[Grand Challenges Canada](https://www.grandchallenges.ca)

March 31, 2026 (Full application deadline — Transition-to-scale RFP)

$300,000–$1,500,000 CAD per project (Transition-to-Scale); project duration varies

Supports youth-driven, locally led mental health solutions in 12 countries, with a focus on prevention, promotion, and scaling proven innovations.

For proven, ready-to-scale innovations in youth mental health in specific countries; youth-led organizations prioritized.

--- ## Description The Being Initiative, led by Grand Challenges Canada and partners, funds innovative, youth-driven solutions to promote and prevent mental health challenges among young people in 12 priority countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The program emphasizes scaling proven approaches that address the root causes of youth distress—such as stigma, bullying, and family conflict—before they escalate, with a strong focus on community-driven, sustainable, and systemic change. Young people are central to the design, leadership, and delivery of supported projects, and funding priorities are shaped by locally led research and country consultations. --- ## Due Dates - March 31, 2026: Full application deadline — Transition-to-scale (TTS) request for proposals --- ## Funding Amount - Transition-to-Scale projects: $300,000–$1,500,000 CAD per award - Funding supports scaling up innovations with demonstrated effectiveness - Project duration may vary based on proposed activities and scaling plans --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be organizations (including NGOs, academic institutions, or social enterprises) working in one or more of the 12 priority countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Vietnam. - Both youth-led organizations and those working closely with youth are encouraged to apply; youth leadership and participation are prioritized. - Projects must focus on mental health promotion or prevention, targeting young people and addressing country-specific priorities identified through local consultations. - Only proven, ready-to-scale interventions are eligible for Transition-to-Scale funding. - Collaborations with local partners and evidence of community engagement are strongly encouraged. --- ## Application Process - Review the full RFP and country-specific priorities on the [Being Initiative website](https://being-initiative.org/news/request-for-proposals-for-transition-to-scale-innovations/). - Prepare a proposal demonstrating: - Evidence of effectiveness of the intervention - Clear plan for scaling and sustainability - Youth engagement and leadership - Alignment with country-specific mental health priorities - Submit your application by the March 31, 2026 deadline. - Information sessions and additional resources are available (see [Applicant Information Session](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6xu5vAeXpo)). - For updates and details, refer to the [official program page](https://being-initiative.org/). --- ## Additional Information - The initiative also supports proof-of-concept funding (up to $250,000 CAD) for early-stage projects, but the current RFP is focused on Transition-to-Scale. - Country-specific priorities and landscape analyses are available to guide proposal development ([see report](https://being-initiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mapping-Youth-Mental-Health-Landscapes_April-18-2024.pdf)). - Projects are expected to have a strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning component. --- ## External Links - [Being Initiative main page](https://being-initiative.org/) - [Funding opportunity details](https://being-initiative.org/news/request-for-proposals-for-transition-to-scale-innovations/) - [Country consultations & priorities](https://being-initiative.org/country-consultations/) - [Innovation Lookbook (examples of funded projects)](https://gccsite.my.canva.site/lookbook) - [Applicant Information Session (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6xu5vAeXpo) - [Grand Challenges Canada – Apply for Funding](https://www.grandchallenges.ca/apply-for-funding/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@grandchallenges.ca](mailto:info@grandchallenges.ca) | | Phone | +1 416-583-5821 | | Online Contact Form | [Grand Challenges Canada Contact Page](https://www.grandchallenges.ca/contact-us/) | | Being Initiative News | [Newsletter Signup](https://grandchallenges.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=eb2dae12c6763989092d4014e&id=e6f2ea9426) | ---

Being Initiative

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