Program Fund

Making professionally-led programming accessible so that EVERYONE can talk about mental health.

Removing financial barriers to programming

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

Why is this important?

72%

of organizations couldn't access Active Minds' mental health resources due to limited funding

5× higher

odds that families earning under $35K feel sad most of the time vs. higher-income families

BIPOC Youth

are far more likely than white youth to report emotional distress

The Program Fund makes programming accessible so that EVERYONE can talk about mental health.

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.

Apply Today

What Does The Program Fund Support?

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

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 exhibit is designed to bring awareness to mental health, spark conversations, and inspire action through the experiential elements of the display. Rooted in a dynamic story-sharing format, displayed through mixed mediums, Send Silence Packing® is an immersive experience that illustrates the stories and centers the voices of youth as they guide us through their mental health journeys, covering themes of silence, loss, survival, and resilience.

Live A.S.K. Workshops

Learn how to provide peer-to-peer emotional support during this interactive in-person or virtual workshop showcasing A.S.K. — Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch! During the workshop, our speakers will facilitate an interactive discussion of the A.S.K. Digital Experience. Participants will leave knowing how to have supportive conversations with their peers!

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 encouraging 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.

Ready to Get Started?

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

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.

Research the eligible programs

The Active Minds Program Fund can fund Active Minds Speakers, Send Silence Packing®, and Live A.S.K. Workshops.

Discuss funding with your event team & your Active Minds team lead

Determine how much funding an event needs to be the most beneficial for your community. Partially and fully funded applications are accepted.

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.