SAMHSA Grants for Substance Abuse Treatment

SAMHSA Grants Overview

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offers grants to support substance abuse treatment programs and initiatives. These grants play a vital role in providing funding for organizations that are dedicated to addressing substance abuse and promoting mental health.

Grant Compliance Requirements

When accepting a grant award from SAMHSA, recipients must comply with federal standards in financial management, internal controls, audit, and reporting. These compliance requirements ensure that grant funds are used appropriately and effectively to achieve the intended goals of the programs.

Some organizations may be placed on restricted status by SAMHSA, which requires additional monitoring and additional award conditions. Restricted status is assigned to recipients that have financial instability, inadequate financial management systems, or are poor programmatic performers [1]. It is essential for grant recipients to maintain sound financial practices and program performance to avoid restricted status.

Application Process

To apply for SAMHSA grants, organizations must follow the application process outlined by SAMHSA. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs): SAMHSA announces grant funding opportunities through Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs). Each NOFO contains all the information needed to apply for a grant. These announcements provide details on the funding priorities, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important information. It is crucial for organizations to review the NOFOs carefully to understand the specific requirements for each grant opportunity [2].
2. Registration: To apply for a SAMHSA grant, organizations must register on Grants.gov, a centralized online portal for federal grant applications. Registration is necessary to access and submit grant applications. It is important to maintain registration in specific systems to remain eligible for future grants. Failure to maintain registration can negatively impact an organization's ability to submit new applications or receive future awards.
3. Application Submission: Applicants must download the required application forms from Grants.gov and may need additional forms from the SAMHSA website. It is crucial to include all the necessary forms to avoid applications being screened out and deemed ineligible for review. Carefully following the instructions provided in the NOFO is essential to ensure a complete and accurate application.

By understanding the grant compliance requirements and following the application process, organizations can effectively apply for SAMHSA grants and contribute to the improvement of substance abuse treatment and mental health initiatives.

Grant Management

Managing SAMHSA grants for substance abuse treatment involves various processes and activities to ensure compliance, oversight, and collaboration. These include the peer review process, oversight activities, and financial assistance collaboration.

Peer Review Process

SAMHSA employs a peer review process to evaluate discretionary grant applications. Subject matter experts, who are generally not SAMHSA employees, are selected as peer reviewers to assess the applications' merits and alignment with the grant program's objectives and criteria [2]. These peer reviewers provide an independent evaluation, contributing to the fairness and transparency of the grant awarding process.

Oversight Activities

SAMHSA conducts oversight activities throughout all phases of the grant, including pre-award, open award, and closed award stages. These activities ensure that grant recipients adhere to the terms and conditions of the grant, comply with applicable regulations, and utilize the funds appropriately. Oversight activities help to monitor and track progress, identify any issues or concerns, and provide guidance and support to grantees.

Financial Assistance Collaboration

Collaboration between SAMHSA and grant recipients is crucial for effective financial assistance management. After awarding a grant, SAMHSA collaborates with the grant recipient (grantee) to help them utilize the financial assistance effectively. This collaboration may involve providing technical assistance, guidance, and resources to enhance the grantee's capacity to implement and manage the funded programs or initiatives.

To ensure transparency and accountability, SAMHSA requires recipients to submit performance and progress reports for all awarded grants. The frequency and specific instructions for these reports are outlined in the Notice of Award (NoA) terms and conditions. Compliance with these reporting requirements is essential, as failure to comply may result in restrictions on the grantee's account, delayed funds, or denial of future funding.

Additionally, recipients must report certain information about themselves and their first-tier sub-recipients for grants. This includes reporting on subawards of $25,000 or more. This reporting requirement ensures transparency and accountability in the use of grant funds.

By implementing the peer review process, conducting oversight activities, and fostering financial assistance collaboration, SAMHSA ensures the effective management and utilization of grants for substance abuse treatment programs. These measures contribute to the overall success and impact of the grant programs in addressing the critical needs of individuals and communities affected by substance abuse.

Specific Grant Programs

SAMHSA offers various grant programs to support substance abuse treatment and mental health services. Two significant grant programs are the Substance Use Prevention Block Grant and the Mental Health Block Grant.

