Vermont Psychiatric Survivors is seeking applications from individuals or entities in Vermont for independent peer-run initiatives designed and operated by individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges.

This program funds:
Initiatives already started; funding to an existing initiative could supplement a fledgling program and help it get a stronger start:

•  New projects to be proposed
•  New peer initiative in a location where one does not currently exist. The peer initiative(s) to be funded should not duplicate peer projects already going on locally, however.
•  Examples of the kinds of initiatives that might be funded include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
•  Education in peer leadership (e.g., teaching individuals how to advocate for themselves)
•  Peer mentoring
•  Drop-in centers
•  Peer crisis diversion
•  Resources for peers upon discharge from inpatient hospitalization or from a correctional facility
•  Peer advocacy/community liaisons
•  Recovery- and wellness-oriented initiatives such as exercise, diet, and other elements of healthy lifestyles
  (hiking/biking/yoga, etc); employment (e.g., job coaching or other supports); independent living; and the like
•  Creative projects such as art projects, movie projects, music projects created by peers or to benefit
  peers/promote community awareness (e.g. hosting a film series in the community to promote education and
  awareness or doing an art show of peer created pieces);
•  Hosting regular online/in-person support groups for peers

This program WILL NOT Fund:

The funds available come from the federal mental-health block grant to states and territories for community-based services for adults with serious psychiatric diagnoses and emotional disturbances. The funds are therefore subject to certain restrictions specified in the federal block grant statute. The statute provides that the funds WILL NOT be expended in any of the following ways:

•  To provide inpatient services;
•  To make cash payments to intended recipients of health services;
•  To purchase or improve land, purchase, construct, or permanently improve (other than minor remodeling) any building or other facility, or purchase major medical equipment;
•  To satisfy any requirement for the expenditure of non-Federal funds as a condition for the receipt of Federal funds; or
•  To provide financial assistance to any entity other than a public or nonprofit private entity;
•  To provide personal transportation.

This grant is for individuals in the community starting a new project, not for organizations looking to supplement income for a current or new project.

Who May Apply:

Proposals should be submitted by applicants who are not affiliated with any state funded organizations and must be in the state of Vermont. Applicants must be able to fill out quarterly reports in detail and quarterly (or monthly) reimbursement forms either by themselves or with help.

Individual grants are CAPPED at $3,000 per year.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should fill out the application form at the end of this Request for Applications. Attach additional pages as necessary to complete the information requested. Finalists may be asked to present, in person or via electronic communication, a presentation outlining the project’s idea, process and projected impact to a committee to determine final selection. Presentations should be 45 minutes or less.

Applications may be submitted electronically.
All applications must be received by September 2, 2022 by 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Additional Resources:

Questions about this program and requests for assistance in completing the application can be directed to the POP Grant Selection Committee at [email protected].

Selection Process:

Vermont Psychiatric Survivors reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications. Evaluation of applications will be made by an advisory panel overseen by Vermont Psychiatric Survivors, Inc.