BATAVIA, Ohio – The Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board (MHRB) will again offer “mini-grants” in 2016 to fund activities that promote positive mental health and prevent substance abuse.
The board is looking for innovative projects that will positively affect mental health and/or prevent substance abuse for any age group. A total up to $60,000, from the board’s levy funds, is available for programs serving Clermont County residents. The maximum funding per project is $5,000. The grant period is Jan. 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017. Any organized group in Clermont County – with the exception of the contract agencies of the Mental Health and Recovery Board – can apply for funding.
Previously funded applicants are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a financial structure in place to account for the awarded funds. Funds may not be used to cover ongoing operating expenses.
To apply for a mini-grant, please submit a brief proposal that includes the name, address, email address and phone number of the contact person, a description of the activity/purpose for which the grant will be used, an explanation of how the activity will promote positive mental health and/or prevent substance abuse, a description of what part of the activity the grant will fund if used with other monies, the date(s) of activity, and the amount of the funding request.
Mini-grant funds cannot be used to purchase equipment such as iPads, iPods, tablets or other electronic items. The funds can be used for materials, supplies, and/or food for activities planned.
Proposals must be submitted no later than Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, to: Mini-Grant Project, c/o Melissa Burke, Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board, 2337 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103.
Last year, the MHRB funded a total of 13 mini-grants to 18 separate organizations. Seven schools in Clermont County received grants that assisted in activities to help children stay drug-free and establish mentoring programs. In addition, grants were awarded to other agencies providing services directed to community members, such as the Coalition for a Drug-Free Clermont County and SOLACE Clermont.
Any group receiving funding is required to submit a report to the Mental Health and Recovery Board on its efforts and resulting outcomes following completion of the activity. A final accounting of funds must be submitted within 60 days of the end of the activity. All unused funds must be returned to the MHRB.
It is possible that mini-grants may not be available in the future or that a project funded once may not receive funds a second time, so mini-grants should be viewed as one-time only funds.
If you have any questions about applying for these grants, call the Clermont County Mental Health and Recovery Board at 513-732-5400.
