LIFT Program (Launching Infrastructure for Family & Youth Peer Support Teams)
The LIFT Program from Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services funds and supports organizations to build sustainable youth and family peer support service infrastructure.
Funder: Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Due Dates: September 4, 2026 (questions deadline) | September 11, 2026 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per organization; up to 4 awards; 12-month project period (Oct 2026–Sept 2027)
Summary: Supports Ohio organizations in building infrastructure for sustainable youth and family peer support services through funding and technical assistance.
Key Information: Applicants must be Ohio-based 501(c)(3)/(4) nonprofits or government entities with DBH certification and capacity for new peer support programs.
Description
The LIFT Program (Launching Infrastructure for Family & Youth Peer Support Teams) is an initiative of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services designed to help emerging Ohio-based organizations develop and implement sustainable youth and family peer support services. The program provides targeted funding and structured technical assistance to help grantees build foundational infrastructure, develop policies and workflows, and integrate Certified Youth Peer Supporters (CYPS) and Certified Family Peer Supporters (CFPS) into their service models. The goal is to expand Ohio’s behavioral health workforce and improve outcomes for youth, young adults, and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges.
Selected grantees will participate in group-based and individualized technical assistance, complete readiness and planning activities, and establish the necessary components for high-quality peer support programming. By the end of the grant period, organizations are expected to be ready to implement or expand sustainable peer support services.
