Funding Overview
Because our sources of funds are tax revenues, MHB is committed to ensuring that funding is granted to organizations that improve the lives of our city’s most vulnerable, especially children and those with mental health or substance use conditions.
One of MHB’s most important values is integrity. That is why MHB carefully invests tax dollars in the safest, most secure manner until they are spent to fund services in the community. MHB‘s investment policy complies with Missouri state treasurer guidelines, which are designed to ensure protection of all publicly generated funds.
Investment Options
MHB uses several strategies for funding services in the community, and MHB will continue to devote staff resources and make funds available when necessary, to promote and encourage to the extent possible, the most comprehensive, coordinated system of services for the city.
Competitive Grant Funding
Our major funding method, in which nonprofit organizations that provide direct services respond to a competitive two-stage request for proposals ultimately selected by the MHB Board of Trustees. Grants are committed for up to three years with continued funding provided the project continues to perform well.
Funding Partnerships
This strategy encompasses projects in which one or more funders are participating with MHB to expand or enrich the scope of services by leveraging the investments of the other partners.
Strategic Initiatives
The St. Louis Mental Health Board dedicates staff time and technical assistance in support of several cross-sector initiatives focused on improving mental health outcomes for vulnerable populations in the St. Louis region.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing (PHS) plays a significant role in reducing homelessness and in turn helping people live stable, more productive lives. Since Fall of 2010, MHB has supported the goals of PSH through the offering of funds, usually in the form of 10-year forgivable loans, to support the creation of new PSH units through either renovating existing infrastructure or construction of new sites that provide behavioral health services in conjunction with housing.
Partnerships Overview
MHB supports over 55 non-profit service providers so that more high quality, accessible services are available to city residents.
Our Commitment to the Funded Partner Experience
The St. Louis philanthropic community envisions a future in which grantmaking is relational and funded partner–funder relationships reflect strong partnerships that lead to meaningful, long-lasting, positive change for the St. Louis region. The funders and philanthropy-supporting organizations listed below are united in our intention to (1) promise the following to all potential funded partners, and/or (2) support the following best practices within the field of philanthropy:
Communication
Staff Contact. We will designate a named staff member to contact directly about your proposal/grant. Staff continuity is a priority.
Prompt Response. We will provide prompt and respectful responses to all inquiries within and outside the grant process within three business days (or notification if the staff member you are contacting is out of the office).
Proactive Approach. We will provide proactive and transparent communication to support your timely and effective preparation and participation in our public processes.
Grantmaking Process
Timeline and Consideration. We will provide well-defined and realistic expectations about the proposal/application process, including fair and timely consideration of all grant requests.
Consistency. We will ensure the provision of consistent information about our policies and procedures, including the requirements for completing and submitting grant applications/reports and how to request support and/or changes.
Performance Management. We will use performance metrics as an opportunity to learn and propose possible modifications.
Relationship
You Are an Expert. We value the knowledge and experience you bring to the partnership. We will strive to continuously learn about your organization’s strategies, challenges and the context in which you work.
Sharing Resources. Whenever we are able, we will help connect you to our resources, perspectives and approaches (as requested) to support strong programs/organizations and amplify community impact.
Assume Best Intentions. We will engage with you from a perspective of learning and growing together. We will strive to create a genuine and honest relationship, assuming the best intentions of everyone involved.
Funded Partner Feedback
We also encourage funded partners to directly provide honest feedback about what is and is not working so we can improve our own individual processes and practices. We are committed to integrating as much feedback as possible and to share with you how your feedback has changed and improved our processes.
If you would like to provide feedback to us directly, please e-mail stlmhb@stlmhb.org. Your feedback will be reviewed internally, and, when appropriate, you will receive a response that addresses your questions and concerns.
Possible items might include:
- Proposal/Application review process
- Interaction with staff members
- Clarity of guidelines and other communications
- Reporting requirements
- Training and available resources
- Any other topic related to your experience that will help improve our grantmaking efforts
The principles in this commitment were researched, created and adopted by: ARCHS, Gateway Center for Giving, Women’s Auxiliary Foundation, United Way of Greater St. Louis, Staenberg Family Foundation, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Kranzberg Family Foundation, and The St. Louis Mental Health Board.