The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health will conclude its Policy Academy (HPA), Policy Fellow Grant (PFG), and Peer Policy Fellow Grant (PPF) initiatives in 2026, leaving a lasting legacy of legislative and policy impact.
During its 16 years, the Hogg Policy Academy has graduated over 50 Policy Fellows and Peer Policy Fellows, partnering with more than 40 organizations to build strong, sustainable policy advocacy capacity and uplift voices of people with lived experience. Alumni from these programs now serve in critical leadership roles across grassroots organizations, state agencies, government relations, and advocacy networks, including NAMI Texas, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, National Association of Social Workers – Texas Chapter, Texas Pediatric Society, Texans Care for Children, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
“These policy initiatives have exceeded our expectations by strengthening the mental health and substance use policy voice of emerging advocates and organizations throughout Texas,” says Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director. “All three programs have catalyzed systems-change and empowered organizations to meaningfully shape policies that affect their communities. We are deeply proud of the legacy of collaboration, learning, and leadership these grants have fostered.”
The HPA, PFG, and PPF grants will conclude at the end of the current grant cycle, on June 30, 2026. Over the next year, the foundation will engage closely with current grantee partners and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.
“The foundation remains committed to supporting mental health and substance use policy work and looks forward to focusing on more flexible policy grant opportunities to better meet the needs of communities and those with lived experience,” says Alison Mohr Boleware, director of policy. “This pivot reflects our commitment to remaining responsive and flexible in a rapidly changing environment.”
Future Hogg Foundation policy initiatives will prioritize community voice, adaptability, and innovation, giving organizations greater flexibility to shape their own strategies for policy change and advocacy efforts.
“We are so grateful to the Hogg Foundation’s team and the many experts in Texas and across the country who have worked hard to train and inspire the next generation of mental health policy advocates,” says Stephanie Rubin, CEO of Texans Care for Children, the coordinator of the Policy Academy from its inception. “For years to come, we’ll see the impact of the Academy not only in more thoughtful legislative discussions and smarter budget decisions, but also in healthier adults, kids, and communities across Texas.”
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