United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Opens Applications for the Youth Mental Health Innovation Grant
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is calling on passionate young leaders as well as nonprofit organizations to apply for the Youth Mental Health Innovation Grant.
Nearly 40% of Lehigh Valley youth have struggled with feelings of depression in the past year. Addressing mental health challenges early on helps young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they have the support needed to reach their full potential. Prioritizing mental health is key to fostering a healthier, more resilient generation.
This grant is designed to support innovative projects that prioritize and enhance the mental well-being of young people. Whether you have a groundbreaking idea or an established initiative in need of expansion, this is your opportunity to secure the resources you need to make a real difference.
We’re looking for projects that provide support, foster resilience and create positive change whether that is through activities, projects, programs or campaigns. We welcome all ideas built on strengthening youth mental health in our community. Your vision could help shape a future where every young person has access to the mental health resources they need to thrive.
There are two grant opportunities available:
- Mini-grants for youth-led projects: This opportunity is designed to support youth-led mental health initiatives. Open to young people ages 12-22, mini-grants up to $5,000 will be available to young leaders and their peers for programs, activities, campaigns or projects that support improved youth mental health. Applicants must apply with the support of a nonprofit partner or supporting school and have an advisor to support them in the work.
- Nonprofit youth mental health innovation grants: Grants will also be available to nonprofits to support programs, activities, campaigns or projects that lead to improved youth mental health. We’re especially interested in supporting projects or solutions that approach youth mental health in new or creative ways. This can include programs that support opportunities to grow socially and emotionally, build coping and social skills, or develop social-emotional skills, peer support, outreach, awareness building, or direct services. Grants will range between $5,000-$20,000, with most anticipated at the $10,000 level.
This grant will fund programming for one year, January 2025 – December 2025.
Applications opened on Monday, September 9, 2024. This grant will fund agencies and programs for one year, January 2025 – December 2025.
To learn more about the United for Veterans Mental Health Grant, please visit www.unitedwayglv.org/youth-mental-health.
