Liberated Capital - Youth Mental Health Fund - Opportunity Grants

The Decolonizing Wealth Project (DWP), founded in 2018, is rooted in the framework of Reparative Philanthropy, aimed at healing and transforming wealth into collective wellbeing. Through sector transformation, storytelling and culture, and reparative giving, DWP has facilitated nearly $1 billion in funding for truth and healing initiatives. Its funding arm, Liberated Capital, has distributed over $23 million to support causes led by communities most impacted by systemic inequities, including economic solidarity and climate resilience efforts. The new Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) represents DWP’s commitment to supporting marginalized youth and ensuring equitable mental health care access. The Youth Mental Health Fund aims to redistribute at least $15 million in grants over three years starting in 2025. Its goal is to increase access to culturally responsive mental health care for youth aged 12–24, prioritizing BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. The program acknowledges the unique mental health challenges faced by these populations, including high suicide rates and limited access to affirming care. The initiative will support community-based mental health programs, cultural-based healing approaches, and awareness and advocacy campaigns, emphasizing youth engagement and community leadership in the process. Grants under this initiative are categorized into Anchor Grants and Opportunity Grants. Anchor Grants provide $100,000 to $250,000 in general operating support for organizations that have been operating for five years or more with budgets over $2 million. Opportunity Grants range from $30,000 to $100,000 and support general operations for newer or smaller organizations, as well as innovative projects and pilot programs. This particular opportunity pertains to Opportunity Grants. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, non-Federally Recognized Tribes under a 501(c)(3), and fiscally sponsored projects. Private foundations and individuals are ineligible. All applicants must be U.S.-based. The selection process prioritizes community-based leadership, especially organizations led by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with strong youth engagement in strategic and programmatic decisions. Applications must include a project plan detailing goals and alignment with the fund’s priorities, a budget with narrative, and an annual operational budget. Up to two supplemental attachments are allowed to showcase impact and community engagement. Required application responses include explanations of the culturally responsive care gap addressed, anticipated impacts, and methods of youth involvement. Applications can be submitted here: https://portal.justfund.us/p/rfps/db5578c7-63c0-444f-b675-3266e22ba9bb and are due by July 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST, and awards will be announced on October 14, 2025. Two informational webinars are scheduled for June 3 and June 24, 2025, offering prospective applicants the opportunity to learn more. Rich Havard is the primary contact for the fund and can be reached at rich@decolonizingwealth.com. More information is available on the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s website and Instagram.

Submit clear documentation of community engagement and youth participation; use supplemental materials to highlight impact; align proposals closely with culturally responsive care themes.