The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is once again offering mini-grants for youth-led projects to reduce stigma among their peers, with support from the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia which is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

These mini-grants will fund youth-planned, youth-led projects within Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City, to be completed by May 21, 2027. A total of $6,000 is available, for requests not to exceed $1,000 each.

In addition to aiming to reduce stigma around mental illness, the mini-grants also aim to promote help-seeking behaviors. While mental health concerns and disorders are common, open and honest discussions about them are not. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 10 to 24. 

"We need opportunities for our youth to grow in leadership," said Raymond Paden, Manager of CSB Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention (WHPP) services. "The youth need to be heard because their voices matter — and these grants can support them as they lead the charge to reduce the stigma that is often associated with mental health concerns and aid in suicide prevention."

Proposals are due September 14, 2026, and awardees will be announced October 1, 2026. See past projects and review important details about how to apply.