The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is offering the SFY25 OSPF Youth-Led Grant to support youth-led suicide prevention programs in Ohio. This grant aims to fund best-practice suicide prevention activities designed and executed by youth-led programs. Programs applying for the grant may be associated with OSPF-supported initiatives such as Sources of Strength and Be Present Ohio or may be independent youth-led programs like SADD or newly created initiatives. The grant is structured to empower young leaders to develop and implement suicide prevention activities based on evidence-based or evidence-informed practices.

The primary goal of this grant is to encourage youth-led programs in Ohio to create and implement effective suicide prevention activities that address specific issues contributing to mental health challenges and suicide risks. Applicants must propose initiatives that target problems such as social isolation, stigma, lack of sleep, or other mental health concerns impacting young individuals. Proposals should be developed by youth leaders, with adult advisors assisting in submission and implementation. Programs demonstrating past success in implementing youth-led initiatives will be given priority consideration.

The funding period for this grant runs from March 3, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Selected proposals will receive up to $750 in funding, with a limit of one proposal per school or program. Eligible expenses include materials, supplies, food and beverages for programming purposes, participant incentives, equipment, marketing costs, event space rental, travel, and staffing expenses. Funds cannot be used for products or publications purchased from OSPF but can be allocated to various program-supporting expenses. Awardees must complete all funded activities by June 30, 2025.

To be eligible, applicants must be youth-led programs within Ohio that serve middle school, junior high, and/or high school students. Applications should be submitted by an adult advisor or adult ally, with clear evidence that the proposed activities are driven by youth leadership. Applicants are encouraged to include letters of support, local news articles, or other documentation demonstrating the effectiveness of their program.

Applications must include several key components: an organization face sheet with contact and program details, a three-page project narrative outlining the program’s goals, the identified problem, proposed activities, impact measurement strategies, and a completion timeline. Additionally, applicants must submit a budget and budget narrative detailing the allocation of funds, a signed conditions and assurances agreement, and an Organization Form W-9. Applications must be submitted via email as PDFs to Evi.Roberts@OhioSPF.org, and applicants will receive confirmation within five business days.

The review process will be conducted by the OSPF Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which will assess proposals based on a scoring rubric that evaluates the completeness of the application, the strength of the proposed activities, and the feasibility of the budget. Funding announcements will be made by March 3, 2025. OSPF reserves the right to adjust award amounts, make alternative awards, or decline proposals as needed. Applicants must submit a final report by July 15, 2025, detailing how funds were used, project outcomes, and reflections on the experience.