Applications must be submitted via GAINS, but the following materials can support understanding, preparation, and planning.

Submitting the Application

Application will open in GAINS on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, and close on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Accessing GAINS:

1. School District and BOCES Applicants: Contact your district Local Access Manager (LAM) to receive access to GAINS
2. Charter School Applicants: Complete the Charter School GAINS Access Request Form

Get support with this process on CDE’s GAINS Training webpage.

Download the SHPG RFA Application Word Document for reference only.

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

SHPG Cohort 8 Request for Applications (RFA) Slide Deck

Recordings

• Overview of School Health Professional Grant Funding Opportunity - 16:26
• Information Needed for Application - 14:36
• Program Evaluation and Reporting - 3:53

Submit a Question About the SHPG RFA

Eligibility and Priority Criteria

Q: Are current grant recipients eligible to apply for the 2026 RFA?
A: Previous and current SHPG grantees are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.

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Q:  Who qualifies as a School Health Professional (SHP) for purposes of this grant?
A:  Per C.R.S. 22-96-102, a school health professional is defined as a state-licensed or state-certified school nurse, school psychologist, school social worker, school counselor, or other state-licensed or state-certified professional qualified under state law to provide support services to children and adolescents, including mental health professionals licensed pursuant to article 245 of title 12.

A CDE teaching license, special education license, BCBA credential, or unlicensed support role does not meet this requirement.

Staff hired with SHPG funds must hold the appropriate state license or certification. If a staff member is working toward licensure, up to 10% of grant funds may be used to support grant-associated SHPs in completing special service provider certifications and coursework. Staff who do not yet hold the required license may also apply for a Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) license to meet the hiring requirement.

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Q:  While a school nurse or school counselor qualifies, they would not be able to use funding outside of mental/behavioral health services, correct?
A:  A school health professional (SHP) hired with SHPG funds must use those funds to provide behavioral health care to students. As defined by C.R.S. 22-96-102(1), behavioral health care services to prevent, identify, and treat substance use disorders, substance misuse, and mental health disorders, including services to support social-emotional health.

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Q:  If we have a social worker who doesn't have a license yet, can we apply and use funds to help them finish their training?
A:  Yes, with conditions. A staff member working toward licensure must first obtain a Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) license to meet the SHP hiring requirement. Once that requirement is met, up to 10% of grant funds may be used to support grant-associated SHPs in completing special service provider certifications and coursework required for full licensure.

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Application Type: Continuation vs. New Applicant

Q:  If we are a Cohort 7 SHPG grantee, does that mean our Cohort 8 application is for renewal/continuation?
A:   Not necessarily. Cohort 7 grantees may apply in one of two ways:

• Continuation Funding: The applicant wants to continue the work of Cohort 7, such as retaining an existing school health professional. Continuation applicants will need to demonstrate the positive impact of their grant work to date and their efforts to sustain the work outside of grant funding.
• Funding for New Work: The applicant wants to engage in a substantially different scope of work than Cohort 7, such as funding different schools, implementing a new curriculum, building referral systems or mental health screening programs, or developing new community partnerships. The prior Cohort 7 workplan must look substantially different from the proposed new work. CDE's SHPG team will review Cohort 7 workplans to verify the newness of the proposed work.

Applicants who are uncertain about which application type applies to their situation are encouraged to contact the SHPG team at SHPGTeam@cde.state.co.us before applying.

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Q:  How do I determine whether to submit a continuation or new application?
A:  Returning Cohort 7 applicants may apply in one of two ways:

• Continuation Funding: The applicant wants to continue the work of Cohort 7, such as retaining an existing school health professional. Continuation applicants will need to demonstrate the positive impact of their grant work to date and their efforts to sustain the work outside of grant funding.
• Funding for New Work: The applicant wants to engage in a substantially different scope of work than Cohort 7, such as funding different schools, implementing a new curriculum, building referral systems or mental health screening programs, or developing new community partnerships. The prior Cohort 7 workplan must look substantially different from the proposed new work. CDE's SHPG team will review Cohort 7 workplans to verify the newness of the proposed work.

Applicants who are uncertain about which application type applies to their situation are encouraged to contact the SHPG team at SHPGTeam@cde.state.co.us before applying.

