Faith is at the foundation of giving for many individuals. Not only are the practices of giving rooted in many religious traditions and texts, faith communities have long served as a central gathering point for connection and belonging. They have also frequently been the first to extend care and compassion to those in need, even if they are not directly tied to the community.

As a result, more philanthropic dollars are directed to faith-related and religious institutions than any other sector, accounting for nearly 27% of all philanthropic giving in 2022. With increased focus and investment in mental health, faith-based and religious funders have the opportunity to amplify their impact and improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Sports and recreation have long been a prominent component of youth and community development, attracting significant financial investment. Yet, the connection between sports and mental health has only recently garnered greater appreciation. In this primer, we examine the complex interplay between sports and mental health and highlight opportunities for philanthropy to support the mental well-being of athletes through the creation of community, structure and skills building, support systems, and equitable access.

Housing is a basic requirement to leading a healthy, thriving life. Unfortunately, this is a basic need that goes unmet for thousands of individuals, families, and children every day, many of whom are struggling with a mental health issue. In this primer, we examine the relationship between homelessness and mental health, and opportunities for philanthropy to help with a focus on three key elements necessary to make an impact.

Philanthropy is well-positioned to support youth through a variety of entry points, including schools, at home, in the community, at points of transition, and online. This primer introduces the most pressing issues facing youth today, as well as key approaches for philanthropy to make an impact on youth well-being from the perspective of issue areas funders are already supporting.

Improving the lives of women and girls yields better long-term outcomes for families, communities, and global economies. Mental health in particular is a crucial determinant of those positive outcomes and broader societal benefits. This primer highlights key opportunities to support women and girls’ mental health and how they intersect with other issues that funders care about, including education, health, and economic empowerment.