Deadline: 20-Aug-2025
Grand Challenges Canada, in partnership with the Being Initiative, is inviting Ecosystem Catalyst proposals from organizations working with and influencing decision-makers, public sector representatives, community advocates, funders, young people, and other key stakeholders in Ecuador. Eligible applicants include mental health organizations, civil society groups, social enterprises, research institutions, consortiums, and similar entities.
The Ecosystem Catalyst approach aims to address barriers that prevent mental health innovations from thriving by building supportive environments where they can succeed and grow. In Ecuador, a key challenge identified is the lack of collaboration among national mental health actors, which limits the sustainable implementation and demand for early interventions to support youth mental health.
Funding of between $200,000 CAD and $300,000 CAD over 24 months will be awarded to one organization that can strengthen alignment and collaboration among stakeholders to advance youth mental health and safety on the national agenda. Proposals may involve building strategic alliances, improving coordination and partnerships, and working with governments and other stakeholders to integrate mental health into related sectors. Applicants are encouraged to leverage existing networks and infrastructure, with preference for partnerships that span civil society, government, research, and other relevant groups. Consortia of organizations may also apply.
Projects focused on directly implementing an intervention or innovation will not be funded. All legally incorporated organizations from any country may apply, but projects must be implemented in Ecuador. Preference will be given first to youth-led organizations based in Ecuador, followed by organizations based in Ecuador, then those from low- and middle-income countries partnering with a local Ecuadorian organization, and lastly to other eligible organizations.
For more information, visit Grand Challenges Canada.