Note: Any applicants who were not a part of Cohort 7 are considered new applicants

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Q: If our school was previously included in a district application and award, but we are now applying independently, are we considered a renewal or new applicant?
A:  Applicants who were included in a prior cohort's district application and are now applying independently are likley considered new applicants.

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Evidence of Need

Q: Can applicants receive more than 6 points in the "Student Mental Health Need (i.e., Healthy Kids Colorado Survey)" portion of the Evidence of Need section?
A:  Yes. Applicants may receive up to 4 additional points by providing supplemental substance use or mental health data, even if they have already received the maximum 6 points available through the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey.

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Q: How do you obtain our score for Evidence of Need?
A:  Applicants can obtain their Evidence of Need score by contacting the SHPG team directly at SHPGTeam@cde.state.co.us.

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Q: How are the points for Student Need determined for Charter Schools and BOCES?
A:  Charter schools can request the Evidence of Need score for the district in which they are geographically located or the district from which they receive the majority of their students.

BOCES can request the Evidence of Need scores for all the districts they serve; for BOCES not serving all of their member districts, please indicate which district(s) will be supported.

Please provide this information in Section B, Question 1.

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Q: What if the Evidence of Need score does not accurately reflect our LEP's level of need?
A:  Applicants have two options:
(1) An additional 4 points can be earned for demonstration of need outside of the information in the spreadsheet. This could include types of information not included in the spreadsheet or data more specific to the individual schools that will be supported with grant funding.
(2) When applicants have data specific to the school(s) they will be supporting with grant funding that reflects a higher need than demonstrated in the spreadsheet, they can provide data for the specific data points reported in the spreadsheet. If the data are determined to reflect a need higher than for the state as a whole, the base score of 21 possible need points may be adjusted.
Please note that all CDE data reported here must be for the 2024-25 school year to allow for comparison to state-wide numbers.

This information should be provided in Section B, Question 1.

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Q: How will applicants' responses to the Mental Health Systems Assessments be evaluated?
A:  Applicants receive 2 points for completing all of these questions. No points are awarded for response content, so there is no scoring advantage to rating items with higher or lower scores. Applicants' proposed grant activities should be consistent with reported current levels of implementation.

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Available Funds

Q: What is the maximum amount an LEP can request?
A: The maximum request is $500,000 per applicant. Note that Cohort 7 grantees are eligible to apply for up to 80% of their current funded amount, not to exceed $500,000.

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Q:  To clarify the amount — is it $500,000 per year maximum for each of three years, or a total max of $500,000 spread over three years?
A:  $500,000 is the maximum an LEP can request. Eligible applicants may receive up to $500,000 per year for each year of the three-year grant cycle, for a maximum total award of $1,500,000. In other words, selected grantees will receive their awarded allocation amount per year for the life of the grant. This application is being released, but is contingent upon the state legislature enacting pending appropriations to the SHPG. The total amount available is not finalized until approval from the State Legislature.

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Q:  If you score above 45 points, what is the likelihood of being awarded a grant?
A:  Scoring above 45 points out of 72 possible points meets the minimum threshold for funding consideration, but does not guarantee an award. This is a competitive process and there is no guarantee that applying will result in funding or funding at the requested level. All award decisions are final.

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Q:  What funding caps apply to Cohort 7 grantees applying for Cohort 8?
A: Cohort 7 grantees applying for Cohort 8 are subject to two caps: the 80% cap and the $500,000 annual maximum. Specifically, a Cohort 7 grantee's award may not exceed 80% of their current approved allocation. If 80% of the current allocation exceeds $500,000, the $500,000 annual maximum takes precedence. Reducing SHP FTE to meet the 20% reduction requirement does not negatively impact application scoring. Please reach out to SHPGTeam@cde.state.co.us for additonal information.

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Q: Is there a budget limit per school district, and is there a limit to the number of schools that can be included in an application?
A: There is no budget limit per school district, and there is no limit to the number of recipient schools. However, keep in mind that the application rubric asks applicants to demonstrate the data behind student need at each recipient school, so be thoughtful about which schools you include and why. Additionally, the $500,000 cap must be adhered to. 

Note that approximately $14 million is available annually for SHPG, but submitting an application does not guarantee funding or funding at the requested level. Final awards are based on application scores, available funding, state board approval, and resolution of any required changes.

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Q: Can we submit a zero-budget request for Year 1 and begin requesting funds in Years 2 and 3?
A: No. The SHPG is a three-year grant, and the funding amount awarded in Year 1 remains the same throughout the grant cycle.

