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FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about grants, training and more.
General FAQs
  • What is the Alliance for Mental Well-Being?

    Launched in 2021 as a response to community-informed recommendations, the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being is an independent, incorporated, non-profit with a mandate to create the conditions for positive change so that all people living on PEI can achieve and maintain the best possible mental well-being throughout their lives.

  • What is the mission of the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being?

    Our mission is to support and empower our community partners so we collectively create a future where everyone on PEI can achieve and maintain the best possible mental well-being throughout their lives.

    To achieve our mission, we are committed to:

    • providing relevant learning and development opportunities
    • incorporating the latest research into our practices and sharing knowledge with our community
    • creating opportunities for deep connection and collaboration
    • encouraging innovation and change
    • providing capacity support
    • advocating on behalf of our courageous community partners

  • What types of programs and activities does the Alliance undertake to achieve its mission?

    Our work is grounded in the science of brain development and resilience.

    Our key programs and activities are:
    • Grants and Capacity Support;
    • Research and Knowledge Mobilization;
    • Training and Development; and,
    • Bringing Community Partners Together

    Our programs and activities continue to evolve as we respond to the needs of our community partners and incorporate the latest research into our work.

  • What types of organizations and initiatives does your grant program support?

    The Lead Grant Applicant must be a PEI-based non-profit or charitable organization (including those defined by Canada Revenue Agency as Qualified Donees). Our past and current grantees represent a broad range of sectors, sizes, and geographical reach.

    Our grant program is designed to empower organizations/charities serving a wide range of clients and communities.

    We support a wide range of initiatives designed to support healthy brain development and improve mental well-being. This could include projects focused on physical activity, poverty reduction, nature-based experiences, artistic endeavours, social bonding, improving life skills, and much more.

    As long as the project/initiative is focused on one or more of the evidence-based factors that can promote health brain development, strengthen resilience, and/or improve mental well-being, we want to hear from you!

    Check out past and current projects that have received funding and contact us to determine if your project idea is a good fit for our grant program.

    For further information, check out our Grant Program page and/or our Grant FAQs.

  • How can I apply for a grant?

    Our grant application process is straightforward. Visit our Grant Program page, where you will find detailed information about our program, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. If you have any questions or need assistance, check out our Grant FAQs and/or contact our grants team at grants@afmwb.com.

  • What is the Brain Story PEI Pilot program?

    Our Brain Story PEI Pilot represents two years of work by the Alliance to create a new, positive, and evidence-based dialogue on PEI about mental health and well-being.

    This comprehensive 35-hour training provided valuable insights into the science of resilience and brain development. The goal was to equip participants with knowledge and insights they can build into their prevention-based programming and services. We also wanted to build a common language around the science of brain development, so we are all working from a shared understanding of resiliency, toxic stress, protective factors, and other important concepts.

    Learn more about the Brain Story PEI Pilot here.

  • How can I stay updated on your latest news and events?

    There are several ways to stay informed about our latest news and events. Here are the easiest ways:

    Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter in the footer of this website for regular updates on upcoming events, new initiatives, our grant program, job opportunities, and more!

    Website: Check out the News section of our website for announcements, event details, recent articles and more.

    Social Media: Follow us on our social media channels on Facebook and LinkedIn for real-time updates and engagement.

  • How do I contact the right person about your grant program, training opportunities or any other inquiry I might have?

    For grant program questions please email grants@afmwb.com

    For all other inquiries please fill out our contact form or email us at info@afwmb.com

Grant Program
About the Grant Program
  • What is the Focusing Action for Positive Change Community Grant Program?

    The Grant Program is how the Alliance invests in projects that strengthen resilience and improve mental well-being across PEI. With more than $2 million available, it funds time-limited projects that apply evidence, build capacity, and create conditions for positive change.

  • What types of grants are available?

    There are two streams of funding available to PEI non-profit and charitable organizations:

    • Community Action Grants – These grants support organizations in applying evidence to develop or enhance programs, policy and services that strengthen resilience and improve mental well-being outcomes for people they serve. Successful applicants can receive up to $100,000 per year for 2–3 years.

    • Community-Based Research (CBR) Grants – These grants foster collaboration between community organizations and the research community to leverage research and evidence to inform and improve programs, policies, and services. Successful applicants can receive up to $50,000 for projects lasting up to 2 years.

  • How much is granting support will be provided to community?

    There are two types of grants available for non-profit and charitable organizations in PEI:

    Community Action Grants - Up to $2 million in total funding

    Community-Based Research (CBR) Grants - Up to $300,000 in total funding

Grant Eligibility
  • Who can apply?
    Applications are open to non-profit and charitable organizations based in PEI.

    Applicants must:
    • Have operated on PEI for at least 2 years
    • Have an established board of directors or governance structure (minimum 3 members)
    • Maintain a business bank account with at least 2 signers
    • Demonstrate sound financial and accountability practices

    Organizations outside PEI may apply if they have an office, staff, and deliver services in PEI.
  • Can individuals or businesses apply?

