Apply Now: Mental Health Services for Adults and Older People (Australia)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Mental Health Services for Adults and Older People Grant supports non-government organisations in the Australian Capital Territory to deliver targeted and integrated mental health services for adults and older people, including people with complex and ongoing needs. Approximately $3.5 million per year is available for an initial five-year period to strengthen community-based mental health and wellbeing support.

About the Mental Health Services for Adults and Older People Grant

The grant program aims to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of adults and older people across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It supports non-government organisations to provide targeted, integrated, and community-based services for people living with mental illness or complex and ongoing needs. The program also recognises the important role of carers and families and supports services that can provide appropriate community-based assistance beyond clinical care. What Does the Grant Support? The program prioritises non-clinical, community-based mental health services that help adults and older people maintain wellbeing, independence, and connection with their communities.

Priority areas include:

- Community connection and support. - Psychosocial support. - Prevention and mental health promotion. - Early intervention. - Support for people with complex and ongoing needs. - Services that help people live independently. - Support for carers and families. Community Connection and Psychosocial Support The program gives priority to services that strengthen community connection and provide practical support for people experiencing mental health challenges. Psychosocial support can help individuals manage daily life, maintain independence, participate in their communities, and access appropriate services and supports. These services are particularly relevant for people who require ongoing assistance but may not need intensive clinical care. Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Prevention and promotion activities are another priority of the grant program. Supported activities can aim to improve mental health and wellbeing or reduce risk factors in environments such as: - Schools. - Workplaces. - Community settings. These approaches can help build awareness, resilience, social connection, and healthier environments before mental health concerns become more serious. Early Intervention Early intervention services are prioritised to address mental health issues when they first arise. The goal is to provide timely support and prevent problems from escalating to more intensive forms of care. Early intervention can therefore play an important role in connecting people with appropriate community-based support at an earlier stage. Support for Adults and Older People The grant focuses specifically on adults and older people in the ACT, including individuals living with mental illness and those experiencing complex and ongoing needs. Services can also benefit carers and families who provide ongoing support to people experiencing mental health challenges. Funding Available Approximately $3.5 million per year, excluding GST, is available through the program. The initial funding period is five years. There is also an option to extend the program for up to two additional years. This provides successful organisations with the potential for longer-term service delivery and community impact. Who Can Apply? The grant is open to eligible non-government organisations that can deliver appropriate mental health services in the Australian Capital Territory.

Eligible applicants include:

- Non-government incorporated organisations in Australia. - Companies limited by guarantee. - Incorporated trustees applying on behalf of a trust. - Consortia led by an eligible organisation. Applicant Requirements Applicants must meet the required organisational and financial conditions.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be a non-government organisation. - Be appropriately incorporated in Australia. - Be registered for GST. - Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). - Hold an account with an Australian financial institution. Consortia may apply where they are led by an organisation that meets the eligibility requirements. Who Is Not Eligible? The following applicants are not eligible for funding: - Government agencies. - Individuals. - Unincorporated associations. - For-profit entities. - Overseas organisations. Applicants should ensure that their organisational structure and registration status meet the requirements before applying. Key Priorities for Applicants Organisations developing proposals should demonstrate how their services will address the mental health and wellbeing needs of adults and older people in the ACT.

Strong proposals should focus on:

- Community-based and non-clinical support. - Improved community connection. - Psychosocial support and independence. - Prevention and mental health promotion. - Early intervention. - Support for people with complex and ongoing needs. - Appropriate support for carers and families. - Measurable benefits for the target population. Why Community-Based Mental Health Services Matter Community-based services can provide support in environments that are accessible and relevant to people’s everyday lives. By supporting prevention, early intervention, psychosocial assistance, and community connection, the program aims to complement more intensive mental health services and help people maintain independence and wellbeing. The focus on adults and older people also recognises the importance of providing appropriate support throughout later stages of life. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly demonstrate the organisation’s capacity to provide targeted and integrated mental health services.

Applicants should:

- Clearly identify the needs of adults and older people in the ACT. - Explain how the proposed service addresses tho