The Knox County Mental Health (708) Board has awarded approximately $1.83 million in funding for local mental health, substance use and developmental disability programs for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The board approved grants and partial grants for 17 organizations and government bodies during its April 27 meeting, according to documents released by the board.

In total, organizations requested more than $3.1 million in funding. The board awarded about 58 percent of requested funding, distributing $1,833,554 in grants.

The Knox County Mental Health Board was established by referendum in 2017 to help fund local programs addressing mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use issues. Funding comes through a local property tax levy. Since its creation, the board has awarded more than $10 million to local organizations and government bodies, according to the board’s annual report.

Among the largest awards this year:

• Thrive, formerly known as KCCDD, received a partial grant totaling $492,518 for general funding, its SOAR program and capital improvements.
• Bridgeway Inc. received a partial grant totaling $245,804 for psychiatric services, a law enforcement behavioral health co-responder position and a peer recovery support specialist position.
• Solvera Healthcare Center received a partial grant totaling $196,600 for substance use treatment services, staffing and transportation-related services.
• The Knox County Drug Court program received a partial grant totaling $165,216 for substance use treatment and conference attendance.
• The Knox County Housing Authority received a partial grant of $150,000 to operate and expand a low-barrier shelter and stabilization pathway program.

Additional grants were awarded to organizations and programs including the Knox County Health Department, Turning Point Child Advocacy Center, Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Crossroads Counseling, Camp Big Sky and the Galesburg Serenity Club.

Several applications were denied funding, including requests from the Galesburg Rescue Mission, VNA Community Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Knox County and the Ability Project of Galesburg.

According to the board’s annual report, the board’s current 12-month priority remains substance use disorder treatment and prevention in Knox County.

The board said all applicants participated in a series of public meetings before final funding decisions were made.