Removing financial barriers to mental health programming

The Active Minds Program Fund allows communities of color, rural communities, high schools, community colleges, and student-focused nonprofits to bring expert-led resources, tools, and displays where they are needed most, regardless of racial disparities and limited funding.

Why is this important?

• 72% of organizations could not access professionally-led resources from Active Minds on mental health due to limited funding.
• LESS THAN 25% of Black Americans seek mental health treatment when needed, compared to 40% of white Americans
• 5 TIMES HIGHER for lower-income families (income of <$35,000 per year) to report feeling sad all or most of the time, relative to families with higher incomes
• YOUTH OF COLOR are more likely than white youth to report emotional distress

Example of the fund in action

District-wide budget cuts had Emily, a high school counselor in Ohio, looking for new resources and tools to present to the young adults she was supporting. Emily had even considered paying out of her own pocket for programming until she learned about the Active Minds Program Fund and was able to bring an Active Minds speaker to her community.

Following the presentation by one of our incredible speakers, she noted an increase in the number of services being requested, conversations happening with trusted adults, and calls from parents thanking her for educating and empowering their children to seek help when needed.

Since the initial presentation, Active Minds has become a permanent fixture in Emily’s school’s mental health programming thanks to the Program Fund.

What Does The Program Fund Support?

Active Minds Speakers
Research shows that peer-to-peer outreach is the best way to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health and encourages young adults to seek help if they need it. That’s why Active Minds Speakers are so effective. Through their personal stories, students and young adults can see there is hope and help available, since mental health struggles are so common. You can host one of our acclaimed speakers on your campus to inspire your community.

Send Silence Packing
This immersive display travels the country to end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide. Visitors to Send Silence Packing can experience first-hand the powerful stories of individuals affected by suicide and mental health challenges, with connections to resources for support and action. You can explore bringing this unique experience to your campus and community.

All audiences (K-12, Higher Ed, Youth-servicing organizations, etc.) are welcome to apply for funding.

Ready to Start the Process?

Keep these key elements in mind as you are applying for funding.

1. Create your event team. Do research and listen to your community for the type of content that would best fit your needs, look into event spacing, and get an estimate of how many people will be attending.
2. Research the programs that the Active Minds Program Fund can be applied to. (Referenced above)
3. Discuss funding with your event team and your Active Minds Program Outreach team lead. Determine how much funding an event needs to be the most beneficial for your community. Partially and fully funded applications are accepted.
4. Apply for funding 3–6 months before your event. All funding is awarded based on funding availability, need, and in the order requests are received. More information on the criteria is available on the application page. Early applications are preferable.

Apply for the Program Fund

All applicants will receive a confirmation and an email update with their application status. Please make sure to check your primary and spam inboxes for notifications.

Questions about availability or the fund?
Please reach out to our team at joy@activeminds.org.