988 Minnesota Lifeline Youth Peer Leader Grant
988 Minnesota Lifeline Youth Peer Leader Grant supports organizations training youth and young adults to educate peers about 988, build supportive communities, and encourage mental health help-seeking.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Health
Due Dates: October 30, 2026 (Optional webinar) | November 30, 2026 (Questions) | December 18, 2026 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Estimated $15,000 per award for February 2–August 30, 2027; $90,000 total for up to six grantees
Summary: Supports Minnesota organizations training youth and young adult peer leaders to promote the 988 Minnesota Lifeline and mental health help-seeking.
Key Information: Applicants must be located and conduct grant activities in Minnesota; unrecognized groups must apply with a fiscal agent.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) funds organizations engaged with youth or young adults to implement the 988 Minnesota Lifeline – Someone to Talk to Youth Peer Leader program. MDH trains organization staff as facilitators, who then prepare young people to educate their peers about 988, build supportive peer communities, and encourage mental health help-seeking.
Projects support training, peer presentations, participant surveys, presentation materials, technology, and compensation for youth leaders. Training covers Changing the Narrative on Mental Health and Suicide, Community Helper training, 988 Lifeline role play, and program facilitation. The program prioritizes established relationships with youth groups, meaningful youth participation in planning and evaluation, and capacity to serve diverse communities experiencing inequities or disparities.
