Mindful Philanthropy

It was great to reconnect with Jonathan Haidt and Alexa Arnold of The Anxious Generation. Their work is sparking essential conversations about the impact of technology on youth mental health—conversations that philanthropy must be part of. One of the key issues they touch on and advocate for is the importance of play-based childhood development in an age where technology often dominates. We need to ensure that children still have the space to engage in unstructured play as well as access to sports and arts that help to develop vital social and emotional skills, which are crucial to fostering resilient and mentally healthy youth. Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate, and I’m continually inspired by their commitment to tackling the youth mental health crisis with both urgency and thoughtfulness. At Mindful Philanthropy, we believe that meaningful change comes from funding research, advocacy, and real-world interventions that make a lasting impact.

“Implementing What Works” is one of the five priority areas that we’ve set forth in our Mental Health at the Center series for mental health philanthropy. Enabling universal access to the gold standard models of mental health care to alleviate issues with care access, availability, and quality brings us one step closer to true mental health equity. https://hubs.ly/Q03bpl-g0 ?? We’re excited to hear the Elevance Health Foundation has announced a significant five-year, $150M commitment to address health disparities across the United States, with a particular emphasis on mental health. This investment will focus on expanding access to behavioral health resources and addressing the social determinants of health in under-resourced communities. By prioritizing equitable healthcare solutions, this initiative exemplifies steps to reduce gaps in mental health services and improve overall community well-being. #MentalHealth #HealthEquity #ElevanceHealth #CommunityImpact https://hubs.ly/Q03bpyzb0

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to highlight our Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health. Alongside Panorama Global, and our founding partners Pinterest, Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation, and Mindful Philanthropy, we are announcing our first round of partners. ? Kate Spade New York believes that good mental health is a fundamental human right for everyone—and that good mental health is foundational to a woman’s accessing authentic voice, choice, and power. kate spade new york and our social impact programs will reach 250,000 women and girls globally with access to mental health resources by 2030.?

?? AI is reshaping our world—but without intentional safeguards, it risks reinforcing the very inequalities we seek to dismantle. From hiring algorithms to healthcare diagnostics, biased AI systems can disproportionately harm women and perpetuate discrimination. On #InternationalWomensDay, philanthropy has a critical role to play in advancing ethical, inclusive AI. By funding research, advocating for diverse data representation, and supporting policies that promote equity in tech, we can help ensure AI becomes a tool for empowerment—not exclusion. Investing in responsible AI is an investment in the future of women, families, and communities. #EthicalAI #FundEquity #IWD2025 ??

Did you know that 40% of all births in the U.S. are covered by Medicaid? It’s also one of the largest funders of caregiver support, early childhood services, and mental health care. These services are lifelines for millions of women, from expectant mothers to those caring for loved ones. As access to these supports becomes increasingly uncertain, philanthropy has a crucial opportunity to step in. By investing in maternal health, caregiver resources, and community-based mental health services, funders can help ensure that mothers and caregivers receive the care they deserve because when moms thrive, families and communities do too. #MaternalMentalHealth #FundMoms #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 ??

Women make up 79% of the formal caregiving workforce across various sectors— education, healthcare, social services, and childcare. With potential federal funding cuts looming across many of these sectors, both the organizations that sustain communities and the women leading this work are at risk. On #InternationalWomensDay, funders have a critical opportunity to step up, in particular with philanthropic investments strengthening nonprofit capacity, supporting mental health initiatives, and creating pathways for women’s leadership. Learn how philanthropy can take action in our guidance, Empowering Women in the Workplace, on how you can support the caregiver workforce and women across industries. https://hubs.ly/Q039jtvY0 #MentalHealthAtWork #FundWomen #IWD2025 ??

Equipping youth and their support systems with the resources, skills, and services necessary to prevent and address mental health challenges is crucial to the advancement of mental health equity. ?? The Cigna Group Foundation has announced the opening of its 2025 grant applications to support nonprofits addressing the critical youth mental health crisis. This is a great example of a funding opportunity for eligible organizations to shape healthier futures for the next generation. https://hubs.ly/Q038QC0S0 Check out our Roadmap for Strategic Investment to learn more about supporting youth mental health. https://hubs.ly/Q038QVgw0 #YouthMentalHealth #NonprofitGrants #TheCignaGroupFoundation #MentalHealthAwareness

Valentine’s Day is a great time to reflect on the transformative power of connection—not just in our personal lives, but also in the workplace. According to a recent piece from CEO Magazine, the modern workplace is facing a loneliness epidemic, with feelings of disconnection taking a toll on employee well-being and organizational success. https://hubs.ly/Q036R5l50 This article, “Work and the Power of Connection in a Loneliness Epidemic,” highlights the importance of cultivating authentic relationships at work, starting with understanding your coworkers' deeper motivations—their “why.” When leaders and teams take the time to truly listen and connect, it creates a ripple effect: improved mental health, greater collaboration, and a more positive work culture. Key takeaways: ?? Loneliness at work is real: Even in a busy office, people can feel isolated. ?? Connection drives success: A connected team is more engaged, productive, and innovative. ?? It starts with leadership: Leaders who prioritize empathy and meaningful communication set the tone for a thriving work environment. Whether it’s through a heartfelt conversation or small acts of kindness, it’s important to celebrate the value of human connection.

Network Highlight: The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is making significant strides in supporting rural well-being. Their initiatives aim to address mental health disparities in rural communities, ensuring access to essential resources and services. By focusing on these underserved areas, the foundation is promoting mental health equity across Texas. Learn more about their impactful work here: https://hubs.ly/Q036BS-L0 #MentalHealth #RuralHealth #HoggFoundation #Wellbeing #MentalHealthEquity

?? Supporting Black Mental Health During Black History Month ?? This Black History Month, we honor the resilience and strength of Black communities while recognizing the urgent need to address mental health disparities. Racism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities deeply impact Black mental health, yet culturally-led programs are driving transformative healing by centering Black voices, traditions, and leadership. Philanthropy can step up to support and invest in these efforts to ensure Black communities have access to meaningful and culturally relevant mental health resources. ? Learn more about organizations exemplifying the power of community-led mental health initiatives and how philanthropy can support Black mental health: https://hubs.ly/Q035R6Bs0 #BlackHistoryMonth #MentalHealthMatters #SupportBlackHealing