August 1, 2007

Block Grants and Formula Grants: A Guide for Allotment Calculations

The Office of Applied Studies (OAS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), annually determines the allocation of funding to States and territories for four grant programs: Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT BG), Mental Health Services Block Grant (MH BG), Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Formula Grant (PAIMI FG), and Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness Formula Grant (PATH FG). The allocations are made in accordance with SAMHSA's legislative authorities. Over time, the underlying bases of the calculations, particularly that for SAPT BG and MH BG, have undergone changes primarily because of changes in legislation. This guidebook presents the formulas for the SAPT BG, MH BG, PAIMI FG, and PATH FG allotment calculations and reflects the rules laid out in the initial legislation or subsequent reauthorizations.