• Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and Federally Recognized Native American Tribes are eligible. Non-Federally Recognized Tribes are eligible to apply under a 501(c)(3) entity. Fiscally-sponsored projects under a 501(c)(3) entity are also eligible.
  

• Private nonoperating foundations and individuals are not eligible.
  
  
• We value representative leadership and encourage organizations with leadership from BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities to apply.
  
  
• Proposals demonstrating youth engagement and voice in strategy and program development will be prioritized. Organizations should have a track record of supporting youth from a variety of backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth.
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• U.S.-based organizations only. By 'US-based,' we mean organizations that are either US-based nonprofits or Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, and whose primary work takes place within the United States.

There are separate application processes and award amounts, depending on the type of grant your organization is applying for:
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Anchor Grants: General operating support grants ranging from $100,000-$250,000 for youth mental health organizations or projects that have been operating for 5 years or more with organizational budgets over $2,000,000.

Opportunity Grants

1) General operating support grants ranging from $30,000–$100,000 for organizations or projects that have  been operating for less than 5 years and/or have budgets under $2M;

or

2) Project-specific grants for new innovative solutions, pilots, convenings, one-time special opportunities, etc.   Any organization, regardless of budget size or length of operation, is eligible for a project-specific grant.

Youth-led initiatives as those primarily devised, directed, and implemented by young people. Youth-led organizations and projects empower young people, promoting youth participation, and often have leadership and staff composed of young individuals. Examples of youth leadership in organizations may also include youth steering committees or a youth board and have regular youth feedback processes in place.

This grant program seeks to support adolescent youth in the U.S. and its territories.  Adolescence in the U.S. is generally considered to span ages 10 to 19, as defined by the World Health Organization. Some sources extend it a bit further, up to 24, recognizing that brain development continues into early adulthood.  We are flexible with range as long as it includes these ages. 

Focusing on adolescent mental health is critical because this phase is full of rapid changes—physically, emotionally, and socially. Teens are navigating identity, relationships, and increasing responsibilities, all while their brains are still developing. If their mental health struggles go unaddressed, it can impact school performance, relationships, and long-term well-being.

Yes, but applicants cannot have more than 2 active grants with DWP at any time. 

• For Anchor Grants and some Opportunity Grants: Funding is general operating support and funding must be used for charitable purposes in alignment with the goals of the fund.  
• Funds may be used for advocacy, direct service, or other organizational priorities including staffing, travel, supplies, consultants, stipends, etc. 
• For Opportunity Grants that are for specific projects - we have no restriction on the use of funds related to your specific projects.  The criteria above applies.
• For all grants - we do not fund subsidies or provide funding for regranting.

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Proposals are evaluated by an external advisory committee made up of experts, practitioners, and youth leaders in the field of youth mental health care. They will be evaluated based on alignment with this year's funding priorities:

‍Community-Based Programs 

• Community-based organizations providing culturally responsive mental health care to youth from marginalized identities in community settings. (e.g. in schools, churches, community centers, etc.) Note: in the case of partnerships between community-based organizations and clinics/health care system units or universities, grants will be awarded to the community-based nonprofit.
• Youth-led organizations that provide spaces for connection, skill-building, and advocacy to advance culturally responsive mental health care. These programs should demonstrate meaningful involvement of youth in strategy, staffing, and services, such as a youth steering committee, youth board, regular youth feedback processes, etc.

Cultural-Based Healing 

• Innovative community-led, and based, culturally relevant delivery models that promote self-care and connection to belonging and culture. This may include programs that use creative expression, such as language, movement, art, music, dance, and theater as therapeutic tools to explore identity, process trauma, and build resilience.
• Storytelling projects that amplify communal and personal stories of mental health journeys to foster solidarity and representation. 
• Heritage-based wellness programs that integrate cultural practices, rituals, and spirituality into mental health approaches.   

Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns

• Community-based education programs tailored to equip youth, families, providers, and educators with tools to recognize and address mental health challenges
• Campaigns that challenge cultural and systemic stigmas around mental health care and identity.
• Training youth as advocates for systemic change in mental health policies
• Support for organizations working towards systemic change in mental health services and care delivery to dismantle inequities in mental health care systems impacting youth 
• Campaigns to promote joy and mental wellness, or post-traumatic growth

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Application Portal Opens: May 20

Informational Webinar #1: June 3

Informational Webinar #2: June 24

Proposal Submission Deadline: July 10

Funding Decisions Announced by: October 15

Grant Dollars Disbursed by: November 1

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Review our extended FAQ document for more questions and answers‍
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uRiGFjWYqCHdg19jBn7VlgpdKeaXuX9hjv0Q3ME-7KI/edit?tab=t.0