This section contains answers to questions that may arise through the Innovation Grant Program process. It also contains definitions to commonly used words and phrases. Please see the Glossary for definitions of terms.

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May I receive additional help with my application?

Yes. You may email ta@acinnovations.org. for technical assistance. Applicants may receive certain types of help with their applications, such as: 1) Accessing the online application; 2) Checking to see if proposal meets the Innovation criteria; 3) Seeking collaboration partners for the INN project. Applicants are also encourage to post questions to the Innovation Grants Program community on Facebook and Twitter. Click the links to these pages on the website to connect.

How can I find other organizations/ individuals who are interested in collaborating on an INN Proposal?

Email ta@acinnovations.org for contacts to form collaborations. Please have in mind the types of organizations you are interested to collaborate with.

What is MHSA?

MHSA stands for the Mental Health Services Act, also known as Prop 63. To read more, please visit: About MHSA

How do I know if my project is innovative enough?

This website was designed to provide information on how to submit a successful application. Please make sure to read the content and FAQ page. A more in-depth description of Innovative Projects can be found on this page. Learning from the First Round Funding Cycle has been incorporated into the Second Round Funding Cycle. The Target Population and Learning Questions for the Second Round Funding Cycle will address issues emerging from the African American Utilization Report. Click here to download a copy of the Report.

Will the Innovative Grants Program fund existing strategies?

No, the Innovative Grants Program will not fund existing strategies if no changes have been made in the model or target population to be served. Funding will be considered for existing strategies that have been adapted to a new population or area; adopted from another field and applied for the first time to mental health. Proposed projects must add something new to the existing body of learning and research in the field of mental health. Applicants will be asked how the proposed project is different in the application.

To what extent does a proposed project need to relate to mental health?

All projects must demonstrate a clear focus on mental health to be considered for this funding. The purpose of this funding is to improve outcomes among low-income individuals with or at risk for serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance, and their families. A project with a focus on this purpose is likely to be rated higher than a project with a just a link to this purpose. Please note that there are some issues that may appear to be related to mental health, but do not fall under the California Code of Regulations definition of serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbance. These excluded diagnoses include autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, anti-social personality and substance use disorders.

What are the Learning Questions?

BHCS provided the Learning Questions for the Innovations second funding cycle. Click here for the INN Round Two Applicant Key Requirements and Learning Questions.

How much does a proposed project need to focus on low-income populations?

A project is not required to focus on low-income populations. However, a project with an identified focus on low-income populations is likely to be rated higher than a project that does not specify a focus on low-income populations. Click here to view a map of low income areas within Alameda County.

Can I apply for ongoing funding?

No. This funding is for short-term, time-limited learning projects, which will be treated as pilot projects. The Innovative Grant Program is not meant to fund ongoing services. Some technical assistance around sustainability may be available to projects that demonstrate successful outcomes.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include individual/groups with a fiscal sponsor, non-profit organizations ; public agencies and other entities, such as for profits. Click here for a list.

What is an organization?

The awarded grantee or contractor may be an entity that is part of a larger administrative and functional association provided all County requirements are met.

What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Fiscal sponsorship allows individuals or groups to receive grants and tax-exempt donations from government, foundations, and individuals. Fiscal sponsorship involves financial and programmatic oversight by a 501(c)3 non-profit agency over projects initiated by individuals or groups. All Innovative Projects applications from individuals or groups that do not have a nine digit federal tax identification number are required to have fiscal sponsorship. Please ensure any overhead costs for a fiscal sponsor is included in your Non Personnel Budget.

What if I do not belong to a ‘legal entity’ or have a fiscal sponsor?

Applicants who need fiscal sponsorship may email ta@acinnovations.org to receive technical assistance.

Does my Fiscal Sponsor have to be located in Alameda County?

No, your fiscal sponsor is not required to be located in Alameda County. However, your project must benefit Alameda County residents.

Can for-profit organizations apply for Innovative Project Grants?

Yes. For-profit agencies should click ‘For-Profit’ in the Type of Applicant portion of the application. For profits must have a nine digit tax identification number.

What if I have not completed a project like this before?

In your application, it is important to describe the experience and qualifications that you have to implement this type of project. This could include an existing relationship with the proposed target population, familiarity with the proposed activity, the ability to manage a different type of work or project, or a partnership with another individual or organization with a high level of experience implementing similar projects.

Can a fiscally sponsored individual, group or organization submit more than one application?

Yes. Currently, there are no limits on the number of applications that can be submitted from any one entity. Applicants must submit one application for each learning question.

How much can my organization apply for?

BHCS is looking to create a diverse portfolio of Innovative Projects by blending small and large grants. Click here for more details on the maximum funding for each Learning Question.

How detailed will the budget need to be?

Applicants will need to know the estimated total cost of the project. Additionally, the applicant should know the approximate costs for personnel, such as staff and consultants and for non-personnel costs, such as materials, overhead, and other operating costs. The applicant should ensure that the personnel and non-personnel costs equal the requested grant amount. The budget should match the activities in the project. During the First Round Funding Cycle funded projects were fully funded based on their estimated budgets.

