New Grants Program
Building a Stronger Mental Health System for Southern Indiana
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.
As we began planning our 2026 grants program, we wanted to go deeper. 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. We asked them to identify the emerging needs, gaps in the current system, and opportunities where philanthropic investment could have the greatest impact.
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, writing proposals, and piecing together annual budgets 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.
Funding Opportunities
Strategic Partnerships Fund
The Strategic Partnerships Fund is the Foundation's primary grantmaking program, replacing our annual grants cycle with a three-year investment: $630,000 a year, $1.89 million total, going to a small number of high-impact partners. The cycle is open every three years to current and past SIHF 501(c)(3) nonprofit grantees whose work fits at least one of our two priorities: 1. expanding access to mental health care, and/or 2. prevention and upstream mental health.
Funding Overview
Investment: $630,000 annually for three years ($1.89 million total)
Grant Term: Up to three years
Eligibility: Current and previous SIHF 501(c)(3) nonprofit grantees
Purpose: Expand access to mental health care and/or strengthen prevention efforts
Is Your Organization a Good Fit?
The Strategic Partnerships Fund is intended for organizations that:
✓ Are a 501(c)(3) and have previously received funding from SIHF
✓ Serve Southern Indiana residents
✓ Align with one or both funding priorities
✓ Demonstrate measurable impact
✓ Are prepared for a multi-year partnership focused on long-term outcomes
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
Every proposal must align with at least one of the Foundation's two strategic priorities.
1. Expand Access to Mental Health Care
We invest in 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
2. Prevention & Upstream Mental Health
We invest in 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
Step 1
Letter of Intent (LOI) - Click Here to Access Letter of Intent Details
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
August 31, 2026
All organizations that submit an LOI will be notified of their application status by August 31, 2026.
Organizations 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.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are reviewed using a competitive scoring process that considers:
Alignment with Foundation priorities
Potential community impact
Evidence-based approach
Organizational capacity and feasibility
Evaluation and measurement plan
Collaboration with community partners
Our goal is to invest in organizations that are positioned to create meaningful, measurable improvements in mental health across Southern Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
The 2026 Strategic Partnerships Fund is open to current and previous SIHF 501(c)(3) nonprofit grantees.
What kinds of projects are most competitive?
The strongest applications demonstrate measurable mental health impact, align with SIHF's funding priorities, include meaningful community partnerships, and present a clear plan for long-term sustainability.
What is the timeline?
● August 10-25: Letter of Intent application period (Click Here for Details)
● August 31: Organizations are notified whether they are invited to submit a full application
● September 1-30: Full application period
● November 9-11: Interviews with selected applicants
● November 20: Award decisions
Questions?
If you have questions about eligibility, funding priorities, or the application process, please contact:
Jessica Staten, Executive Director at Jessica@soinhealthfoundation.org