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Allowable Use of Funds

Q: Can grant funds be used to support staff mental health and well-being?
A: Yes. Grant funds may be used to support staff mental health and well-being when those efforts directly contribute to positive student well-being outcomes.

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Q: Can grant funds be used to support preschool students' mental health and well-being?
A: Yes. Grant funds may support preschool students' mental health and well-being if the preschool program is located within a K–12 building.

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Q: Can funds be used for facility improvements that support school mental and behavioral health programs?
A: Grant funds may not be used for permanent capital construction. However, funds may be used for specific projects aimed at improving spaces designated for mental and behavioral health services and programming within a school.

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Q: Is it allowable for licensed school social workers to provide training to other staff members and teachers?
A: Yes. SHPs may provide training to other staff members and teachers using grant funds. This activity aligns with Grant Goal 2, which supports training and resources for school behavioral health team members and other staff.

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Q: Are indirect costs an allowable expense?
A: No. As a state grant, indirect costs are not an allowable expense under the School Health Professional Grant.

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Q: Can grant funds be used for administrative oversight of school health professionals?
A: Grant funds may support administrative oversight when the individual in that role is a licensed school health professional whose administrative work directly expands the capacity of other SHPs funded through the grant.

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Q: If we have part-time staff, can this grant be used to increase hours?
A: Yes. Grant funds may be used to increase hours for existing part-time school health professionals, provided the increased hours are reflected in the applicant's plan.

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Q: What are examples of allowable matching contributions?
A: Per C.R.S. 22-96-104, matching funds are contributions provided by the LEP to augment grant funds received through the program. Matching contributions may come from cash or in-kind sources, provided they are verifiable, necessary, and directly support allowable grant activities.

No fixed match percentage is required, but all applicants must demonstrate a local contribution.

Cash match examples include district general fund dollars used toward a school health professional's salary, local mill levy override or county/foundation funds, or Medicaid reimbursement dollars reinvested into behavioral health services.

In-kind match examples include the salary or portion of salary for existing staff contributing time to the project, donated equipment, office space, or materials, or volunteer time and services from community partners. All in-kind contributions must be documented and valued at fair market value.

Matching funds may not include federal funds prohibited from use as match, funds already counted toward another grant, unallowable or indirect costs, or supplanted local funds.

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Q: Are therapy animals an allowable expense under Cohort 8?
A: Yes. Therapy animal programs are allowable under the SHPG, subject to the following conditions: grant funds may not be used to adopt, purchase, or foster a therapy animal. Grant funds may be used to support therapy animal supplies and handler training, provided these expenses are tied to the delivery of mental and behavioral health services to students.

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Q: Can staff training funds be used for educators and support staff (such as teachers and behavior technicians) who support MTSS and behavioral health at participating schools?
A: Yes. Training can include support staff

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Q: Can grant funds be used to pay annual licensing fees for school health professionals, such as SSP, LCSW, or LAC licensure through CDE or DORA?
A: Up to 10% of grant funds may be used to support grant-funded SHPs in completing special service provider certifications and/or required coursework. Note that this applies to grant-funded SHPs only.

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Q: Can grant funds be used for professional memberships such as ASCA or NASP?
A: Yes, professional memberships for grant-funded SHPs are an allowable expenditure under the SHPG, provided they are reasonable, necessary, and directly support the goals of the grant.

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Q: Is out-of-state travel an allowable expense?
A: Yes, out-of-state travel is an allowable expense with SHPG funds, provided your LEP approves it. No pre-approval from CDE is required.

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Evaluation and Reporting

Q: Where can applicants find reporting requirements for the SHPG?
A:  Reporting requirements are outlined in the SHPG Cohort 8 Request for Applications (RFA). The RFA slide deck and additional application materials are available on the CDE School Health Professional Grant Funding Opportunity webpage under RFA Webinar Resources.

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Intent to Apply

Q: When will the Intent to Apply be available and where do applicants submit it?
A:  The Intent to Apply is submitted through Smartsheets, not GAINS. Information about the Intent to Apply timeline and submission process is available on the CDE School Health Professional Grant Funding Opportunity webpage. Please note, Intent to Apply is due Monday, March 16th.

