Funder Approaches to Addressing the Critical Connection Between Youth Mental Wellness and Financial Wellness

Curious about the connection between mental well-being and financial security during adolescence and young adulthood?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, most mental health conditions are diagnosed during the same life stage when young people are building the skills and accessing opportunities that shape their financial futures. Mental and financial well-being are deeply interconnected—each influences and reinforces the other.

When young people experience mental wellness, they’re better equipped to manage money, handle stress, make informed decisions, and seek help when needed. At the same time, financial security reduces one of the most common sources of stress that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Yet, despite these strong linkages, funders often treat mental health and financial well-being as separate priorities.

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Harm Reduction in Housing Justice: Values, Policy, and Services

This facilitated discussion will explore how harm reduction measures—both shelters and drug-specific policies—fit within the broader values of housing justice and will provide practical guidance for funders working at the intersection of health and housing.

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The Impacts of the Climate Crisis on Mental Health: Research, Solutions, and Action

During this interactive conversation with mental health experts, Gen Z, and climate-mental health advocates, speakers shared the latest research on the impacts of climate change and mental health on young people and the disproportionate impacts on Black, Indigenous, and people of color. The field leaders also discuss the political and cultural dimensions of the foundation community addressing this emergent public health issue. 

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GIH Bulletin: April 2023

In 2021, 1 in 6 high school students was electronically bullied or bullied at school. That same year, 22 percent of high school students, and 45 percent of students who identified as LGBTQ+, seriously considered attempting suicide. We know this information because of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which along with other state and local surveys, comprises the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.

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Rural Investment Models for Substance Use Disorder Recovery Ecosystems

Grantmakers In Health and New York Funders Alliance explored funding models that boost multi-sector support systems for people in recovery from substance use disorders in rural communities.

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2021 Fall Forum Lauren LeRoy Lecture

In 2012, Grantmakers In Health established the Lauren LeRoy Health Policy Lecture series in honor of former GIH President and CEO Lauren LeRoy and her commitment to increasing communication between the worlds of philanthropy and policy. This year, we heard from Dr. Alice Huan-mei Chen, Chief Medical Officer of Covered California.

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Advancing State Data Collection on Opioid Treatment

This webinar learned about a national initiative launched by the Pew Charitable Trusts that offers states a core set of metrics to track opioid treatment access and use. Presenters described how better data collection can target critically needed progress and discuss the role philanthropy can play in these efforts.

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Aligning Efforts to Achieve Equitable Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health and Well-Being for Children and Youth

This report issues a call to action for philanthropic organizations and public-sector partners that are ready to move forward in improving mental, emotional, and behavioral health. It describes existing philanthropic and federal initiatives and offers a potential portfolio of aligned strategies for private- and public-sector partners to consider.

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Connections to Nature and Green Spaces: A Path to Health Equity

During this webinar, we discussed the benefits of green spaces and strategies being employed to equitably expand access to communities of color.

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Building an Integrated Behavioral Health Workforce for Children and Families

Participants explored multi-year initiatives that build the capacity of community health centers to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed, trauma-responsive, integrated behavioral health care to children and adolescents.

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