# Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (Mental Health Initiative) The Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program Mental Health Initiative (administered by ADECA) will award up to $7.55 million in competitive funding to expand and strengthen rural mental health services in Alabama. This NOFO specifically prioritizes school-based tele-mental health programs and the conversion of Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). The initiative targets rural youth, underserved populations, and seeks to fill structural service gaps, with a focus on sustainable access and care coordination. All awards are contingent on the state’s receipt of CMS Rural Health Transformation funds. Projects funded through this opportunity must be completed by July 31, 2027. Eligible applicants include nonprofit CMHCs, rural health clinics, public school districts, public hospitals, and local government agencies located in rural-designated Alabama counties. Round 1 results announced Aug 24, 2026: $7,881,052 awarded across 13 grants under this initiative. ## Key facts - Status: Closed - Type: NOFO - Issued by: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) (Alabama) - Posted: 2026-06-03 - Application due: 2026-06-26 - Funding: $7.5M - Eligible applicants: Nonprofit Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), Rural Health Clinics, Public School Districts, Public Hospitals, Local Government Agencies - How to apply: Online submission through the ARHTP application portal (https://alabamarhtp.com/apply). Paper or emailed submissions will not be accepted. - Funding source: Rural Health Transformation Program (CMS) - Official source: https://alabamarhtp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NOFO_Mental-Health-Initiative_Final_06012026_ADA.pdf ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include nonprofit community mental health centers (CMHCs), rural health clinics, public school districts, public hospitals, and local government agencies located in rural-designated counties in the State of Alabama. For-profit organizations, individuals, and entities outside of eligible rural counties are not eligible to apply. ## Requirements Applicants must: 1) Submit a completed application package via the ARHTP portal by the deadline; 2) Provide a detailed work plan and budget; 3) Demonstrate capacity to initiate or expand mental health services for rural youth and underserved populations, prioritizing school-based tele-mental health or conversion of CMHCs to CCBHCs; 4) Include required attachments such as IRS nonprofit letter, organizational budget, project budget, list of key personnel, and evidence of current licensure/operating authority; 5) Adhere to federal and state financial regulations and reporting requirements. ## Required attachments - Application Narrative - Detailed Project Work Plan - Organizational Budget - Project Budget - List of Key Personnel - Evidence of IRS Nonprofit Status (if applicable) - Proof of Licensure or Operating Authority ## Application package and source documents - [AL - 2026 - Alabama Department Of Economic And Community Affairs Notice Of Funding Opportunity Alabama RHTP Mental Health Initiative (Primary NOFO Document)](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/0aa2e586-5b7e-4db7-8993-75f498e4ffed/file) (primary) — official: https://alabamarhtp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NOFO_Mental-Health-Initiative_Final_06012026_ADA.pdf - [AL - 2026 - Governor Ivey Announces First Grants in Major NEW Rural Healthcare Program Totaling More Than 144 Million (Round 1 Award Announcement (Aug 24, 2026))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/0fe9373c-289a-4266-bd77-44fe7bd15ea6/file) — official: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2026/08/governor-ivey-announces-first-grants-in-major-new-rural-healthcare-program-totaling-more-than-144-million/ - [MI - 2026 - RHTP State Application Summary State-level Initiatives & Proposed Activities December 2025 (RHTP State Application Summary (award evidence))](https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/api/documents/3fd73193-5a2a-43fc-86a5-fa7648b02b6c/file) — official: https://nrha-prod-eastus-be.azure.silvertech.net/NationalRuralHealth/media/Documents/Advocacy/2025/RHTP%20Application%20Materials%202025/RHTP-State-Tracking-Guide_Final.pdf More Alabama RHTP activity: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/al (markdown: https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/states/al.md) --- Source: Rural Care Journey (RCJ), https://www.ruralcarejourney.com/opportunities/alabama-rural-health-transformation-program-mental-health-initiative--b9c31c8a09 — data as of 2026-08-24. Cite the RCJ page for the summary and the linked official source for authoritative terms, deadlines, and amounts.