Youth Mental Health and Resilience in North Carolina

The Blue Cross NC Foundation’s Community-Level Approaches to Supporting Youth Mental Health and Resilience program seeks to address disparities in youth mental health by investing in community-based, cross-sector collaboratives that center youth leadership. This initiative supports efforts to build resilience, promote coping skills, and foster positive mental health in youth. Up to eight organizations will receive funding to strengthen networks, elevate youth voices, and create systems that improve the conditions impacting youth well-being. Grants focus on community-centered approaches rather than direct clinical services and emphasize collaboration with mental health providers and advocacy organizations. Priority will be given to applicants in western North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, areas designated as Tier 1 by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and economically distressed sub-county communities with comparable conditions. Selected grantees will receive up to $150,000 annually for three years, totaling $450,000 per organization. In addition to funding, grantees will participate in learning cohorts, receive technical assistance, and engage in shared evaluation activities.