The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council has announced a Request for Proposals for 2021 Mental & Emotional Well-Being Grant program.

The YAC recognizes that youth empowerment and youth support is critical – as evidenced by the hundreds of youth projects they have supported in the last 30 years. While the grant making cycle for the Youth Fund occurs twice a year, the impacts of COVID-19 and mental health in their community and youth made us pause to reflect on where their support could be most useful.

They are updating 2021 grantmaking program to be proactive and responsive in ensuring that youth have access to equitable mental health support services and are adding an additional grant round specific to supporting the mental & emotional well-being of youth community (i.e. healthy promotion, wellness, etc.; prevention & early intervention; crisis intervention & suicide prevention; treatment; recovery & peer support).

Grant proposals can focus on new or existing projects and programs (such as self-care, mindfulness, coping skills, suicide prevention, the de-stigmatization of mental health, awareness, peer support, etc.); they are also mindful that many activities may be taking place virtually.  

Who will the 2021 mental & emotional well-being grants fund?

• Non-profit organizations (including churches, schools, government agencies, and community groups with a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status) may apply for grants for programs that benefit youth in Northwest Ottawa County
• The YAC values projects that promote inclusiveness and work to build self-efficacy in their youth.

For more information, visit Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.