Projects funded through the 2024 Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program include:

 Red Hook Public Library, Red Hook, $5,000 – Ten librarians throughout Dutchess County will be trained on Youth Mental Health First Aid, with each developing their own action plan for youth mental health crisis intervention.

 Millbrook Library, Millbrook, $5,000 – Expand the library’s children’s collection by adding books focused on mental health and substance use prevention, as well as support a 6-month Kids Yoga Series consisting of 24 classes to teach mindfulness and stress-relief techniques and help children develop healthy coping skills, foster mental well-being and reinforce substance use prevention strategies from an early age.

Mental Health America of Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie, $19,000 – Design a custom landscape design of the Ellen’s Place outdoor classroom to include activity stations and serve as a creative space allowing exploration of a child’s imagination, encouraging impulse control and reduced aggression.

James’s Warriors, East Fishkill, $18,761 – Purchase items for coping kits, given to schools following the organization’s school-based presentations and awareness events regarding mental health and suicide prevention, changing the way mental health is perceived with the aim of reducing the stigma surrounding it and preventing suicide.

Announced in July, the Youth Wellness Supports Microgrants program seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations, municipalities and grassroots organizations that offer specific programs benefiting youth, with evidence-based wellness activities that help reduce the risk of substance use for children and young adults under age 25.

The 2024 Youth Wellness Support Microgrant Program focuses on several key areas targeting preventing young people from developing substance use disorders and safeguarding their mental wellness:

1.    Prevention

2.    Public Awareness Activities

3.    Social Media Awareness and Safe Use

Grant proposals continue to be accepted and should reflect one or more of these focus areas. Creative ideas that have demonstrated success are encouraged. Grant applications can be submitted online via Dutchess County’s online grant portal and will be accepted on a rolling basis while funds are available.

Grant awards can range from $5,000 to $19,000 per recipient. The Youth Wellness Support Microgrant program is funded with $200,000 of opioid settlement funds obtained as a result of litigation against the pharmaceutical industry; to date, $95,060 has been awarded through the program.

Youth Wellness Support Microgrant Program instructions and guidance are available online; applicants must ensure compliance with Dutchess County’s Procurement Policies and Procedures. For more information on the grant program and application process, please contact Sandi Pierson atspierson@dutchessny.gov.