Substance Use Prevention Block Grant

The Substance Use Prevention Block Grant (SUPBG) program, also known as the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG or SUBG), provides funds and technical assistance to states, territories, and tribal entities for planning, implementing, and evaluating activities that prevent and treat substance use and promote public health. The SUPBG program aims to address substance abuse issues at the local level and support comprehensive strategies to reduce the impact of substance use disorders.

Grantees of the SUPBG program utilize the funds to develop and implement prevention programs, expand treatment services, enhance recovery support systems, and improve the overall public health response to substance abuse. These funds play a crucial role in supporting initiatives aimed at reducing substance use, increasing access to treatment, and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders [5].

Mental Health Block Grant

The Mental Health Block Grant program provides funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and tribal entities to support mental health services. The grant aims to improve access, availability, and quality of mental health care for individuals with mental health conditions.

Through the Mental Health Block Grant, states and territories are empowered to develop and implement innovative approaches to address mental health needs within their jurisdictions. The program focuses on enhancing mental health service systems, expanding the range of available services, and prioritizing the needs of individuals with serious mental illnesses.

Grantees of the Mental Health Block Grant have the flexibility to allocate funds based on their unique needs and priorities, ensuring that resources are directed towards areas that require the most attention and support. These grants play a critical role in strengthening mental health systems, supporting evidence-based practices, and promoting recovery-oriented services.

By offering specific grant programs tailored to substance abuse prevention and mental health services, SAMHSA aims to address the diverse needs of individuals and communities across the nation. These grants provide vital support to programs and initiatives that are essential in combating substance use disorders and promoting mental well-being.

Reporting Requirements

Once awarded a grant from SAMHSA for substance abuse treatment, recipients are required to fulfill certain reporting obligations. These reporting requirements help ensure transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring of grant-funded activities. The two main types of reports that need to be submitted are the Federal Financial Report (FFR) and Performance and Progress Reports.

Federal Financial Report

The Federal Financial Report (FFR) is an essential financial reporting tool that grant recipients must submit to SAMHSA. As stated by SAMHSA, recipients are required to submit the FFR no later than 90 days after the end of the budget period. Failure to submit the complete and accurate FFR in a timely manner can lead to restrictions on the recipient's Payment Management System account and may impact future funding.

Beginning in FY 2021, grant recipients will submit the FFR through the Payment Management System (PMS). This online system allows recipients to report both cash transactions and expenditures, financial obligations, and liquidations associated with their grant. The transition to PMS streamlines the reporting process and facilitates efficient financial management of grants.

Performance and Progress Reports

In addition to the FFR, recipients of SAMHSA grants are required to submit Performance and Progress Reports. The frequency and specific instructions for preparing and submitting these reports are outlined in the terms and conditions of the Notice of Award (NoA) received by the grant recipient.

The Performance and Progress Reports serve as a means for grant recipients to provide updates on the progress and outcomes of their grant-funded activities. These reports help SAMHSA monitor the effectiveness and impact of the funded programs. It is crucial for recipients to comply with this reporting requirement to ensure continued funding and avoid any potential disruptions.

Noncompliance with reporting requirements may result in consequences such as account restrictions, funding delays, or even denial of future funding opportunities. Therefore, it is essential for grant recipients to carefully adhere to the reporting schedules and guidelines provided by SAMHSA.

Additionally, recipients may be required to report information about themselves and their first-tier sub-recipients for awards. This reporting is mandatory for subawards of $25,000 or more SAMHSA. Moreover, nonfederal entities that expend $750,000 or more under federal awards in a fiscal year must undergo a single audit in accordance with the Audit Requirements, 45 CFR 75.501. The audit reports must be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) within 30 days after receipt or nine months after the end of the fiscal year, whichever is earlier SAMHSA.

By fulfilling the reporting requirements, grant recipients contribute to the overall accountability and success of the SAMHSA grants program, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to address substance abuse treatment needs.

Eligibility and Application

To access SAMHSA grants for substance abuse treatment, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria and application process. SAMHSA grants are available exclusively to domestic public and private non-profit entities, as detailed in each Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) posted on the SAMHSA Grants Dashboard and Grants.gov.

