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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Reducing Gun Violence in New Orleans through Cross-Sector Collaboration with Philanthropy

Firearm violence is a preventable public health issue that affects communities across the United States. Yet, rates of exposure vary significantly from one region to another, shaped by socio-economic disparities, demographics, and local gun policies. This webinar explores the role of multi-sector partnerships, including the philanthropic sector, to effectively reduce firearm violence. 

The moderated discussion will be a candid conversation about best practices and key challenges in developing, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining violence intervention programs. Panelists include credible messengers from a community-based organization, local government, and an academic research partner, who are collaborating to reduce violence through community and hospital-based programs in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants will leave the session with a better understanding of the critical role of philanthropy in advancing efforts to reduce firearm violence, along with insights to facilitate successful cross-sector collaboration.  

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Navigating Birth Justice and Reproductive Equity in Precarious Times: Insights, Challenges, and Strategies for Funders

The birth justice and reproductive equity landscape in the U.S. has continued to shift following the 2022 Dobbs ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade. In addition to reduced abortion access, communities, birthing people, and the partners working with them are facing growing challenges to reproductive and perinatal care—including uncertainty around Medicaid and other public funding critical to sustaining services. 

This webinar will bring together health funders to share insights, experiences, and challenges encountered while supporting this work in an evolving landscape. The discussion will focus on how s funders are navigating the legal, policy, and funding changes and their investments that center the dignity, safety, and autonomy of birthing people and their communities. 

Please note this webinar will not be recorded as we want this to be a safe space for a candid discussion.  

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State of the Union for the Disability Community

The current U.S. landscape for people with disabilities is growing more complex as changes to critical policies such as Medicaid and Social Security are being proposed and enacted. Join us for a “state of the union” briefing and discussion on disability priorities that highlights both the current realities and the actions needed to improve access, quality, and outcomes. Speakers include Sandy Ho of Disability & Philanthropy Forum, Dom Kelly of New Disabled South, Sean Jackson of Disability Rights Texas, and Mai Pham of Institute for Exceptional Care. Cosponsored with Disability & Philanthropy Forum and WITH Foundation.

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Medicaid: Threats and Responses

As Congress deliberates federal spending cuts, Medicaid is under imminent threat. Legislative proposals are being discussed that may severely cap or cut Medicaid, particularly affecting children, seniors, and the disabled population. On this webinar, participants learned about current threats to the program, including renewed interest in Medicaid work requirement policies. Funders had the opportunity to hear about the latest research and discuss how philanthropy is responding in this moment. Speakers included Stephen Kaye of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund; Larry Levitt of KFF; and Mona Shah of Community Catalyst.

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Press Forward: Revitalizing Local Journalism and Restoring Trust in Media

This webinar introduced health funders to Press Forward, a national movement revitalizing local media and sources of information. Press Forward’s Associate Director, Christina Shih, discussed ways funders can engage with the initiative including pooled funds, aligned grantmaking, and local chapters. Taryn Fort, Senior Director of Communications and External Influence at The Colorado Health Foundation and Nora Ferrell, Director of Communications at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, will share how support for local journalism aligns with their foundations’ work to advance health and equity, as well as why they are part of Press Forward.

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