Park City Municipal now accepting applications from nonprofits for mental health initiative funding

City Hall in Park City, Utah. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Municipal is now accepting applications to receive funding for mental health initiatives through the Mental Health Special Services Contracts. The city council has budgeted $60,000 for this first round of funding opportunities, with an application deadline set for January 20 at 5 p.m. Funds will be awarded in February, and will be effective through the end of June.

To be considered for funding, applicants must address at least one of the five goals outlined in Summit County’s Mental Wellness Strategic Plan. The five goals are dedicated to improving programs related to mental health and substance use with regard to access, equity, prevention and education, recovery and reintegration, or success and sustainability.

Organizations applying for funding also have to meet a necessary set of criteria. Each organization must be a federally recognized not-for-profit and demonstrate why a proposed program is needed and its benefit, fiscal stability, and sound governance.

“I’m thrilled that the Mayor and Council have chosen to prioritize mental health through this new special services contract opportunity,” said Kirsten Darrington, the Park City Municipal grants and contracts coordinator. “We know there are a lot of great nonprofits in our community providing these critical services to our residents – it’s exciting to be able help expand their capacity to do this important work.”

According to Summit County’s Mental Wellness Strategic Plan, over 16,000 residents in the county live with mental health or substance use diagnoses. The hope is that funding will lead to more help being readily available for the community, and the breaking down of barriers that might prevent access to assistance.

The next round of Mental Health Special Service Contracts will be awarded in the spring and will have an effective term of one to two years.