Request for Proposals: Scaling Youth Mental Health Innovations

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

Grand Challenges Canada’s Being Initiative provides funding from $300,000 to $1,500,000 CAD for ready-to-scale innovations that address the root causes of youth distress. The program supports youth-led and other organizations in implementing proven mental health solutions across 12 focus countries to strengthen the environments where young people live, learn, and grow.

About the Being Initiative

The Being Initiative by Grand Challenges Canada invests in innovations that address young people’s distress at its roots before issues escalate. The program focuses on scaling solutions that have already demonstrated effectiveness, ensuring broader implementation and sustainable impact. The initiative aims to strengthen the environments where youth live, learn, and grow, promoting proactive approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

What the Funding Supports

Funding under the Transition-to-Scale stream can be used to:

• Expand innovations that have proven effectiveness in addressing youth mental health

• Strengthen the systems and environments surrounding young people

• Implement interventions that prevent distress from escalating

• Support program expansion, operational scale-up, and broader community reach

Funding Amounts and Priority Areas

• Funding range: $300,000 to $1,500,000 CAD per project

• Focus on ready-to-scale solutions with demonstrated impact

• Priority countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Vietnam

• Emphasis on youth-led organizations and initiatives that empower young people and strengthen communities

Who is Eligible

Eligible applicants include legally recognized entities such as social enterprises, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, for-profit companies, limited liability companies, and research or academic institutions. Organizations must demonstrate:

• Innovations that have proven effectiveness and readiness to scale

• Commitment to proactive youth mental health solutions

• Capacity to expand the reach and impact of their innovation
  Youth-led organizations based in the 12 focus countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why the Being Initiative Matters

The initiative addresses youth distress at its root, preventing escalation and long-term negative outcomes. By investing in ready-to-scale innovations, the program:

• Expands access to proven mental health solutions

• Strengthens youth environments, including home, school, and community

• Supports youth empowerment and leadership

• Promotes sustainable change and system-level impact

How to Apply

1. Identify if your innovation is ready to scale and has demonstrated effectiveness

2. Confirm your organization is legally recognized and eligible

3. Prepare a detailed proposal outlining objectives, impact, scalability, and implementation plan

4. Highlight alignment with youth mental health focus areas and priority countries

5. Submit the application through the official Grand Challenges Canada Being Initiative portal

6. Follow reporting and evaluation requirements if selected for funding

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize measurable outcomes and previous evidence of effectiveness

• Showcase plans for scaling your innovation to new communities or regions

• Demonstrate how your project strengthens youth environments holistically

• Highlight youth leadership and engagement where applicable

• Ensure clear operational and financial planning to support scaling

FAQs

1. What is the funding range for the Being Initiative? $300,000 to $1,500,000 CAD per project.

2. Which organizations are eligible? Social enterprises, NGOs, non-profits, for-profits, LLCs, and academic/research institutions.

3. Are youth-led organizations prioritized? Yes, particularly those based in the 12 focus countries.

4. What is meant by “ready-to-scale” innovations? Solutions that have proven effectiveness and are ready for broader implementation.

5. Which countries are eligible? Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

6. Can funding be used for operational expansion? Yes, funds can support scaling, program expansion, and broader community impact.

7. What outcomes does the initiative aim to achieve? Sustainable improvements in youth mental health, stronger community environments, and long-term system-level impact.

Conclusion

Grand Challenges Canada’s Being Initiative provides a strategic opportunity for organizations to expand proven youth mental health solutions. By funding ready-to-scale innovations, the program strengthens the environments where young people live, learn, and grow, amplifies impact, and promotes sustainable, community-level change in youth wellbeing across priority countries.

For more information, visit Grand Challenges Canada.