Is there a limit on the percentage of overhead (indirect costs) I can include?

Yes, there is a limit. We encourage applicants to create a budget that realistically reflects the needs of the pilot program while remembering that BHCS wishes to spend most of the Innovation funds on project personnel and activities directly related to the project. BHCS expects applicants to create a budget based on appropriate and reasonable line items, including the overhead costs.

How can I ensure that my application meets the criteria?

Make sure your project meets all four of the qualifications:

1. It is new, meaning it has not previously been done in the way that you are proposing anywhere else in Alameda County’s mental health system.
• Not sure if it’s being done? Conduct a ten minute Google search with key words.
1. Check whether a similar project has already been done in Alameda County mental health system. Strengthen your proposal by explaining how it is different in the Activities Section of your application. For example, you may describe how your project adds a new twist or activity then previous projects:
2. Compared to previous projects, it serves a different target population in terms of age group, ethnicity, language, gender, special population group and/or lived experience;
3. Implements most, but not all components of the original project; testing how it works without a specific component;
4. Is implemented in an urban/suburban area versus a rural area.
2. It has a learning component that contributes to the body of knowledge about mental health and addresses the issues regarding the African American Utilization Report.
3. It is focused on improving some aspect of the mental health system and/or service delivery as it relates to the BHCS Learning Questions.
4. It is time limited.
• Projects must be completed within 18 months or less. The 18 months includes any start up and completion of required reports to Behavioral Health Care Services.

How do I use the online application?

Be brief, yet clear to the point with your responses. You may email ta@acinnovations.org to receive technical assistance.

The process is online, I'm wondering if all the material will be on the website?

Yes, all the information you need will be on-line.

Can I print my application before submitting?

Yes, just click the printer icon in your browser. It should print your application. If not, you may need to go to each section to print.

Does the application response have a page length?

Yes. Please see Innovations Application for the page limits of each section.

How can I apply?

1. Click the "apply" button in the navigation bar on this web page
• Click on "Click Here to Create Your Account"
1. Input all information.
• Please make sure to input your correct email.
• Create your own password
2. Once all information has been input, click "Submit".
2. You will be redirected to the Application Summary page where you can begin applications.
3. After your initial entry in this way, you may access your account by going to the apply page (www.acinnovations.org/apply) and entering your username and password

Make sure you remove info@acinnovations.org from your spam list. Click here to create a log in profile.

What if I do not have an email address?

BHCS would like to receive all applications electronically and will communicate with applicants/grantees by electronic mail (email). Applicants without an email address may click one of the following links to sign up for an email address: Yahoo Email, Gmail

How can I get help if I am having trouble with creating an account and/or logging in?

Email ta@acinnovations.org for assistance.

How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?

Applicant pitches will not be reviewed until the entire application process has closed. After the closing deadline it is expected to take between six to ten weeks to be reviewed. Updates on the review process will be posted on the Innovative Grants Program website.

How long would my organization receive financial support?

Projects may be short in length, but must be completed within 18 months of receiving funding. Innovative Project Grants are NOT intended for ongoing programs.

What is the best way to contact BHCS Innovation Grant Project staff?

The best way to contact BHCS Innovation Grant Project staff is via email at info@acinnovations.org. We ask that you send all questions via email to properly record all inquiries.

How will BHCS Innovation Grant Project staff communicate with me?

In order to ensure that inquiries are properly addressed and recorded, all communication will be done via email.

How do I apply if I do not have access to a computer?

Free computer labs exist throughout the County in most public libraries and in numerous community-based organizations!

What can I do if I don’t want to apply for funding, but want to stay involved?

We have created forums on two social networking sites: Facebook and Twitter for individuals (applicants and those interested in sharing ideas) to post their comments, questions and feedback to the community. We strongly encourage you to join us on these sites.

What is field-testing? And will it be necessary?

Field testing is defined as testing a technique or product under conditions of actual operation or use. Field testing will ensure that the outcomes and assets for each learning question, i.e. a training curriculum, program design or set of strategies, have been tested and vetted by those who will use them. Field testing may include focus groups, facilitated discussions, curriculum review or other similar activities involving the groups and individuals identified in each learning question. Relevant and appropriate field testing must be conducted and concluded before the end of the grant period (18 months), to ensure that findings and lessons learned are incorporated into the final outcome and grant report.

Do faith based or spiritual communities applying have to have a non-profit status in order to apply?

o, but the applicant needs to be fiscally-sponsored. If not, email ta@acinnovations.org for technical assistance on this matter.

For the application process, would I be expected to know the curriculum before I applied?

No, but your activities would explain how you’re going to create the curriculum.

If an organization gets a grant do you get an advance payment or do you have to invoice for reimbursement?

Grantee will receive an initial payment at the start of the project based on the project description and budget. There will also be one mid term payment linked to a mid-term report and a final payment at the end of the project, also linked to the final report. The Grantee will be expected to budget accordingly.

