Get Out and Get Active Grant

The Get Out and Get Active Grant is a funding opportunity provided by The Anxiety and Depression Initiative, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on advancing mental health through the intentional use of physical activity. This grant is part of the organization’s ongoing mission to empower individuals and communities by fostering structured movement-based programs that have a direct, measurable impact on mental well-being. The initiative recognizes that physical activity can serve as a powerful tool in managing and improving mental health outcomes and seeks to invest in programs that integrate movement as a central component of mental health support. The grant is designed specifically to support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and accredited academic institutions. Its objective is to provide catalytic funding to programs that are prepared for implementation and that clearly demonstrate how physical activity is used intentionally to support mental health. Only one award of up to $10,000 will be granted in 2026, making this a highly selective opportunity. The funding is limited to program support and cannot be used for general operating expenses or research. Furthermore, the project must be completed by December 31, 2027. To be eligible, projects must fall under one of three classifications: (1) a startup or pilot program launching for the first time; (2) an expansion or enhancement of an existing program to a new population, location, or delivery model; or (3) equipment or one-time resources that are directly tied to measurable program outcomes. Programs must demonstrate their ability to engage at least 50 participants in structured activities and should not merely be general fitness, recreation, or awareness initiatives without a strong mental health connection. Proposals must prioritize a specific population such as youth, older adults, underserved communities, or individuals living with anxiety or depression. The grant process is divided into two phases. Phase one involves the submission of a structured Grant Concept Note, which serves to assess the project’s alignment, readiness, and overall feasibility. The concept note is due by April 27, 2026. Strong submissions will outline a well-defined target population, a concrete program idea, and a clear integration of physical activity for mental health purposes. In early summer 2026, up to 20 applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, which includes a cover form, narrative, budget, and supporting documentation. Finalists will then participate in interviews during fall 2026, with award notifications issued by November 1, 2026. Disbursements will be made by December 31, 2026, and vary depending on the project type: equipment/resource-based projects receive 100% upon execution, while implementation projects receive 60% upfront and 40% after submitting a midpoint report. Proposals will be assessed holistically based on alignment with ADI’s mission, feasibility, impact potential, sustainability, and disciplined use of funds. Programs that treat physical activity as incidental or fail to explicitly link it with mental health will be disqualified. Prohibited uses of funds include salaries, overhead, indirect costs, and unrelated personal expenses. Applicants must also adhere to reporting requirements, which include a midpoint progress report, a final outcomes report, and materials suitable for public sharing. Questions about eligibility or the application should be directed to [email protected], though applicants are encouraged to review the full RFP and guidance documents beforehand. The funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of structured, impactful programming that brings movement and mental health together in meaningful ways.

Ensure physical activity is central and clearly connected to mental health outcomes; proposals without this connection will be disqualified.