Discretionary Grant Applications
Discretionary grants are mini grants up to $5,000 provided through funds generated through the Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS.) These grants are flexible to allow for creativity and vision in meeting the needs of children and families and are available to all Collaborative members. Funding is requested through a brief application process, available through the PACT website below, and is accepted anytime during the year.
Discretionary grants are typically meant to provide funding for new, unique, or one-time programs or services. Members are asked to refrain from requesting LCTS discretionary funds when other monies are available to fund a project or when the activity is something the agency would normally be expected to do.
It is our goal to meet the needs of children and families in as flexible a manner as possible.​
To apply for discretionary funds allocated through Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS) dollars, please review the information below, and complete the application. Your submission will be sent directly to the PACT for Families Collaborative office for review. Members who have met their financial commitment to the Collaborative may apply for these grant dollars.
Discretionary Grant Process Update – Effective July 1, 2025
Beginning July 1, 2025, PACT for Families Collaborative will implement a quarterly review and disbursement process to ensure a more structured and equitable approach to distributing discretionary grant funds.
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Key Changes Include:
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Quarterly Review and Disbursement
Applications will be reviewed collectively on a quarterly basis, with funds disbursed in March, June, September, and December. -
Review Committee Process
Applications will be evaluated by a review committee made up of three PACT staff members and at least two Executive Board members. The committee will use a scoring rubric aligned with Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS) guidelines, focusing on funding innovative, one-time projects that promote the mental health and well-being of youth, families, and communities within the system of care. -
Quarterly Application Deadlines
To be considered for funding in a given quarter, applications must be submitted by the 15th of February, May, August, and November.-
Applications received after the 15th will automatically move to the next funding round.
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If additional information is requested to meet funding requirements, the application may be deferred to the next quarter.
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Applications may be submitted at any time, but funding decisions will align with the scheduled quarterly distribution dates of March, June, September, and December.
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Application Instructions:
* NOTE: The form does not save your progress. Please plan to complete it in one sitting.
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Please complete the application in full. Incomplete applications may be deferred to the next review period.
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Any materials/programs purchased belong to the Collaborative and will be included in our inventory list and will be available to be borrowed by other Collaborative members when not in use.
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Award recipients are expected to participate in evaluation activities and present program outcomes at a PACT Full Collaborative meeting. A grant report is required within four weeks of completion of your proposed project.
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Maximum dollar amount per request = $5,000*
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Before applying for Discretionary Dollars, applicants must confirm that no other funding sources are available.
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Applications must be submitted by the 15th of February, May, August, or November to be considered for funding in the upcoming quarter.
Funding Guidelines: Discretionary grants are mini grants of up to $5,000 made available through funds generated by the Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS). These funds are designed to encourage creativity and vision in addressing the mental health and well-being needs of children, youth, and families across the region.
Discretionary grants are typically intended to support new, unique, or one-time projects or services. They are not intended to replace existing funding sources or to cover activities that are part of an organization’s ongoing operational responsibilities.
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* NOTE: Applications exceeding $5,000 will go through committee review and Executive Board approval.
Funding Priorities
To be considered for funding, projects must:
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Serve a clearly defined population of children, youth, or families who are at risk or experiencing significant mental health or related challenges.
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Align with early intervention, prevention, or mental health support goals that help reduce risk factors for more intensive system involvement, including out-of-home placement.
Programs designed for the general population (such as an entire grade level, school, or community-wide initiative) are not automatically eligible. However, scholarships or targeted participation for identified at-risk children or families will be considered.
Eligibility Considerations
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Food costs will be considered only when a meal or snack is essential to the successful delivery of the proposed program or activity.
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Equipment purchases must be directly tied to mental health, sensory regulation, or therapeutic outcomes. General infrastructure or administrative equipment is not eligible.
Examples of Ineligible Equipment Purchases
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Playground structures (e.g., jungle gyms, swing sets)
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General-use electronic devices (e.g., office computers, printers, standard projectors)
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Office or classroom furniture not designed for sensory or therapeutic use (e.g., desks, standard chairs)
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Vehicles or large transportation equipment
Examples of Potentially Eligible Equipment Purchases
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Sensory regulation tools (e.g., weighted blankets, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones)
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Therapeutic classroom or calming space items (e.g., therapy swings, interactive wall panels)
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Technology supporting mental health interventions, such as:
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Projectors with interactive sensory software
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Adaptive technology for mindfulness or emotional regulation
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Outdoor sensory or movement tools (e.g., balance boards, interactive play panels)
Budget fORM
Discretionary Grant Budget Form
The budget form is a required part of the application linked below. It must be completed in its entirety to avoid delays in processing your application. Because the application does not save your progress, we recommend completing the budget form first to ensure it is uploaded successfully without losing any information.