On March 3rd, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced the availability of up to $105,000 in total grant funding for projects that help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Funding is available from the voluntary tax check-off program launched in 2016, which allows New York taxpayers to contribute to the “Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund” when filing their taxes.
OMH will award agencies with up to $15,000 to support stigma reduction projects statewide. Project activities may include targeted messaging and advertising, production of printed materials, speakers, training, contact with people with lived experience, and multimedia productions. Projects must address stigma and discrimination in one or more of the following:
- Educational institutions, including colleges and universities;
- Underserved populations;
- Housing;
- Workplace;
- Parents;
- Media (including social media); and
- Health care.
Eligible applicants must have at least one year of experience serving individuals with mental illness and be recognized for work with underserved, underrepresented, and/or minority populations. OMH will review proposals for completeness, messaging, and alignment with the outcomes of reducing public and self-stigma and promoting positive attitudes among targeted audiences and the public.
The OMH press release is available here. Proposals may be submitted to carol.swiderski@omh.ny.gov through April 2nd. Projects must be completed between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Questions may be submitted to matthew.canuteson@omh.ny.gov.