Mini-grants available for activities that promote positive mental health and prevent addiction

Contact Person:  Cindy Knoblauch: (513) 732-5400

BATAVIA, OH — In a continuing effort to foster activities that promote positive mental health and prevent addiction, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board is pleased to announce that the opportunity for funding called “mini-grants” will again be available for the upcoming year.

The Board is looking for innovative projects that will positively affect mental health and/or prevent addiction for any age group.  A total up to $30,000, from the Board’s levy funds, is available for programs serving Clermont County residents.  The maximum funding per project is $4,000.  The grant period is July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.  Any organized group in Clermont County – with the exception of the contract agencies of the Mental Health and Recovery Board – can apply for funding.  Previously funded applicants are eligible to reapply.  Applicants must have a financial structure in place to account for the awarded funds.  Funds may not be used to cover ongoing operating expenses.

To apply for a mini-grant, please submit a brief proposal that includes the name, address, email address, and phone number of the contact person, a description of the activity/purpose for which the grant will be used, an explanation of how the activity will promote positive mental health and/or prevent addiction, a description of what part of the activity the mini-grant will fund if used with other monies, the date(s) of activity, and the amount of the funding request. Mini-grant funds cannot be used to purchase equipment such as iPads, iPods, tablets, or other electronic items.  The funds can be used for materials, supplies, and/or food for activities planned.

Proposals must be submitted no later than Monday, May 17, 2021, to: Mini-Grant Project, c/o Cindy Knoblauch, Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, 2337 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103.

In 2019, the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board funded a total of 17 mini-grants to 13 separate organizations.  Ten schools in Clermont County received grants that assisted in initiating activities that helped children stay drug-free, established mentoring programs, or promoted mental health well-being.  In addition, grants were awarded to other agencies providing services directed to community members, such as Safe Harbor of Hope and the YWCA.

Any group receiving funding is required to submit a report to the Mental Health and Recovery Board on its efforts and resulting outcomes following completion of the activity.  A final accounting of funds must be submitted within 60 days of the end of the activity.  All unused funds must be returned to the Mental Health and Recovery Board.

It is possible that mini-grants may not be available in the future or that a project funded once may not receive funds a second time, so mini-grants should be viewed as one-time-only funds.

If you have any questions about applying for these grants, call the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board at (513)732-5400.