OpenAI has announced the AI and Mental Health Grant Program to support independent researchers examining the critical intersection of AI technology and mental health. As part of a broader safety investment, the program aims to spark new ideas and accelerate innovation in this emerging field. Targeted research grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 will be awarded, with a total funding pool of up to $2 million. Applicants must be 18 or older and affiliated with a research institution or have significant mental health experience. Applications are open until December 19, 2025, with notifications sent by January 15, 2026.
OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Program Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | OpenAI |
| Category | Research Grant |
| Funding Range | $5,000 to $100,000 per proposal |
| Total Funding Pool | Up to $2 Million |
| Target Area | Intersection of AI and Mental Health |
| Eligible Status | Non-profit research institutions/organizations or individuals |
| Application Deadline | December 19, 2025 |
| Notification Date | On or before January 15, 2026 |
OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Details
As AI models become increasingly integrated into personal areas of life, including mental and emotional support, the safety and effectiveness of these interactions are paramount. The OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Program is a targeted call for research proposals designed to support independent academic and non-profit work outside of OpenAI.
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The grant program is a core component of OpenAI’s broader safety investment strategy. It is intended to deepen the industry’s understanding of how AI can recognize and respond to mental and emotional distress, leading to more appropriate and safe responses during sensitive conversations. By funding independent research, OpenAI aims to accelerate innovation, spark new ideas, and lay the foundational groundwork that will strengthen both their own safety efforts and the wider ecosystem.
OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Benefits
Tier 1: Financial Grant Awards
- Targeted Funding: Individual research proposals are eligible for grants with proposed budgets between $5,000 and $100,000.
- Total Investment: OpenAI has committed a total funding pool of up to $2 million for this grant program.
Tier 2: Research Focus and Impact
- Foundational Work: The grants are designed to support fundamental, foundational work that addresses emerging areas of research at the intersection of AI and mental health.
- Ecosystem Acceleration: The funding is intended to help spark new ideas, deepen industry understanding, and accelerate innovation across the entire AI ecosystem, not just within OpenAI.
Tier 3: Independent Support and Review
- Independent Research: The program specifically supports independent researchers outside of OpenAI, promoting diverse perspectives and research methodologies.
- Expert Review: Applications will be rigorously reviewed on a rolling basis by a dedicated panel of internal OpenAI researchers and experts.
Eligibility Requirements for OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Program 2026
Applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria to be considered for funding:
- Age Requirement: Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
- Organizational Affiliation: Applicant must be affiliated with a research institution or organization, and/or possess significant experience with mental health research or practice.
- Organizational Status: The grant program is seeking to fund foundational research rather than for-profit initiatives, and as such, for-profit organizations will not be prioritized at this time.
How to Apply for OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires submitting a research proposal before the deadline for rolling review.
- Develop Proposal: Create a detailed research proposal that clearly examines the intersection of AI and mental health, outlining methodology, expected impact, and a budget between $5,000 and $100,000.
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure all eligibility criteria are met, particularly the minimum age, organizational affiliation, and the non-profit nature of the initiative.
- Submit Application: Submit the complete research proposal through the official application portal. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Await Notification: The panel will review submissions on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified of the decision on or before January 15, 2026.
Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total funding available for the OpenAI AI and Mental Health Grant Program?
The total funding pool allocated for all targeted research grants is up to $2 million.
2. What is the minimum and maximum amount for an individual grant proposal?
Individual research grant proposals must propose a budget between a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $100,000.
3. What is the application deadline for the grant program?
The application submission window closes on December 19, 2025.
4. When will applicants be notified of the selection decision?
Selected proposals will be notified on or before January 15, 2026.
5. Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Applicants must be 18 or older and affiliated with a research institution or organization, and/or have significant experience with mental health.
6. Are for-profit organizations prioritized for this grant?
No, the program seeks to fund research rather than for-profit initiatives, and therefore for-profit organizations will not be prioritized for funding.
7. What is the primary focus of the research the grants aim to support?
The grants aim to support research proposals examining the intersection of AI technology and mental health, focusing on model safety and appropriate responses to distress.
8. Who reviews the submitted grant applications?
A panel of internal OpenAI researchers and experts reviews the applications on a rolling basis.
9. Why is OpenAI funding independent research in this area?
OpenAI is funding independent research to spark new ideas, deepen understanding, and accelerate innovation across the broader ecosystem, complementing their internal safety efforts.
10. Does the research need to focus only on OpenAI’s models?
No, the research is designed to support foundational work that strengthens both OpenAI’s efforts and the wider field of AI and mental health research across the industry.
