Mental Health at the Center: A Call to Action for Philanthropy

We are standing at an important juncture in terms of mental health in America. Today, roughly 90% of Americans say we are in a mental health crisis, and a recent study suggests that half of the world’s population will develop a mental disorder by age 75. Those numbers don’t begin to tell the story on the impact that the crisis is having on our family, friends, and neighbors. We estimate that philanthropy has invested at least $6.5B in mental health and addiction, which is a meaningful start. We think philanthropy can do much more to change the mental health landscape in this country. 

This week we are issuing a call for a dramatic increase in philanthropic funding for mental health, addiction, and well-being, an increase of 5x the current funding to get us to $35B in annual funding by 2035. The philanthropic community is well positioned to spur great social change in this country. Unlike companies and governments that are beholden to shareholders and taxpayers respectively, philanthropic interests are nimble and able to push funding to the source. We are challenging every funder to consider how giving to mental health can help achieve their overall strategies and goals for change.

To help funders on this quest, we are issuing Mental Health at the Center, an overview of the mental health landscape in America and the need for additional private investment. I encourage funders to download this guide and join us on this journey for real social change. Since our founding, we have been leading the conversation around how philanthropy can transform the mental health landscape. This call to action will drive that conversation from now on. Together, we can make sure that those in need have the resources they need so that every person finds hope, meaning, and purpose so that they can thrive.