New York State is making $140,000 available for community-based projects aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, with funding tied to a voluntary tax check-off program as the filing deadline approaches.
The Office of Mental Health announced Monday that it will award seven grants of $20,000 each to support initiatives focused on education, outreach and awareness, with proposals due by Aug. 31.
The funding is supported by the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund Tax Check-off program, which allows taxpayers to contribute a portion of their state tax return to support stigma reduction efforts. Officials are urging residents to consider participating ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.
State officials say the program is part of a broader strategy to normalize conversations around mental health and encourage people to seek help without fear of judgment. Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said reducing stigma remains a critical step in improving overall wellbeing and access to care.
Since launching in 2016, the program has distributed nearly $700,000 to support a range of efforts, including public education campaigns, training programs, and storytelling initiatives that highlight lived experiences with mental illness.
Eligible applicants must be New York-based organizations with at least one year of experience serving individuals with mental health challenges. Projects must include elements such as dispelling misconceptions, incorporating personal recovery stories, or targeting underserved communities.
Officials said proposals that focus on schools, workplaces, housing-related audiences and healthcare settings are encouraged, along with those aimed at supporting families, caregivers and marginalized populations.
Previous grant recipients have included programs providing mental health first aid training, creative arts initiatives for healthcare workers, and outreach efforts tailored to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and Native American youth.
Applications must be submitted to the Office of Mental Health by the end of August.
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