The Synergy Fund

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Contracting and Reporting

Behavioral Health Services new funding opportunity aims to foster collaboration, reduce duplication

Graphic showing information about The Synergy Fund
A graphic with Behavioral Health Services' logo and text reading Synergy Fund

 

Since the 20-year ballot measure passed in 2018, we’ve been transforming our behavioral health system. Over the past seven years, we’ve expanded crisis care at the Longview campus and funded 77 community organizations through our Impact Fund Grant Program. With these initiatives firmly established, we’re broadening our investment strategy and deepening collaboration.

This is where The Synergy Fund comes in. It is a new opportunity for community partners to work together toward shared solutions that strengthen our system of care. This fund will support ideas that: 

  • Build relationships, 
  • Reduce duplication and competition through shared solutions, 
  • Spark long-term partnerships, and 
  • Improve behavioral health outcomes by enhancing collaboration and shared impact across the behavioral health system.

The basics 

  • Total Synergy funding available in 2026: $100,000
    • We will update this page immediately once the pilot funds have been fully committed.
    • Staff will evaluate this new investment strategy after a pilot period and determine plans for the future. 
  • Maximum request: $10,000
    • Please request the exact amount needed versus requesting the max amount by default.
  • Eligibility: Make sure you are eligible to apply for funding.
  • Partnership: Funded projects must involve two or more organizations; one must be a previously BHS-funded organization or a County vendor
  • Decision timeline: To provide immediate support, we evaluate submissions at the end of each month. Expect a direct and timely response shortly after you apply. 
  • Period of performance: 6 months
  • Payments: If approved, the organization must submit an invoice for payment. 
    • If the organization is not already a county vendor, BHS may need a W9 and up-to-date insurance documents to make payments. 
    • Payments are paid within 30 days of the invoice date.
  • Allowable costs: Direct costs only. Facilitation time, food, materials, and interpretation services are examples of allowable costs. 
  • Reporting: Submit a Reflection Report to share learnings and tell the story of this investment of tax dollars.

FAQs

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  1. Who is eligible to apply?

    Visit the Apply Now web page for eligibility information and more.

  2. Where do the funds come from?

    Voters in 2018 approved a 20-year tax initiative to support behavioral health in Larimer County. The Behavioral Health Services Department builds trust through the responsible use of those dedicated sales-use tax dollars, investing them in strategic ways. When the department formed, after passage of the ballot measure, these dollars were invested primarily through the annual Impact Fund Grant program, which has distributed $17.7 million to 77 unique organizations over the past years. 

    With the grant program well underway, the department has expanded its investments to include: the construction and operation of the Acute Care facility at Longview campus, open 24/7/365 to people of all ages experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis; The Synergy Fund; and, in 2026, projects identified through the community-driven development of a multi-year funding framework.

  3. How is this different from the Behavioral Health Services annual grant?

    The Synergy Fund is intended to incentivize connection, coordination, and collaboration among behavioral health-serving organizations to reduce silos and duplication. It is for one-time requests, less than $10,000. It is different from BHS’ annual Impact Fund Grant Program, which awards grants of $25,000 to $100,000 to organizations that fill gaps in behavioral health services in the community.

  4. Can an organization apply for and receive Synergy funds more than one time?

    Organizations may only receive one award per year. Previously receiving Synergy Funds is not a guarantee of approval in subsequent years. Requests for the same proposal each year are not eligible.

  5. If my organization’s application is selected, could we receive the requested funds up front?

    Yes. Organizations must submit an invoice (within 30 days of approval notification) to receive payment

  6. How does The Synergy Fund fit into Behavioral Health Services' overall strategy to invest dedicated sales-use tax dollars?

    Graphic illustrating BHS' responsive, short-, medium- and long-term investments

  7. Our organization has not received funds from BHS in the past. Should we still apply? Do I have to partner with a current grantee? How do I do that?

    Yes. Organizations who have not received grant funding from BHS are encouraged to apply and partner with current or past grant recipients. The current and past grantee lists can be found here. If you would like an introduction to an organization, please reach out to synergyfund@larimer.org for assistance.

Questions?

A member of our team is happy to help. Email synergyfund@larimer.org.