Current RFP verification alert (October 31, 2026): The current MDH program webpage announces the February-August 2027 grant cycle and December 18, 2026 online application deadline. However, a PDF retrieved from its linked RFP document address is dated September 2025 and describes a different, expired 2026 grant cycle with an October 2025 email submission deadline. Do not use the older PDF’s funding levels, deadlines, matching rules or email submission instructions for the current competition. Applicants should obtain the correct 2027 RFP and required forms directly from MDH before applying.
Program Overview
The Minnesota Department of Health is accepting competitive grant applications for the 988 Minnesota Lifeline Someone to Talk to Youth Peer Leader program. The initiative supports organizations that recruit, train and support young people conducting peer-to-peer mental health awareness and 988 Lifeline education. Track One serves high school students in grades 9 through 12. Track Two serves young adults ages 18 through 24.
Funding
The department identifies a total competitive funding pool of $90,000, with approximately six awards estimated at $15,000 each, subject to availability. The $90,000 amount is statewide program funding and is not an individual award. The public announcement describes $15,000 as an estimated award, not a guaranteed award maximum. The project period is February 2, 2027 through August 30, 2027. Costs may be incurred only after the award agreement is fully executed and effective.
Who May Apply
Potential applicants include youth-serving organizations, peer initiatives, youth advocacy teams, universities, Tribal colleges, community colleges, young adult groups and out-of-school-time programs. Qualifying entities must demonstrate the capacity to engage and support youth leaders. Non-Tribal projects in Tribal communities require the support of the Tribal government. Applicants serving listed priority counties and Tribal communities receive priority, but the announcement does not restrict all eligibility to those counties.
Projects and Responsibilities
Applicants must identify two project co-leads, recruit and support approximately five to seven youth leaders, arrange required onboarding and trainings, compensate participants for qualifying activities, support peer presentations and evaluation, and submit required reporting. Detailed track requirements and allowable expense rules are controlled by the current RFP.
Deadline and Submission
Applications are due Friday, December 18, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Submit electronically through the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Injury and Violence Prevention online grant portal. Applicants must complete submission before the deadline and retain the portal confirmation. RFP questions are due November 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. A grant information meeting is scheduled for October 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.
Application Conditions
The controlling October 12, 2026 Minnesota Department of Health RFP states that no matching funds are required. Applicants must be located in Minnesota and conduct grant activities in Minnesota; applicants lacking formal state or federal organizational recognition must use a fiscal agent. The RFP identifies $15,000 as both the estimated minimum and maximum individual award, subject to availability, and $90,000 as the overall pool. Read the full current RFP, application templates, expense restrictions, and any amendments before submission. Official funding announcement: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/rfp.html