Cenla Mental Health Workforce Program Grant

Through this Request for Applications (RFA), The Rapides Foundation seeks to increase the number of highly qualified mental health and substance abuse treatment professionals by funding organizations to implement the National Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program (NMHWA).

The National Mental Health Workforce Accelerator Program was first launched in 2023 through a partnership with National Council of Mental Wellbeing (National Council) and Kaiser Permanente. The program aims to address the workforce shortage by expanding the pool of post-masters licensed clinicians and increase the availability and provision of mental health services in under-resourced and marginalized communities. The program is currently operating in six states. The Central Louisiana program will focus on supporting licensure obtainment for 30 Licensed Clinical Social Workers and/or Licensed Professional Counselors.

Key Program Components:

• Recruiting Candidates
• Job placement
• Stipends
• Supervision support
• Licensure exam preparation

The grant term will be up to 48 months, beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. This includes a 3-month ramp-up period. Funding must be used to support the operations and administration of the NMHWA program. The Foundation reserves the right to grant less than the total amount requested. If more than one Regional Chair is awarded funding, they will operate as Regional Co-Chairs. 

All candidates must be placed in The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area.

The grant applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

• Classified as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code or a governmental entity. 
• Cannot be a private foundation under Section 509(a).
• If a postsecondary institution, must be accredited by either The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) or Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Please review the eligibility section in the Request for Applications document in the key materials section for more information.

Applications should be submitted using The Rapides Foundation's online application process only. (See link to Start an Application in right column.)  

Applicants should thoroughly review the Request for Applications and other key documents included in the Key Materials section (in right column) to see full details, application process and requirements.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact The Rapides Foundation for guidance no later than three weeks before submitting their proposal. Contact information is in the right column.

• Informational Webinar: January 10, 2025 @ 1:30 p.m.
• Pre-Submission Consultation Request: One week prior to March 7, 2025
• Proposal Application Due: March 28, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. CST
• Notification of Selection: May 30, 2025
• Three-Month Ramp Up/Start Date: July 1, 2025
  • Mandatory Onboarding Kickoff: Q3 2025 (TBD)
  • Planning Meetings: TBD