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Presbyterian Mental Health Ministry Grant Program

Mental Health Grant Recipients Map

Origin of the Grant Program 

On the 10th anniversary of Comfort My People: A Policy Statement on Serious Mental Illness (2008), the 223rd General Assembly (2018) established a two-year Mental Health Initiative with funding for a $250,000 grant program spread over 2019–20 to empower Presbyterian congregations, mid councils and seminaries to address mental health. The grant program has spurred innovation in mental health ministries across the denomination. An additional $125,000 has been committed to extend the grant program through 2021/2022. An additional $60,000 was authorized by the 225th General Assembly to extend the grant funding into 2023.

Purpose of the Grant Program 

This grant program provides “seed money” for Presbyterian congregations, mid councils and seminaries to initiate or advance mental health ministries that educate, equip and empower churches to reach out to and with people living with mental health issues and their loved ones:

  • To expand mental health awareness, understanding of mental health issues and advocacy for mental health services.
  • To eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, especially serious mental illnesses.
  • To become more welcoming, inclusive and supportive faith communities for people living with mental health concerns.

Priority is given to funding projects with the widest potential impact that fulfill one or more of the Comfort My People Action Recommendations for congregations, mid councils and seminaries adopted by the 223rd General Assembly.

Please note: Funding cannot be used for degree program scholarships, permanent staff positions, or subsidizing individual counseling sessions.

Applying to the Grant Program 

Before starting your application, you are encouraged to read through the application form and all supplemental documents found below:

All grant applicants must be PC(USA) entities. Individuals are not eligible to apply. To facilitate the widest impact and sharing of good project ideas, congregations applying for grants are expected to share the grant application with their presbytery and seek an endorsement letter for the project.

Completed applications should be submitted by email to:

Lacey Hunter – Manager, Finance and Administration – lacey.hunter@pcusa.org

Timeline for Processing Applications

The next cycle of grant applications will be due May 1, 2024.

For more information, please contact either:

Lacey Hunter – Manager,  Finance and Administration – lacey.hunter@pcusa.org
Kathy Riley,  Associate for Emotional and Spiritual Care – Kathryn.Riley@pcusa.org