Tori Foster
Tori Foster serves as a Managing Director at McAllister & Quinn, where she advises nonprofit organizations and public agencies on securing federal, state, and private funding to advance mission‑critical priorities.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released its forecast for anticipated grant opportunities scheduled for February and March 2026.
The 2026 SAMHSA federal grant forecast highlights federal funding opportunities for mental health, behavioral health, suicide prevention, and trauma-informed care. This early insight gives organizations the chance to begin preparing competitive applications aligned with SAMHSA’s priorities.
These upcoming SAMHSA grant programs can provide organizations with the funding to expand programs, strengthen service capacity, build new partnerships, and increase access to critical services in high‑need communities.
Forecasted SAMHSA Grant Opportunities:
Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education)
Purpose: To build a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health services by fostering strong collaborative partnerships among education agencies, mental health agencies, community providers, school personnel, families, and school-aged youth.
Forecasted Release: February 17, 2026
Anticipated Awards: 37
Total Program Funding: $56,170,333
Implementing Zero Suicides in Health Systems
Purpose: To implement the comprehensive Zero Suicide intervention and prevention model for adults within a health system by applying all seven required elements of the Zero Suicide framework: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Treat, Transition, and Improve.
Forecasted Release: February 17, 2026
Anticipated Awards: 31
Total Program Funding: $16,110,545
National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI-Cat 2) – Treatment and Service Adaptation
Purpose: To support the adaptation, expansion, and refinement of trauma-informed practices to improve service quality and accessibility for children and families impacted by trauma.
Forecasted Release: February 27, 2026
Anticipated Awards: 24
Total Program Funding: $14,400,000
Forecasted SAMHSA Grant Opportunities Continued:
Purpose: To support organizations in establishing or expanding a CCBHC model.
Forecasted Release: March 31, 2026
Anticipated Awards: 94
Total Program Funding: $94,000,000
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Improvement and Advancement Grant
Purpose: To strengthen and expand the quality, scope, and sustainability of existing CCBHCs.
Forecasted Release Date: March 31, 2026
Anticipated Awards: 94
Total Program Funding: $94,000,000
National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative – Category III: Community Treatment and Service Centers
Purpose: To increase access to effective trauma-informed treatment and services for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced traumatic events.
Forecasted Release Date: February 27, 2026
Anticipated Awards: 67
Total Program Funding: $40,200,000
Total Program Funding: $14,400,000
Let Us Help Create a Competitive SAMHSA Grant Program Application
At McAllister & Quinn, our team includes more than 70 consultants with deep SAMHSA expertise, supported by former federal insiders who understand how these programs are designed, reviewed, and awarded. We have helped clients secure more than $41.6 million in SAMHSA funding.
We can help you navigate program requirements, craft a compelling narrative, and prepare a competitive application tailored to SAMHSA’s priorities.