New Report Highlights Opportunities for Greater Investment in Mental Health
A new report from Mindful Philanthropy examines national funding trends, emerging opportunities and the role philanthropy can play in strengthening mental health systems.
The 2026 edition of Mental Health at the Center: U.S. Funding Landscape finds that philanthropic giving to mental health and addiction nearly doubled in nominal dollars over the past decade, increasing from approximately $839 million in 2015 to $1.7 billion in 2024. Yet mental health’s share of overall philanthropic giving has remained relatively unchanged.
Among the report’s key findings:
- Youth mental health remains a leading priority, accounting for approximately 40% of direct mental health and addiction giving in 2024.
- Greater investment in prevention and systems change is needed, including support for the behavioral health workforce, research and evaluation and the infrastructure needed to strengthen mental health systems.
- Collaboration among funders remains both a priority and a challenge, with roughly half of surveyed funders identifying coordination with other funders as a leading barrier to increasing their giving.
The findings reinforce the importance of investing in direct mental health services as well as in the broader systems and community conditions that influence mental well-being.
The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation shares this commitment through its support of organizations and initiatives working to improve behavioral health outcomes across southeast Michigan.
Andrea Cole, President and CEO of the Flinn Foundation, serves on the Board of Directors of Mindful Philanthropy, a national organization working to advance philanthropic investment in mental health, addiction and well-being.
Explore the 2026 funding landscape report to learn more about opportunities for greater philanthropic impact.