Applicant Eligibility

SAMHSA requires potential applicants to meet specific criteria outlined in the NOFO for each grant opportunity. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the grant program and the specific goals and objectives of the funding opportunity. It is essential to review the eligibility criteria provided in the NOFO to ensure compliance and determine if your organization meets the necessary qualifications.

Application Instructions

To apply for SAMHSA grants, interested organizations must follow the instructions outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the specific grant program. The FY 2024 NOFO Application Guide is an essential resource that provides detailed instructions for preparing and submitting SAMHSA grant applications. It offers guidance on registration requirements, completing required attachments, preparing budgets, and adhering to federal policies and regulations.

To initiate the application process, applicants must download the required forms from Grants.gov and may need additional forms from the SAMHSA website. It is crucial to include all the necessary forms to ensure eligibility for review. Failure to include all required forms may result in the application being screened out and deemed ineligible for review.

SAMHSA provides live training webinars to guide prospective grant applicants through the application process. These webinars offer valuable information on submitting applications, using the NIH's eRA System, registration, application processes, requirements, and post-submission procedures. Details about upcoming webinars can be found on the Grants Dashboard.

For additional resources and support, applicants can access the Grants.gov video library, which contains helpful information on registering, searching, and applying for federal grant opportunities. It's important to note that periodic service maintenance and system enhancements may render Grants.gov temporarily inaccessible. Applicants are advised to check the outage calendar on Grants.gov for updates.

By carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria and following the application instructions provided in the NOFO and the FY 2024 NOFO Application Guide, potential applicants can ensure compliance and submit a complete and well-prepared application for SAMHSA grants.

Grant Funding Opportunities

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) provides various grant funding opportunities to support the prevention and treatment of substance misuse and substance use disorder (SUD) across the nation. These funding opportunities are crucial in addressing the addiction and overdose crises that have impacted communities nationwide. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to combat these issues, SAMHSA has announced Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for several grant programs, amounting to approximately $73.4 million in funding.

NOFO Announcements

SAMHSA regularly releases Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to announce the availability of funds for specific grant programs. These announcements provide detailed information about the program objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines. Interested organizations and entities can review the NOFOs to determine which grant programs align with their goals and priorities.

To stay up to date with the latest NOFO announcements, it is recommended to regularly check the SAMHSA Grants Dashboard and Grants.gov for new funding opportunities. By doing so, organizations can identify grants that are relevant to their work and apply accordingly.

Addressing Substance Misuse

The grant funding opportunities provided by SAMHSA aim to prevent substance misuse and treat substance use disorder (SUD) across the nation. These grants play a vital role in supporting initiatives that address the ongoing challenges related to substance misuse and addiction.

Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that there has been a steady slowing of the rate of increase in overdose deaths for the tenth month in a row, with a decrease in 12-month rolling totals for the fifth month in a row. However, the impact of substance misuse and SUD still requires significant attention and resources to prevent further harm and support those in need of treatment.

By funding programs that focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery support, SAMHSA aims to address the root causes of substance misuse and provide individuals and communities with the necessary resources to overcome addiction. These grants support a wide range of initiatives, including education and awareness campaigns, treatment services, recovery support programs, and innovative approaches to combat substance misuse.

Organizations interested in applying for SAMHSA grants should carefully review the eligibility requirements outlined in each Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Eligible applicants include domestic public and private non-profit entities. To ensure a successful application, it is important to follow the detailed instructions provided in the FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Application Guide, which includes guidance on registration requirements, completing required attachments, preparing budgets, and adhering to federal policies and regulations. Failure to include all required forms and meet the specified criteria may result in applications being deemed ineligible for review [3].

SAMHSA grants provide valuable opportunities to address substance misuse and support individuals and communities affected by substance use disorder. By leveraging these funding opportunities, organizations and entities can make a significant impact in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

References

• [1]: https://www.samhsa.gov
• ‍[2]: https://www.samhsa.gov
• ‍[3]: https://www.samhsa.gov
• ‍[4]: https://www.samhsa.gov