New York State is making $140,000 available in grants for community projects that work to reduce the stigma around mental illness, the state Office of Mental Health announced April 13, with funding drawn from a voluntary tax check-off program as the April 15 filing deadline approached.
The money will be distributed as individual $20,000 awards to projects led by community-based organizations, the office said, enough to support seven grants at that amount. The agency said the grants are paid for through the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund Tax Check-off program, which is financed by voluntary contributions that taxpayers can make when filing their state returns.
“Strong mental health is critical to overall wellbeing, and all New Yorkers should feel comfortable seeking support when they need it,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said in a statement. “The Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund Tax Check-off program helps support valuable efforts to reduce the stigma around mental illness and highlight the importance of mental health. We are grateful to the generous taxpayers who contribute to this program, which paves the way for more individuals to receive help for their mental health concerns.”
The check-off program was established in 2016 and is part of the office’s Strategic Plan for Stigma Reduction, according to the agency. Since the program began, the office said it has distributed $698,753 through the tax check-off for efforts that include targeted health messaging and advertising and the production of printed educational materials.
Community-based organizations across the state, including groups in New York City, are eligible to apply. The office listed Justin Mason as the contact for the announcement, reachable at [email protected] or 518-474-7056, and directs questions through its contact page at omh.ny.gov/omhweb/contact/.