    No. Individuals, for-profit, and public organizations are not eligible to apply on their own. However, they may partner with an eligible PEI non-profit or charity.

  • What kinds of projects are eligible?
    Projects must be time-limited initiatives with specific goals, activities, and outcomes.

    Examples include:
    • Needs assessments or research activities
    • New or enhanced programs or services
    • Policy development or systems change initiatives
    • Projects must be focused on improving mental well-being outcomes in PEI.
  • What is not eligible for funding?
    The Alliance will not fund:
    • Core operational costs (e.g., salaries for ongoing positions, rent, utilities, general admin)
    • Capital costs (e.g., construction, renovations, large equipment purchases)
    • Deficit financing, political activities, fundraising costs, or religious activities
    • Projects already underway or costs already incurred
    • Activities outside PEI

    Note: Up to 15% of project funding may be used for administrative/overhead costs tied directly to the project.
  • How much funding can my organization request?

    Eligible organizations can apply for the following funding amounts, depending on the grant stream:

    • Community Action Grants:Organizations may request up to $100,000 per year, with a maximum total of $300,000 over three years. This funding is designed to support long-term initiatives that apply evidence-based approaches to improve mental well-being through programs, services, or policy development.

    • Community-Based Research (CBR) Grants: Organizations may request up to $50,000 per project, for initiatives lasting up to 2 years. These grants support collaborative research efforts between community groups and academic or research partners, aimed at generating actionable insights and strengthening community capacity.

  • Can we apply for more than one grant at the same time?
    No. Each eligible organization can only submit one application per intake as the lead applicant. You may be listed as a partner in other applications.
  • Can past grantees apply again?

    Yes, if you have completed all project activities and submitted your final reports.
    Organizations with an active Alliance grant agreement are not eligible to apply as a lead applicant for another project.

The Application Process
  • How are grant decisions made?
    Applications are reviewed by a peer review committee that includes community members and people with lived experience with final approval and advancement by the Alliance Board of Directors. Projects are chosen based on their potential impact, partnership strength, and alignment with the mandated goals of the Alliance.
  • What are the key dates?

    Here are the Key Dates for the 2025 Grant Program Intake:

    Community Action Grant

    • September 4, 2025 – Portal opens. Project Summary Applications Now Accepted.
      **A Project Summary Application is required to be eligible to proceed to full application.
    • September 26, 2025 – Project Summary Submissions due
    • September 29, 2025 – Portal opens for full application intake.
      *Applicants must first submit a Project Summary Application by September 26 to be eligible to proceed to this step.
    • October 20, 2025 – Portal closes for Community Action Grant applications.
    • October 2025 – January 2026 – Peer Review of applications
    • March 2026 – Alliance Board meets to review and approves Peer Review recommendations
    • Spring 2026 – Grants awarded to successful applicants.

    Community-Based Research Grant

    • September 4, 2025 – Portal opens to register and access Applicant Guide.
    • September 29, 2025 – Portal opens for application intake.
    • December 5, 2025 – Applications due
    • December 2025 – January 2026 – Peer Review of applications.
    • March 2026 – Alliance Board meets to review and approves Peer Review recommendations.
    • Spring 2026 – Grants awarded to successful applicants.
  • How do I apply?

    Applications must be submitted through the Alliance Grants Portal. Organizations must create an account to access Applicant Guides and submit their application.

    www.afmwb.com/grant-portal

  • Do I need to submit a Project Summary for a Community Action Grant?

    Yes. This is the first step in applying for a Community Action Grant. Preparation of a Project Summary helps both the applicant and the Alliance assess whether there is alignment between the proposed project and the goals and objectives of our Grant Program and funding priorities.

    Organizations that do not submit a Project Summary by September 26, 2025 will not be eligible to submit a full application.

  • What support is available for applicants?

    The Alliance offers:

    • Applicant Guides for each grant stream
    • Workshops and resources to walk you through the process
    • FAQs and glossary for clarity
    • Direct support from the Grants Team
  • Does my project need research ethics approval?

    Institutional Research Ethics Boards (REBs) must review and approve community-based research involving its affiliated researchers to ensure proposals meet ethical guidelines and standards. For research that does not directly involve people’s participation or data, such as a literature or scoping review, Research Ethics Board oversight may not be required.


    The Alliance is committed to ensuring that research activities conducted under the Community-Based Research Grant stream uphold the highest standards of ethical practice. If a proposed project does not fall under the purview of an institutional REB or if it involves a community-based organization without access to such a review, applicants will need to include an external ethics review as part of their project expenses.


    Our Community-Based Research Grant Applicant Guide provides more infromation on the ethics process.

After Submitting an Application
  • What is expected of grantees if awarded funding?

    Grantees are partners, not just recipients of funds. Expectations include:

    • Check-ins and touch points with the Alliance during the project
    • Yearly progress reports on activities, spending, and impact
    • Participation in training and convening events hosted by the Alliance
    • Flexibility to adapt and learn as projects evolve
  • Who can I contact with questions?

    Email the Alliance Grants Team at grants@afmwb.com.