Healing Invisible Wounds: Grants for PTSD Awareness Month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

June marks the start of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. PTSD is a debilitating illness that causes people to repeatedly relive a traumatic event, significantly reducing their quality of life.^1,2 Approximately 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and 20% of these individuals will develop PTSD.³ In total, roughly 13 million people in the United States have PTSD in a given year.³ Raising awareness and understanding of this condition is a crucial first step to improving the lives of those affected.

In recognition of PTSD Awareness Month, USFCR is highlighting several grant opportunities available to nonprofits working to improve the lives of individuals with PTSD. Grants can assist organizations in raising public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reducing the stigma associated with PTSD, and helping ensure that those suffering from invisible wounds receive proper treatment.

Bob Woodruff Foundation Grant

Serving in the military often involves combat, missions with life-threatening situations, or exposure to shocking and disturbing events. As a result, an estimated 29% of combat veterans go on to develop PTSD.² The Bob Woodruff Foundation is dedicated to addressing the needs of these individuals by investing in nonprofits that help service members, veterans, and their families thrive. Specifically, the Foundation funds programs that improve the health and well-being of the military and veteran community, with a strong focus on addressing the impacts of PTSD.

Although the Foundation does not specify award amounts, recent grants have ranged from $5,000 to $250,000, focusing on initiatives that:

• Improve social determinants of health 
• Decrease barriers to accessing physical and mental healthcare 
• Increase accessibility to programming that fosters a healthy lifestyle 
• Enhance opportunities for veterans to thrive after service

The Bob Woodruff Foundation accepts and reviews applications year-round. To be eligible for a grant, your organization must:

• Provide direct services to the military/veteran population
• Be administered through a non-profit organization 
• Demonstrate financial responsibility and sustainability and have filed a 990EZ or 990 for the last two fiscal years
• Provide an audited financial statement or a certified financial statement (to include a balance sheet and income statement)
• Have two years of gross receipts greater than $50,000

The Bob Woodruff Foundation is committed to supporting programs that make a significant difference in the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, this grant can help nonprofits create a pathway to recovery and a brighter future for those who have served our country.

kNot Today: The Child Protection Grant

PTSD is not just limited to veterans–it also affects young people. Studies show that approximately 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma. Of those adolescents who have experienced a traumatic event, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys proceed to develop PTSD.⁴

Understanding this critical issue, kNot Today is committed to raising awareness, initiating prevention strategies, and developing innovative healing programs for children who have experienced trauma through sexual abuse and exploitation. With grant awards typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, kNot Today funds organizations that provide preventative measures and proactive initiatives in one or more of the following areas:

• Providing therapeutic services to minor survivors of child sexual abuse or trafficking to help them on their journey to healing.
• Ensuring survivors and their families have access to long-term, restorative care and support.
• Developing resources and advocating for policies to protect children, support survivors, and promote systemic change.
• Assisting law enforcement agencies with the tools and technology to expand and scale their efforts to protect children.
• Promoting access to education in schools that will advance the identification of children in need.

The kNot Today grant cycle consists of several stages:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI): Submissions opened on June 1, 2024, and closes on July 31, 2024.
2. Full Application: Invitations for full applications will follow the LOI review, with full applications due by September 6, 2024.
3. Interviews and Final Review: Selected finalists will undergo interviews in October 2024, with funding notifications in November 2024.

By addressing the root causes and providing essential support to survivors, kNot Today aims to protect and restore the lives of vulnerable children, ensuring they have the opportunity to heal and thrive. Through their Child Protection Grant, kNot Today empowers organizations that share their mission in fighting against child abuse and the resulting trauma.

As we observe PTSD Awareness Month, it is essential to recognize the vital role grants play in driving progress and fostering hope for individuals living with this challenging condition. Let USFCR help your organization make a difference. To learn more, feel free to contact us at  (866) 216-5343 or grants@usfcr.com.

If you are ready to go after grants, but need assistance in the process, USFCR’s Grant Writing Team can assist your organization’s unique program needs. 

CITATIONS

1. Prakash, J., Saha, A., Das, R. C., Srivastava, K., & Shashikumar, R. (2016). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 72(2), 189-191.

2. Martin, A., Naunton, M., Kosari, S., Peterson, G., Thomas, J., & Christenson, J. K. (2021). Treatment guidelines for PTSD: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(18), 4175.

3. The Recovery Village. (2023). PTSD statistics and facts. 

4.  Hamblen, Jessica, and Erin Barnett. "PTSD in children and adolescents." National Center for PTSD. (2016).