ARPA Mental Health Grant – Final Phase for 2025 Season
To MCA Members and Camp Community:
MCA is entering the final phase of the ARPA Mental Health Grant, and we’re proud to
share that the 2024 season was a huge success—thanks to your participation and
commitment to mental health in camp settings.
That success comes with a challenge: funds for the 2025 season are VERY limited.
As a result, we’ve made important changes to the eligibility guidelines and
application process to ensure fairness and clarity.
Please read this carefully and plan accordingly.
What’s New for 2025?
Reimbursement Limit
Up to $10,000 total per organization OR per licensed camp, whichever comes
first.
Unlike past years, we cannot fund multiple camps within a single
organization beyond the $10,000 total.
Eligible Staffing Expenses – Now More Limited
✅ Still eligible for 100% reimbursement:
Staff who are licensed Mental Health Professionals (e.g., LCSW, Psychologist,
Psychiatrist, etc.)
1:1 Aides providing mental health support to individual campers
❌ No longer eligible:
Partial (up to 30%) reimbursement for staff who support mental health as part of
broader roles (e.g., Nurses, Unit Leaders, Head Counselors, Camp Directors,
etc.)
Single Submission Window
All eligible expenses from September 30, 2024 through August 29, 2025 must
be submitted in one application—no multiple batches this cycle.
Application Dates
MCA Member Camps: September 15–19, 2025
Non-Members: September 18–19, 2025
Applications are processed in the order received (date and time stamped).
Incomplete applications (missing receipts, payroll documents, etc.) will not be
processed or time-stamped until fully complete.
Important Note
There is NO guarantee of funding—even if your application meets all criteria.
Reimbursements are first come, first served until the funds are fully distributed.
What Can Be Reimbursed?
(Up to $10,000 per camp OR organization, as funds allow)
Salaries/fees for dedicated mental health staff
1:1 aides for campers requiring individual support
Mental health training expenses (for individuals or groups)
Facility upgrades or expansions specific to mental health service delivery
Technology, supplies, or tools used for providing mental health services
Other clearly defined expenses supporting mental health for campers.
Get Ready Ahead of Time
We’ll post a PDF version of the grant details and documentation checklist on our
website by early summer so you can prepare your submission in advance.
Final Reminder
If you operate more than one licensed camp, a separate application must be
submitted for each camp, but the $10,000 maximum is per organization.
Example: Camp A is a solo camp and can submit qualified expenses up to $10,000;
Organization X has Camp C, D, and E. Each camp can put in qualified expenses, but
the organization total will still be no more than $10,000, split between the 3 camps
requests
Camp C expense requests were 3300
Camp D expense requests were 5000
Camp E expense requests were 3500
Organization X would be eligible for $10,000 total
We’re grateful to be able to offer this final round of funding and look forward to
supporting your continued efforts to create safe, mentally healthy environments for
campers across Massachusetts.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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