Behavioral Health Mini Grants

Support for independence, recovery, and daily life

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority’s Behavioral Health Mini Grant Program helps eligible Alaska residents who are behavioral health Trust beneficiaries obtain items and services that support independence, recovery, health, safety, and quality of life.

NAMI Fairbanks helps applicants understand the requirements, verifies eligibility, submits applications, and coordinates approved purchases and payments. If you are interested in applying—or are a professional helping someone apply—start by connecting with our office.

Call 907-456-4704 or email office@namifairbanks.org.

Start with a conversation

Before gathering documents or completing an application, contact NAMI Fairbanks to discuss the request. We’ll explain which requirements apply and provide the application packet.

Connecting with us early helps prevent misunderstandings and gives you a clearer starting point. An initial conversation does not reserve a place in the monthly submission cycle or guarantee funding.

Contact us to get started: 907-456-4704 or office@namifairbanks.org

Program at a glance

• Maximum funding: Up to $3,000 per beneficiary per state fiscal year, July 1–June 30. Some categories have lower limits.
• Number of grants: Generally, one approved mini grant per fiscal year, with limited exceptions for certain dental and vehicle-repair estimates.
• Multiple needs: One application may include up to three categories, listed in priority order.
• Application deadline: Complete packets are due to NAMI Fairbanks by the 20th of each month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
• Monthly capacity: NAMI Fairbanks may submit up to five applications per month.
• Funding decisions: Requests may be fully funded, partially funded, returned for more information, or declined.

Who may qualify?

This program serves Alaska residents who qualify as behavioral health Trust beneficiaries because of:

• Mental illness
• Substance use disorders
• Traumatic brain injury resulting in permanent brain damage

The requested item or service must have a clear connection to the applicant’s needs and how it will support daily life, recovery, independence, health, safety, or community participation.

Other available funding sources must be used first. If insurance or another assistance program cannot cover the request, the application must explain why.

A confidential provider letter is required to verify eligibility and explain how the request relates to the applicant’s needs.

What may be funded?

Depending on individual needs and program requirements, a mini grant may help with:

• Beds, furniture, and household items
• Winter clothing or work clothing
• Computers and assistive technology
• Dental services
• Vehicle repairs, maintenance, or tires
• Certain up-front rent costs to establish new rental housing
• Equipment, tools, or other eligible items and services that support independence and quality of life

Each category has specific requirements, and some have spending limits. Contact us to discuss whether a particular request may qualify.

The program does not cover expenses such as ongoing rent or utilities, security deposits, groceries, gift cards, vehicle purchases, or direct medical treatment and therapy services.

How to apply

1. Contact NAMI Fairbanks

Call or email to discuss the request. We will explain the requirements and provide the application packet.

2. Gather the required documents

Applicants, with help from a provider or support professional as needed, are responsible for obtaining the provider letter, estimates, and supporting documents.

NAMI Fairbanks requires an estimate or price quote for every requested item or service. Quotes should include expected shipping, delivery, installation, taxes, and other applicable charges. Some requests require additional documentation.

3. Complete and submit the packet

Describe what is needed, how it will help, and why other funding is unavailable or insufficient. If requesting more than one category, list them in priority order.

Submit the complete packet by the monthly deadline. Missing information may delay the request until a later cycle.

4. Wait for review and a decision

NAMI Fairbanks reviews the packet, verifies eligibility, and prepares selected complete applications for submission. A complete packet does not guarantee submission in the current month.

A decision is generally expected about one month after NAMI Fairbanks submits the application. We will contact the applicant when a decision or request for additional information is received. The program does not offer emergency or expedited review.

Wait for approval before spending.

Do not purchase an item, make a payment, begin a service, authorize work, or move into the requested rental housing before NAMI Fairbanks confirms approval. Costs incurred before the official award notice cannot be reimbursed.

If approved, NAMI Fairbanks coordinates purchasing or payment. Grant funds are not paid directly to applicants.

For providers and support professionals

You can help someone get started by contacting NAMI Fairbanks together or helping the applicant make the initial connection. Please reach out before preparing a full application so we can explain the requirements for the specific request.

Professionals can assist applicants with gathering quotes, obtaining supporting documents, explaining the connection between the request and the person’s needs, and identifying other funding sources.

The application packet includes instructions for the confidential provider letter. The letter must verify eligibility and address each requested item or service.

NAMI Fairbanks keeps the provider letter, including the diagnosis, in its confidential file. The letter and diagnosis are not submitted to Information Insights with the grant application.

Contact and submission information

Phone: 907-456-4704
Email: office@namifairbanks.org

Contact our office before emailing sensitive health information so we can help identify an appropriate submission method.

Office:
3504 Industrial Avenue, Suite 102
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Lobby mailbox:
Completed packets may be placed in the black mailbox labeled “Suite 102 – NAMI Fairbanks” in the front lobby. The lobby is accessible Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

Mailing address:
NAMI Fairbanks
PO Box 72543
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-2543

Mailed packets must arrive by the application deadline.

Ready to discuss a request? Call 907-456-4704 or email office@namifairbanks.org.

Updated September 2026