Objectives, priorities, and program quality guidelines which have been developed as a result of knowledge gained from grant experience since 1966, changed societal conditions, and altered expectations of funding resources, and which are designed to guide the Continuing Education Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health in its allocation of funds are presented. The Continuing Education Branch is part of the Division of Manpower and Training Programs, and its broad objectives concern the continuing education and development of mental health personnel. A modified version of grant application instructions is included as a guide for potential grant applicants, for rough draft proposals or for local use in program planning. (CL)