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GAINS

Q: How many years need to be included in the budget?
A: Only Year 1 (FY26-27) is required for the initial application. Budgets for Years 2 and 3 will be completed during the grant cycle.

This funding opportunity provides matching funds to eligible Local Education Providers (LEPs) pursuant to the requirements of the Behavioral Healthcare Professional Matching Grant Program (C.R.S. 22-96-101 through 22-96-105). 

This matching grant program exists to provide funding to education providers serving K-12 schools for the following purposes:

1. To increase the presence of school health professionals (SHP) in schools to provide behavioral health care to students who have mental health, substance use or misuse, or other behavioral health needs.
2. To provide training and resources for the SHPs, other behavioral health school team members, and school staff on the implementation of evidence-based programming (defined as programming that evaluation research has proven to be effective) on behavioral health education for all students;
3. To allow SHPs to connect students with services provided by community-based organizations for treatment and counseling for students who need behavioral health care; and
4. To provide behavioral health-care services at recipient schools, including but not limited to, screenings, counseling, therapy, referrals to community organizations, and training for students and staff on behavioral health issues.

A School Health Professional (SHP) is a state-licensed or state-certified professional who is qualified under Colorado law to provide health or mental health services to students. This includes professionals licensed or certified by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) or the Department of Regulatory Affairs (DORA).

SHPs include:

• School Nurses
• School Psychologists
• School Social Workers
• School Counselors

Note: Hiring professionals licensed through DORA must still comply with all applicable federal requirements, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Applicants should consult their LEP for licensing requirements specific to their setting.

Behavioral health care means services to prevent, identify, and treat substance use disorders, substance misuse, and mental health disorders, including services to support social-emotional health.

Evidence-based is defined as programming and strategies that evaluation research has shown to be effective.

School means a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school.

Local Education Providers (LEPs) are eligible to apply for this opportunity to increase the number of school counselors for secondary and elementary students and the level of school counseling services provided.

An eligible LEP is:

• A School District;
• A Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES);
• A Charter School authorized by a School District; or
• A Charter School authorized by the Charter School Institute.

Participating sites included on an LEP’s application must have a CDE-issued four-digit school code.

Available grant funding will be distributed to Education Providers with school(s) demonstrating high need based on Priority Criteria. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate:

• Education providers in geographic locations of underserved areas of the state.
• LEP has not been previously funded.
• Education providers that include a CDE-designated Alternative Education Campus (AEC) as a participating school in this application.

CDE used existing state-level data to assign points for each LEP’s level of need based on SHP Staffing, student mental health needs, student population need, and attendance and discipline. Review the Colorado District Need Mapping spreadsheet for the points eligible applicants have been assigned. Applicants will be given the opportunity to provide additional data if they believe the need is greater than the number assigned.

Needs Assessment

New this cohort! Both new and returning applicants must complete the Mental Health Systems Assessment in the application. 

This application is being released, but is contingent upon the state legislature enacting pending appropriations to the SHPG. The total amount available is not finalized until approval from the State Legislature. 

SHPG is a three-year cohort grant.

• Approximately $14 million is available per year
• Successful grantees may request up to $500,000

Note: Applicants who received SHPG funding in Cohort 7 are eligible to apply for up to 80% of their current funded amount ($500,000 or less). If you are unsure of your current funded amount, please contact the SHPG team at SHPGTeam@cde.state.co.us.

Funds may be used to supplement and not supplant or replace any monies currently being used to provide school counseling positions or activities.

Allowable services or activities include:

• Providing behavioral health care services at recipient schools, such as:
  • Screenings
  • Counseling
  • Therapy
  • Referrals to community organizations
• Contracting with community partners or private health-care professionals to deliver behavioral health services, including training, screening, and preventive supports
• Delivering direct services or consultation through telehealth technology by a school health professional
• Providing resources for school staff on implementing evidence-based substance use prevention and behavioral or mental health promotion programming

Funding should be used for:

• Hiring School Health Professionals*, including:
  • School Psychologists
  • School Social Workers
  • School Nurses
  • School Counselors
• Staff training and professional development, including associated travel costs
• Professional learning and certification costs, including:
  • Up to 10% of grant funds to support grant-funded SHPs in completing special service provider certifications and/or required coursework
• Telehealth-related services provided by qualified school health professionals

All professionals must hold a valid CDE license, DORA license, or CDE-issued temporary emergency license.*