Grant Funding Applications Are Now Open
Applications for grant-funded Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Instructor Training are accepted on a rolling basis.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the year as funding is available. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as they are ready, as grant funding is limited and awarded based on eligibility, funding priorities, and available resources.
Important Information for Grant Funding Applicants
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) or Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Instructor. The application process for grant-funded Instructor Training is designed to ensure a fair and thoughtful review of all applicants while supporting organizations and individuals serving Maryland’s priority populations.
Grant Funding Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Applications are reviewed as they are received, and eligible applicants will be contacted regarding funding decisions and upcoming Instructor Training opportunities. Training dates are offered throughout the year based on availability and grant priorities.
Because funding is limited, submitting an application does not guarantee grant funding.
Upcoming Instructor Training Opportunities
Approved applicants will be invited to register for an upcoming Instructor Training based on:
- Training availability
- Program needs and grant priorities
- Completion of all prerequisites
Training dates are added throughout the year and are subject to change.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for grant-funded Instructor Training, all applicants must meet the following prerequisites before attending training:
Completion of a MHFA or YMHFA Community Course
You must have completed the full 8-hour MHFA or YMHFA course prior to Instructor Training. This course may be taken through MHAMD or any certified instructor across the country.
- If you are applying for MHFA Instructor Training, you must hold an active MHFA certification (completed within the past 3 years).
- If you are applying for YMHFA Instructor Training, you must hold an active YMHFA certification (completed within the past 3 years).
- Applicants who have completed the course within the previous six months, or who plan to complete the course before Instructor Training, may receive additional consideration during the application review process.
Instructor Training Pre-Orientation
Candidates must complete a required one-hour Instructor Orientation before attending Instructor Training. The orientation covers program expectations, onboarding, technology requirements, and how to successfully launch courses after certification.
We encourage applicants to attend an orientation as early as possible. You do not need to wait until your application has been submitted to participate.
All grant-funded candidates are required to attend orientation. Attendance is strongly encouraged for tuition-based candidates.
Application Evaluation
Please review the evaluation criteria to help prepare your application.
Objective Scoring
Most application questions are scored using an objective point system based on current grant priorities.
Narrative Review
Applicants will also respond to several open-ended questions that allow reviewers to better understand your experience, community impact, and plans for delivering Mental Health First Aid.
Anonymous Review Process
Applications are reviewed using an anonymized process whenever possible. Reviewers do not have access to identifying information outside of what is voluntarily shared in narrative responses.
Grant funding is limited and awarded based on available funding, program priorities, and application strength.
Application Tips
- Take your time completing your application, especially the narrative responses.
- Be sure to stay within the stated word limits.
- We recommend drafting your responses in Microsoft Word or Google Docs before submitting your application.
- Save a copy of your responses for your records in case you wish to apply again in the future.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process, eligibility requirements, or grant funding opportunities, please contact: MHFATraining@mhamd.org