For each question how many projects do you anticipate funding?

Funding depends on the number of qualified applications that are submitted. There is a maximum funding amount for each Learning Question.

Will there be preference for evidence based practices that have been utilized other places?

Since the Innovations Grants is based on NEW ideas that have not yet been implemented, there is no preference for evidence based practices.

Does being funded beyond BHCS make me ineligible for this funding?

No.

What do you mean by “spiritual” group, or “spiritual practice”?

"Spirituality is a person’s deepest sense of belonging and connection to a higher power or life philosophy which may not necessarily be related to a religious institution. A religion is an organization that is guided by a codified set of beliefs and practices held by a community, whose members adhere to a worldview of the holy and sacred that is supported by religious rituals." (Definition developed by The California Mental Health & Spirituality Initiative, which was established in June 2008 at the Center for Multicultural Development of the California Institute for Mental Health. It developed out of a grassroots movement founded in 2006 by Jay Mahler and other consumers, family members, and service providers.)

Who’s going to actually be doing those services? Would the agency who develops the curriculum provide the training afterwards?

If BHCS determines that the services will be implemented, there will be a Request for Proposal to the community.

How do you define SMI?

See “Serious Mental Illness” in INN glossary.

What if there’s something inside the County that’s working? Could that be adapted or adopted?

Yes, a project/ program within Alameda County which is adopted or adapted, would be considered “innovative”.

Do you have to be a faith-based organization to submit a proposal for Learning Question 2?

No, this is not a requirement. However, in order to be successful, collaborations and field testing conducted with a faith-based/ spiritual organization is highly encouraged.

Is there a preference for an applicant to be a public versus a private entity?

There is no preference for either.

Are you looking for partnerships with agencies that are more ongoing or are you looking for information that will lead to system change?

BHCS is primarily looking for curriculum and program strategies that will lead to system change. This may include on-going partnerships with agencies and faith-based groups.

What about Intellectual Property rights? Who owns the curriculum once it is developed?

The goal of the Innovation Grant project is to learn. BHCS and the grantees will jointly own the products of the Innovation Grants Project (i.e., curriculum) since the Innovation Funds provided by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) allow for the learning and the products of the Innovation Grants Projects. Furthermore, since the Innovation Grant funding is public, the products (including tools, documents, methodologies, curriculum) may be shared across our County system and beyond to improve the mental health System. Whenever possible, BHCS will give credit to INN and the grantee.

Could you hypothesize an idea and then field test it in an existing program?

Yes.

The training curriculum would be not just for our staff but would have to be useful for all of the county providers?

Yes, to be a successful INN applicant, the INN proposal would have to be useful to other, but not all, county providers who serve similar target populations.

How does the target population fit within the continuum of care … beginning at first episode to episodic, or chronic care?

BHCS consumers/ clients are those who have experienced or at high risk of experiencing serious mental illness. These consumers/ clients may be at various points in their continuum of care.

In looking at the other rounds, this one seems a little more stringent, it doesn’t seem there’s a lot of creativity being provided to people applying to people in this one. I believe in other rounds Individuals/groups were allowed to come up with things and the County would be the fiscal agent, but I feel like this round that’s not allowed. I want to know why that’s different?

For INN Round Two, there is a target population with SMI or with co-occurring disorders, who are African Americans and using the public mental health system that needs to be addressed. We were very specific because this is a population that is over-utilizing the System, and because we want to make a difference for that target population. The Learning Questions came directly out of the African American Utilization Report. We want the INN applications to be significant. What we want them to do is to partner with someone who can be a fiscal agent. I think people can get creative, they can partner, participate with other organizations, we didn’t want to mislead people. We vetted questions to make sure they were narrow enough to address problems, but also met the recommendations.

Given that we recognize that a lot of the mental illness experienced by the African American community has been festering for 500 years how do we expect 18 months to really change the experience?

BHCS is committed to systems change in order to better serve African American clients/consumers and family members. Through the development of INN training curriculums and program strategies, grantees from Innovation Round Two will assist BHCS in continuing to develop culturally responsive services beyond the 18 months.

Regarding Learning Question #1: If the reviewer of the INN Application does not know the African American community, how will the reviewer recognize a 'cultural nuance'? Who will be the reviewers that evaluate the INN applications?

BHCS refers to the Merriam Webster Dictionary for the definition of “Cultural Nuance” as a “subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, feeling or tone, as defined by a particular cultural or ethnic group.” The reviewers of the INN applications will be the members of the INN Board. Currently, BHCS is recruiting new INN Board members to evaluate INN proposals. BHCS is seeking individuals with expertise and experience in addressing issues of BHCS clients/ consumers from the African American community who would understand the cultural nuances of the African American community. See INN Board Application for more details.

Please provide a list of Black service providers contracted by BHCS.

At present there is no list of "black service providers" contracted by BHCS. Please feel free to contact ta@acinnovations.org to get linkages with the BHCS contracted community providers who attended the INN Informational Meetings.

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