Being
Forecasted
Being supports youth-led and locally based organizations to scale proven innovations that address root causes of distress, prevent youth mental health problems, and promote well-being in 12 countries.
Funder: Grand Challenges Canada
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: CAD $300,000–$1,500,000 per innovation for up to 24 months
Summary: Being supports scaling proven innovations that prevent youth mental health problems and promote well-being in 12 priority countries.
Key Information: Innovations must have demonstrated effectiveness, align with country-specific priorities, and be at least community-linked.
Description
Being is a global youth mental health initiative led by Grand Challenges Canada. It invests in prevention and mental health promotion by addressing root causes of distress before they escalate. Rather than centring clinical care, it focuses on the social and structural conditions shaping young people’s well-being, including relationships, safety, stigma, opportunity, and social connection.
This opportunity supports Transition to Scale innovations: approaches, products, or services already tested and proven effective, with potential for wider implementation. It does not fund early-stage work to establish proof of concept. Country-specific priorities were developed through locally led research and consultations with young people, community leaders, and experts. The initiative particularly seeks youth-led, locally based institutions and has an interest in urban and peri-urban settings.
