The mental health crisis in the US and globally continues to be driven by a multitude of factors. Increasingly, funders are pushed to fund short-term solutions as a response to immediate need. However, long-term, sustainable solutions are needed to ensure that more people can access meaningful care.

Mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, psychological trauma, substance abuse, and increased suicidality, as well as serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Targeted, holistic funding approaches for each—that are distinct from other forms of brain illness philanthropy—are needed to improve mental health for all.

Milken Institute Philanthropy’s SPARC has brought together a philanthropic community and led recommendations for investing in transformative research to better understand, treat, and cure mental health conditions; increase access to preventative resources and care; develop effective interventions; and build capacity and diversity within the mental health ecosystem.