Get Out and Get Active Grant – 2026
The Get Out and Get Active Grant supports real-world programs that intentionally use physical activity as a tool to improve mental health. The ADI funds organizations that are ready to implement structured programs that directly engage participants and clearly connect movement to mental well-being.
Find Out More:
At a Glance
Concept Notes Being Accepted Through April 27th, 2026
Maximum Award: Up to $10,000
Number of Awards: One (1) grant in 2026
Grant Type: Program support (not general operating support)
Who Can Apply: U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited academic institutions
Project Completion: By December 31, 2027
Key Exclusions: Research projects, general operating support, programs where physical activity is incidental, or mental health programs without a core movement component.
About the Grant
Purpose
The Get Out and Get Active Grant supports projects that:
- Use physical activity intentionally as a mental health support
- Serve a clearly defined population
- Are ready to execute during the grant period
- Would not happen—or would happen differently—without ADI support
Who This Grant Is For
This grant is best suited for organizations that already see physical activity as a meaningful mental health support and are prepared to implement structured programming that intentionally connects movement with mental health outcomes.
What We Will Fund
Supported Project Scope
For the 2026 cycle, the ADI will only consider program implementation projects that:
- Use physical activity intentionally to support mental health
- Demonstrate readiness for execution
- Deliver direct benefit to a clearly defined population.
Required Project Classifications
Applicants must select one primary project classification:
Startup / Pilot Program
A new program that will be implemented for the first time.
Expansion or Enhancement of an Existing Program
An existing program expanded to a new population, location, or delivery model.
Equipment or One-Time Resources
Equipment purchases directly tied to measurable program outcomes.
Expected Project Scale
Projects should reflect the scale of a $10,000 catalytic grant. Examples may include:
- Engaging approximately 50+ participants in a structured program during the grant period
- Implementing a pilot model with clear replication potential
- Deploying equipment tied to a defined participant group with measurable engagement
Projects below this scale must clearly justify their expected impact.
What We Will Not Fund
Non-Negotiable Exclusions
The following are not eligible:
- Academic or clinical research projects
- General operating support
- Pure fitness, recreation, or sports programs without explicit mental health intent
- Mental health programs without a core physical activity component
- Routine continuation funding without a meaningful expansion or catalytic shift.
Even If It’s a Good Idea
The following will not be funded:
- Counseling or therapy programs without integrated physical activity
- Wellness or self-care initiatives where movement is optional
- Mental health awareness campaigns without a physical activity component
- Programs focused primarily on physical health, recreation, or social connection
- Awareness campaigns without direct participant engagement.
Please Don’t Apply If…
Your program does not clearly integrate physical activity as a core mental health strategy, serves no clearly defined population, or primarily funds ongoing operations or research. Many excellent programs fall into these categories, but they are outside the scope of this grant.
Target Population & Access Expectations
Priority Populations
Applicants must identify one primary target population. Examples include:
- Individuals living with anxiety, depression, or related mental health disorders
- Underserved or high-risk communities
- Youth
- Older adults or other clearly defined groups.
Projects attempting to serve “everyone” without prioritization will be viewed as misaligned.
Participant Fees
Participant fees may be charged only if:
- No one is excluded due to inability to pay.
- Fees are minimal and do not impede access
- Clear accommodations exist for low-income participants
How to Apply
Two-Phase Application Process
The ADI uses a two-phase process to identify the strongest and best-aligned projects.
Phase 1: Concept Note
All applicants must submit a Grant Concept Note, a short structured submission used to screen for eligibility, alignment, and execution readiness.
Strong Concept Notes demonstrate:
- Clear mental health intent with physical activity as a core mechanism
- A well-defined target population
- A concrete program idea
- Organizational readiness to implement the project.
Phase 2: Full Proposal (Invitation Only)
Up to 20 applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Full proposals include:
- Proposal cover form
- Detailed narrative
- Budget and supporting materials.
Finalists (typically 3–4) will be invited to interviews before the final selection.
How We Select
Proposals are evaluated holistically based on:
- Alignment with the ADI mission
- Clear and appropriate target population
- Feasibility and readiness for execution
- Impact potential and sustainability
- Accountability and disciplined use of funds.
Projects that treat physical activity as incidental or fail to clearly describe mental health intent will be disqualified.
Funding Restrictions & Disbursement
Prohibited Uses of Funds
Grant funds may not be used for:
- Employee salaries or wages
- General overhead or administrative expenses
- Capital construction or major renovations
- Indirect costs
- Political, lobbying, or religious activities
- Food, entertainment, or unrelated personal expenses
- Any expense not directly tied to the project.
Disbursement Structure
Equipment or one-time resource projects
- 100% of funds disbursed after the grant agreement is executed.
Program implementation projects
- 60% disbursed upon execution of the grant agreement
- 40% released after submission of a midpoint report and documented expenditures.
Reporting & Accountability
Funded organizations must:
- Submit a midpoint progress report
- Submit a final report documenting outcomes and use of funds
- Provide updates and impact materials (photos, testimonials, summaries) suitable for public sharing.
Funded organizations must also acknowledge the ADI’s support in project communications.
Timeline
- RFP Launch: March 15th, 2026
- Concept Note Submission Window: About 6 weeks
- Concept Notes Due: April 27th, 2026
- Full Proposal Invitations Issued: Early summer 2026
- Full Proposal Development Window: 4–6 weeks
- Full Proposals Due: Mid-summer 2026
- Finalist Interviews: Fall 2026
- Award Notification: By November 1st, 2026
- Award Disbursement: Before December 31st, 2026
- Project Completion: Before December 31st, 2027
The exact dates will be posted above once they are finalized and made public.
Questions / Contact
We are happy to respond to your questions, but please review all of the materials provided before doing so.
Before You Email Us
Please check the following first:
- Review the explicit exclusions to confirm your project is eligible.
- Confirm that physical activity is central to your mental health approach.
- Confirm that mental health is the explicit reason for the physical activity.
- Verify that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
- Thoroughly read the Grant RFP
- Review the Grant Frequently Asked Questions
Many common questions are already answered in the RFP, FAQs and related guidance documents. If you still have questions after reviewing all of the provided information, please contact us at Grants@TheADI.org.
Please do not contact us regarding the status of your application. We will get in touch with you.
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