timely manner.
Nonprofit community behavioral healthcare providers with experience in treating military service members and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Priority status for applicants will be given to programs with locations within 50 miles of a military base and for applicants seeking grants for operating costs attached to a project for which capital investments have already been made.
Award approval requires an executed Terms and Conditions agreement within 30 days of selection. Approved organizations must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), vendor location on file, and an approved budget. It is recommended organizations applying for this grant start the process for approval in the Georgia Vendor Management System. Questions on this process and required documentation should be sent to [email protected].