Grant Frequently Asked Questions
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Mission-Driven Projects
We fund programs that intentionally use physical activity as a practical tool to support mental health. Successful proposals clearly connect movement to meaningful mental health outcomes.
Ready to Implement
This grant supports projects that are ready to launch or expand. Applicants should have a concrete program plan, a defined population, and the capacity to execute within the grant period.
About the Grant
Has the Get Out & Get Active Grant process changed from previous years?
Yes. Due to overwhelming demand for this grant, in 2026 we changed the process to start with an online concept note/letter of inquiry phase to introduce your project idea to us. Only the projects that seem to fit best with our organization mission and this grant’s objective will be invited to submit a full proposal later in the submission process.
What is the purpose of the Get Out and Get Active Grant?
The grant supports real-world programs that intentionally use physical activity as a tool to support mental health. The goal is to catalyze practical, implementable programs that provide direct benefits to a clearly defined population.
How much funding is available?
The maximum award for this grant is $10,000 and one (1) grant will be awarded in 2026.
What type of funding is this?
This is program-specific funding, not general operating support.
What does “catalytic funding” mean in this program?
Catalytic funding means the grant is intended to help launch, expand, or meaningfully accelerate a project that would not otherwise occur, or would occur at a smaller scale, without support from the ADI.
Should our organization apply?
This grant may be a strong fit if:
-Physical activity is central to your mental health strategy
-You already have a defined program idea
-You are ready to implement during the grant period
This grant may not be a good fit if:
-You are seeking general operating support
-Your project is still in the planning or research stage
-Physical activity is optional or secondary
How competitive is the grant?
The Get Out and Get Active Grant is a competitive funding opportunity. Only a limited number of concept notes will be invited to submit full proposals, and one project will ultimately be selected for funding.
What makes a strong concept note?
Strong concept notes typically:
-Demonstrate readiness to implement within the grant period.
-Describe a specific, concrete program
-Clearly explain how physical activity supports mental health
-Identify one primary population
What are common reasons concept notes are not invited to submit a full proposal?
Common reasons include:
-The project falls into an excluded category.
-Physical activity is optional or secondary
-The project idea is too early-stage
-The population served is unclear
Organizational Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must:
-Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or an accredited academic institution
-Operate within the United States
-Have the capacity and staffing to implement the proposed project
Can individuals apply for the grant?
No. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Can organizations operating as a nonprofit under fiscal sponsorship apply?
No. Organizations operating under fiscal sponsorship are not eligible to apply.
Can previous ADI grant recipients apply again?
Yes, but only if all previous reporting and compliance requirements have been fully completed.
Project Eligibility
What types of projects does the grant support?
Eligible projects must:
-Be ready to implement within the grant period
-Use physical activity intentionally as a mental health support
-Provide direct participant engagement
Examples include:
-Equipment purchases tied to a structured program
-Startup or pilot programs
-Expansion of an existing program to a new population or location
Do projects have to involve both mental health and physical activity?
Yes. Physical activity must be a core mechanism for supporting mental health, not an optional or secondary activity.
Can the grant fund research studies or clinical trials?
No. Academic or clinical research projects are not eligible for the Get Out & Get Active grant this year.
Can the grant fund general wellness or fitness programs?
No. Programs that focus on fitness, recreation, or sports without explicit mental health intent are not eligible.
Can the grant fund counseling or therapy programs?
Only if physical activity is an integral component of the program design.
Project Scope and Design
What project types are allowed?
Applicants must choose one primary project classification:
-Startup / Pilot Program
-Expansion or Enhancement of an Existing Program
-Equipment or One-Time Resources
Can a project include multiple components?
Yes, but applicants must identify one primary classification.
Do we need to request the full $10,000?
No. Applicants may request less than the maximum award amount if appropriate for the project.
What level of scale is expected for a $10,000 grant?
Projects should demonstrate impact appropriate to a catalytic grant. This often includes:
-Serving an appropriate level of participants, or
-Implementing a pilot model capable of replication, or
-Deploying equipment tied to a defined participant cohort.
Can organizations charge participants a fee?
Limited participant fees are allowed if:
-Fees are minimal, and
-No one is excluded due to inability to pay.
Use of Grant Funds
What can grant funds be used for?
