GRANTS PROGRAM
The Strategic Partnerships Fund
A sustained, multi-year investment in a limited number of organizations with proven programs, the capacity to grow, and a commitment to measuring impact.
Building a Stronger Mental Health System for Southern Indiana
OUR NEW FOCUS
In 2025, after reviewing community health needs assessments and meeting with local leaders, the Southern Indiana Health Foundation identified mental health as its primary funding priority. We gathered input from behavioral health providers, public health leaders, and nonprofit organizations from across Southern Indiana to better understand the challenges they see every day.
The message was clear and consistent: our region needs to expand access to mental health care while investing in prevention before people reach a crisis. Those conversations also revealed another challenge we could not ignore. Nonprofits are asked to solve long-term problems with short-term funding, spending valuable time chasing grants instead of focusing on the communities they serve.
We believe transformational change must start with strong organizations. That's why we're introducing the Strategic Partnerships Fund, a sustained, multi-year investment in a limited number of organizations with proven programs, the capacity to grow, and a commitment to measuring impact.
INVESTMENT
$630K/year
$1.89 million total
GRANT TERM
Up to 3 years
Cycle opens every 3 years
ELIGIBILITY
501(c)(3)
Current and past SIHF grantees
LOI WINDOW
Aug 10-25
2026
BEFORE YOU START
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
Intended for organizations that:
✓ Are a 501(c)(3) and have previously received funding from the Foundation
✓ Serve residents in Floyd, Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Scott, and Washington Counties
✓ Align with one or both funding priorities
✓ Demonstrate measurable impact
✓ Are prepared for a multi-year partnership focused on long-term outcomes
What we won't be able to fund:
While we recognize the importance of housing, food assistance, transportation, and other basic needs, these activities are generally outside the scope of this funding unless they are part of a direct mental health intervention.
OUR FUNDING PRIORITIES
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
01
Expand Access to Mental Health Care
Programs that increase the availability, affordability, and timeliness of mental health services throughout Southern Indiana.
Examples include
Expanding provider capacity
Workforce development and training
Improving care coordination and referrals
Reducing financial barriers for uninsured and underinsured individuals
Crisis response and suicide prevention
Expanding access for underserved populations
02
Prevention & Upstream Mental Health
Programs that build resilience, strengthen protective factors, and support positive mental health before a crisis occurs.
Examples include
Youth mentoring and development
Emotional regulation and coping skills
School-based prevention programs
Mental health education
Digital safety and bullying prevention
Early intervention initiatives
Social-emotional learning
APPLICATION PROCESS
Five steps, August to November 2026
STEP 1
Letter of Intent
August 10–25, 2026
Eligible organizations submit a brief LOI outlining their proposed initiative and its alignment with Foundation priorities.
STEP 2
Invitation to Apply
September 1, 2026
All organizations that submit an LOI will be notified of their application status. Those demonstrating strong strategic alignment will be invited to submit a full application.
STEP 3
Full Application
September 1–30, 2026
Invited applicants submit a complete proposal, budget, supporting documentation, and evaluation plan.
STEP 4
Interviews
November 9–11, 2026
Selected applicants will meet with the Grants Committee to discuss their proposal and answer questions.
STEP 5
Award Decisions
November 20, 2026
The Grants Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, with grant awards announced in November.
Ready to Take the Next Steps?
Every nonprofit applying for a Strategic Partnerships Fund grant starts with a Letter of Intent (LOI). It's a short first step, not a full proposal and gives our grants committee an early look at your organization and the work you're proposing.