THE FUTURE OF IMPACT FOR MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Accelerate 2026 is a summit for philanthropic leaders to catalyze mental health philanthropy.
Our second annual Accelerate gathering will be held at the beautiful 1440 Multiversity in Scotts Valley, California.
Accelerate is a dynamic 2-day convening tailored for philanthropic audiences, including program officers, grantmaking professionals, individual philanthropists, and institutional funders.
Designed to advance mental health philanthropy by strengthening funder networks, aligning strategic priorities, and unlocking capital, this event builds on the critical guidance and systems-level change that Mindful Philanthropy has championed over the last five years. This event is the next opportunity for leaders and experts to gather to explore innovative strategies and actionable solutions for global mental health and well-being.
Quotes from attendees of the inaugural Accelerate Summit in 2025:
"One of the best conferences I've been to in my life."
“Leaving Mindful Philanthropy’s first-ever Accelerate Summit inspired and energized by the folks championing mental health and well-being with courage, clarity, and care in this moment.”
“Great presenters. So much knowledge. Bringing leaders from a variety of spaces taking different approaches to tackle this issue.”
Program Overview
Accelerate 2026 brings together philanthropic leaders, program staff, and emerging funders to advance the next frontier of mental health philanthropy. Through clear insights and hands-on sessions with researchers, policymakers, and cross-sector partners, participants will explore systems-level change for mental health and well-being while building peer and expert connections to sustain it. This gathering offers a shared vision and practical pathways to invest in the people, places, and narratives that make flourishing possible.
The Journey to Flourishing
Day 1 will bring flourishing into focus with a shared understanding of what it looks like, what makes it possible, and why combined with other mental health metrics it offers a powerful north star for philanthropy. Participants will explore the relational, environmental, and systemic conditions that allow people and communities to thrive and collective narratives centered on belonging and well-being.
Programming will offer:
Grounding in a clear vision for action that centers belonging and relational health
Learning from past movements and diverse frameworks
Personal clarity through reflection and small-group dialogue
What Shapes Lifelong Well-Being
Day 2 will dive into the environments and systems that most influence the well-being of youth, families, and communities, from early childhood and caregiving, to digital life, community spaces, and identity-building experiences. Sessions will illuminate how these systems interconnect and where philanthropy can make the greatest impact.
Programming will offer:
Deep dives and clarity on Flourish Together priority topics
Applied learning on systems change, policy, research, and more
Lived experience storytelling and funder case studies
Mobilizing Capital & Accelerating Impact
Day 3 will focus on unlocking coordinated action through narrative change, cross-sector collaboration, policy, innovative financing, and bold, investable solutions. Participants will hear from thought leaders and practitioners shaping cultural momentum and systems-level outcomes, with a clear emphasis on philanthropy’s role in mobilizing aligned capital, leveraging strategic influence, and investing in long-term roadmaps for impact.
Programming will offer:
Curated conversations to reframe narratives and strengthen the relational foundations of youth, families, and communities
Insight into cross-sector collaboration, venture philanthropy, and strategic levers for activation
Actionable pathways to mobilize philanthropic capital toward bold, investable, systems-level change
The full program and details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Event Speakers
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Sixto Cancel
Think of Us
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Richard Reeves
American Institute for Boys & Men (AIBM)
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Keeya Wiki
Rios to Rivers
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More to be announced!
FAQs
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Accelerate is a closed convening tailored to philanthropic funders and mission-aligned investors. All registrations are thoughtfully reviewed and subject to approval to ensure a community that fosters collaboration and learning.
The dynamic 2-day convening is designed to advance mental health and well-being in communities through bold, collaborative approaches. The event brings together diverse voices, perspectives, and sectors to explore innovative strategies and actionable solutions. Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions, interactive experiences, and networking opportunities.
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Mindful Philanthropy maintains a strict non-solicitation policy for all of our events. Our goal is to create a positive, welcoming, and distraction-free environment for all to participate and fully engage. We do not allow solicitation of any kind during Accelerate including requesting funding for nonprofit or for-profit ventures.
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The event will feature a diverse lineup of speakers and facilitators, including:
Experts in mental health and philanthropy.
Leaders from sectors like education, social justice, workforce development, and climate.
Lived experience advocates who bring valuable community-based insights.
Diverse leaders sharing perspectives on holistic approaches to social change.
Innovators from venture capital, family offices, and corporate philanthropy highlighting emerging philanthropic investment approaches.
Individual speakers will be announced in future invitations. The program will integrate a variety of voices and perspectives to inspire attendees with actionable strategies and systems-level thinking.
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Accelerate combines thought-provoking sessions with wellness-focused activities to create a truly holistic experience. Highlights include:
Sessions that explore the intersections of mental health with philanthropic focus areas like education, poverty, justice, and more.
Wellness activities, such as forest bathing, to promote personal reflection and connection.
Networking opportunities, including a dedicated “white space” on the second day for informal collaboration and connection.
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Please contact our VP of Relationships & Development, Janna Bilski, at janna@mindfulphilanthropy.org if you are interested in registering for this event.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Why Mental Health?
Over 20% of the population lives with a mental health or substance use disorder.
From academic achievement to economic mobility and overall equality, mental health and addiction play a central role in every major social issue.
Mindful Philanthropy envisions a world in which all funders are invested in solutions that integrate mental health and well-being so that all people have equitable access to the tools and resources they need to be well.
About
Mindful Philanthropy was founded in 2020 with the mission to catalyze impactful funding in mental health, addiction, and well-being.
We are building a community of funders invested in solutions that integrate mental health and well-being so that all people have equitable access to the tools and resources they need to be well.
