Mindful Philanthropy

03/11/2025

“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/Q03bpwBK0

📢 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.



https://hubs.ly/Q03bpl-f0

ResourcesCatalyzing Mental Health PhilanthropyOur convenings, guidance, and uplifted solutions are resources to catalyze the field of mental health philanthropy and accelerate impact. Uplifted Solutions News + Media Guidance Convenings ConveningsWith in-person and digital convenings, we bring funder...

03/08/2025

🤖 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 , 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.

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03/06/2025

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.

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03/04/2025

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 , 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/Q039jwcq0

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ResourcesGuidanceOur guidance helps catalyze the field of mental health philanthropy and accelerate impact. Mental Health at the Center Our Mental Health at the Center series guides charitable funders to scale resources for mental health and well-being. These reports are defining the gold standard f...

02/28/2025

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/Q038QCxD0

Check out our Roadmap for Strategic Investment to learn more about supporting youth mental health.
https://hubs.ly/Q038QFQG0

/PRNewswire/ -- The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), announced today it is taking further actions to combat the...

02/14/2025

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.
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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.

We are facing a loneliness epidemic, but fostering authentic connection can improve both mental wellbeing and productivity.

02/13/2025

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/Q036BTKz0

Based in Texas, the first U.S. foundation devoted solely to mental health has evolved to prioritize upstream factors and community-based collaboratives.

02/07/2025

🖤 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/Q035R9yw0

ResourcesGuidanceOur guidance helps catalyze the field of mental health philanthropy and accelerate impact. Mental Health at the Center Our Mental Health at the Center series guides charitable funders to scale resources for mental health and well-being. These reports are defining the gold standard f...

02/05/2025

Mindful Philanthropy is pleased to announce Deb Mahan as our new Vice President of Collaboration & Advocacy. With a background in psychology and a specialization in trauma, she has dedicated her career to advancing mental health and well-being. Deb previously served as Executive Director of Gazette Charities Foundation, Southern Colorado affiliate of The Anschutz Foundation, where she led strategic initiatives to address community needs.
In Deb’s new role, she will lead Mindful Philanthropy in the development of regional and issue-focused action groups to engage philanthropic funders, policymakers, and community leaders in advancing innovative mental health solutions. https://hubs.ly/Q035tz2v0
Join us in welcoming Deb to the team in the comments below.

< Our Team Deb Mahan Vice President of Collaboration & Advocacy Deb Mahan brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and business sectors, with a focus on fostering collaboration and driving systemic change. With a background in psychology and a specialization in trauma, she has....

01/30/2025

Investing in mental health is not only beneficial to society, but also imperative to boosting the economy. With nearly 60M U.S. adults experiencing mental illness, the annual economic impact exceeds $280B. Addressing this crisis through community-led prevention and resilience initiatives can significantly reduce government expenditures.
https://hubs.ly/Q034LXKD0

"Each year mental illness has recession-level effects. Yet, rather than changing policies as governments normally would to resolve any other recession, they have mostly pursued more of the same." Proposed federal funding freezes would threaten essential mental health services, only further exacerbating not only the human impact but the economic costs of mental health conditions.

It's crucial to prioritize mental wellness to foster a healthier, more economically stable society. Mindful Philanthropy’s Roadmap for Strategic Investment, the second installment in the Mental Health at the Center (MHAC) series, highlights five funding priorities to do so. https://hubs.ly/Q034Mc0b0

Download the report to learn more about evidence-based investments to increase systemic access to quality mental health services.

Mental illness is costing the U.S. $280 billion annually. To cut costs, this problem must be addressed.

01/24/2025

We’re thrilled to announce our newly redesigned website — elevating Mindful Philanthropy’s unique approach to catalyzing mental health philanthropy! We invite you to explore the new site to learn more about how we convene stakeholders, guide the sector with research and resources, and uplift solutions that drive measurable impact. https://hubs.ly/Q033W_Z_0

Explore our Resources page to learn more about our convenings, digital events, and the foundational series Mental Health at the Center (MHAC) to learn more at any stage in your journey to fund mental health, addiction, and well-being.

Mindful Philanthropy helps accelerate individual and institutional learning journeys and amplify impact at the convergence of mental health and other issue areas.

01/22/2025

Our hearts are with the thousands of families affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Many individuals and organizations within our Mindful community and wider network have had their lives and homes impacted.

In addition to the physical toll, the psychological trauma of natural disasters can have profound and lasting impacts on mental health. Several outlets are already beginning to report on these impacts including MindSite News and The New York Times' piece on the impact to LA communities.

This is a crucial time for philanthropy to fill service gaps and support the resilience of communities.

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LA fires and mental health are inextricably linked, as the psychological impact of this disaster will endure long after the flames are extinguished.