Examples may include:
-Program equipment
-Program supplies
-Program materials
-Third-party instructors or service providers directly delivering the program, like yoga instruction or personal training
-Venue or activity-specific costs
-Other expenses directly tied to program delivery
What expenses are not allowed?
Grant funds may not be used for:
-Staff salaries or wages
-General operating costs
-Administrative overhead
-Indirect costs
-Capital construction or major renovations
-Political or lobbying activities
-Food or entertainment unrelated to the program
Must the grant cover the entire cost of the project?
Not necessarily. Applicants may request up to $10,000 but are expected to secure or cover any additional funding needed. Some project expenses are not permitted under this grant and those expenses must be covered by the requesting organization or secured elsewhere.
Can equipment purchases be the primary use of the grant?
Yes, but equipment must be directly tied to a structured program with defined participant use and outcomes that are aligned with the grant’s purpose.
Can grant funds be used to pay third-party contractors?
Yes, grant funds can be used to pay for services from third-party contractors (like yoga instructors or fitness professionals) but the services must be reasonably priced and directly tied to the program with outcomes that are aligned with the grant’s purpose.
Application Process
How does the application process work?
The grant uses a two-phase process:
-Concept Note (required) – a short submission describing the project idea is submitted online.
-Full Proposal (invitation only) – invited applicants submit a full detailed project proposal.
-Finalist Interviews – finalists will be interviewed to provide more information regarding their project proposal.
Why does the ADI require a Concept Note?
The Concept Note allows the ADI to screen for alignment, eligibility, and readiness before requesting full proposals and it reduces the burden for the requesting organizations so that only the best aligned projects that are most likely to receive funding put forth the effort to develop a full proposal.
Can an organization submit more than one concept note?
No. Each organization may submit only one concept note per cycle.
Can we revise our concept note after submitting it?
No. Once submitted, concept notes cannot be revised.
How many organizations will be invited to submit full proposals?
A maximum of 20 organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Will all Concept Note applicants receive feedback?
Due to volume, detailed feedback is generally not provided.
How do I know what to submit in the full proposal?
With the invitation to submit a full proposal, you will be provided additional guidance and resources to help you develop a successful proposal.
Review and Selection
How are proposals evaluated?
Proposals are evaluated based on:
-Alignment with the ADI mission
-Target population clarity
-Implementation feasibility
-Impact potential
-Accountability and evaluation approach
-Responsible use of funds
Will there be interviews?
Yes. Finalists (typically 3–4 organizations) may be invited to participate in an interview before final selection.
When will invitations be sent to organizations to submit a full proposal?
The invitations will be sent out in June (likely early June).
Will organizations be notified if they are not invited to submit a full proposal?
Yes. Those whom are not invited to submit a full proposal will be notified shortly after the invitations are sent and confirmed. Due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individual status updates during the review process. Applicants will be notified by email once decisions have been finalized.
If we are not selected for the grant can we resubmit?
Yes. Projects that are not selected at any phase of the process are welcome to apply again in future grant cycles.
Timeline
When does the concept note submission period open?
The concept note submission period opens on March 15th.
When does the concept note submission need to be completed by?
The concept note must be completed and submitted online no later than April 27th.
How long will invited applicants have to prepare a full proposal?
We anticipate that those invited will have 4-6 weeks to develop and submit their full proposal.
When will the final grant award identified?
The final award will be identified and notifications will be sent by November 1st.
When will the grant be disbursed?
The grant funds will be disbursed to the organization before December 31st.
When must funded projects be completed?
Projects must be completed within the calendar year following the award.
Can a project run longer than one year?
While we always hope that projects are successful and continue on beyond this grant, all grant funds must spent within the approved grant period.
Reporting and Accountability
What reporting is required if we receive funding?
Funded organizations must submit:
-A midpoint report
-A final report
Reports include program activities, outcomes, and documentation of how funds were used.
Will we need to share impact information publicly?
Yes. Funded organizations are required to share updates, photos, or stories about the program’s impact.
Additional Questions
What if my project idea is interesting but doesn’t fit the grant priorities?
Projects that fall outside the program scope are unlikely to advance. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the eligibility and exclusion sections before applying.
Can the ADI change the grant timeline or terms?
Yes. The ADI reserves the right to adjust timelines or program details to ensure a fair and manageable review process.
Who should I contact with questions?
Questions may be directed to: Grants@TheADI.org
However, please be sure to review all of the provided documentation prior to contacting us.
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