Being Initiative
Funds projects to scale up proven, community-engaged innovations that prevent and promote youth mental health in 12 priority countries, focusing on root causes and youth participation.
Funder: Grand Challenges Canada
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (full application, projected) | July 2027 (Stage 2 invited full application, projected)
Funding Amounts: CA$300,000–CA$1,500,000 per project; up to 24 months
Summary: Supports the scale-up of proven, innovative approaches that promote and prevent youth mental health challenges in 12 priority countries.
Key Information: Only innovations ready for transition-to-scale (not proof-of-concept); focus on community connection and youth engagement.
Description
This opportunity funds the scale-up of evidence-based, innovative solutions that address the root causes of youth mental health challenges in 12 priority countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The initiative invests in projects that strengthen the environments where young people live, learn, and grow, with a focus on prevention and promotion rather than clinical care. Each country has specific thematic priorities (e.g., family functioning, bullying, stigma, substance use) shaped by local research and youth input. The program prioritizes youth-led and locally-based organizations and seeks projects with robust community engagement and demonstrated proof of concept.
