Behavioral Health Innovation Grant Program (BHIP)
Limited submission
Behavioral Health Innovation Grant Program (BHIP) supports Texas public two-year institutions’ recruitment, training, and retention programs to address behavioral health workforce shortages and improve access to care.
Funder: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Due Dates: November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT (Application)
Funding Amounts: $5 million total; approximately five awards of up to $1 million, ending February 28, 2029
Summary: Supports innovative recruitment, training, and retention programs at Texas public two-year institutions to address behavioral health workforce shortages.
Key Information: One application per applicant or community college district; the community college must remain the applicant and fiscal agent.
Description
The Behavioral Health Innovation Grant Program (BHIP), administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), supports the development and expansion of programs that increase the number of mental health professionals and professionals in related fields across Texas. It connects students with education and training pathways leading to credentials of value and employment in high-need behavioral health occupations, including social work, counseling, and paraprofessional roles.
Funding can support expanded academic programs, new workforce pathways, faculty incentives, student supports, and partnerships for early high school recruitment. The program seeks to improve access to care, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities. Projects must demonstrate measurable workforce outcomes and the potential to be scaled, sustained, and evaluated over time.
