SFY 2027 sheila e. Hixson behavioral health services matching grant program

The Maryland Department of Health is requesting applications from local nonprofit organizations to establish and expand community behavioral health programs serving eligible service members, veterans, and their family members in Maryland under the SFY 2027 Sheila E. Hixson Behavioral Health Services Matching Grant Program, with applications due January 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

Eligibility is restricted to IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations with a mission to provide behavioral health services or serve the military-connected population. Applicants must propose at least one of five authorized direct services: mental health and substance use screening; trauma-informed and evidence-based treatment services; case management and care coordination; Certified Peer Recovery Specialist services; or telehealth and telemedicine services. Behavioral health treatment providers must have at least two years of documented experience and comply with all applicable state and local licensing, accreditation, and certification requirements. Successful applicants will be required to complete the Star Behavioral Health Providers' Tier 1 training course within three months of award.

Total funding available is $2,432,821, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $225,000 per organization. This is a matching grant program; applicants must secure matching funds or in-kind contributions equal to the amount requested, documented through monetary commitments, prior-year IRS 1099 filings, or alternative considerations such as donated space and volunteer hours. The maximum allowable indirect cost rate is 15%. Award recipients must begin new program implementation by July 1, 2026, the third month of the award period (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027). All awards are firm fixed-price agreements provided on a reimbursement basis following quarterly invoicing.

Evaluation criteria weight technical and financial factors equally. Grantees must submit quarterly progress reports and invoices by October 15, January 15, April 15, and July 15 with supporting documentation demonstrating compliance with approved budgets. Applications must be submitted electronically through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). The Contract Officer is Crystal Hack (crystal.hack@maryland.gov, 410-627-6814). An addendum was issued January 9, 2026.