Youth mental health challenges are rising, and organizations on the frontlines need more resources to make a difference. That’s where the Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF) comes in. Canadian organizations can apply for this funding opportunity, available until January 22, 2025, to improve and provide more accessible mental health services for youth.
What is the youth mental health fund all about?
The YMHF is focused on creating meaningful change for youth and families facing mental health struggles. Its mission is to:
- Expand mental health services so youth in underserved communities can get the care they deserve.
- Strengthen community organizations that are already doing incredible work to support young people.
- Provide targeted support for equity-deserving groups, ensuring every youth feels seen and valued.
- Build a stronger, more integrated mental health system that connects community services with broader networks.
Funding details: Projects can receive up to $500,000 per fiscal year for up to 48 months. Health Canada may consider proposals exceeding this amount if they strongly align with the YMHF’s mission to improve care access and integration for youth across Canada.
What types of projects are eligible?
If your organization is committed to helping youth, this fund could be a game-changer. Health Canada is looking for projects that:
- Improve mental health access in community settings.
- Meet the most pressing mental health needs in your region.
- Create measurable, lasting impacts for youth.
- Foster collaboration between organizations and larger mental health systems.
What activities are eligible?
Here’s a quick rundown of activities that qualify for funding:
Build community connections
- Improve referral systems so youth can easily access a full range of mental health services.
- Support peer workers and staff who reduce stigma and help guide youth through mental health care options.
Bring care closer
- Set up mobile teams, virtual care, or satellite clinics to reach underserved and remote areas.
- Deliver services where they’re needed most, reducing location-based barriers.
Focus on equity-deserving youth
- Provide culturally appropriate care tailored for diverse groups, including urban Indigenous and racialized youth.
- Offer specialized care such as trauma support, eating disorder treatment, suicide prevention, or traditional healing.
Expand staff capacity
- Hire and train qualified mental health professionals like counselors and peer support workers.
- Reduce wait times and ensure services are culturally responsive and accessible.
Use technology to improve access
- Develop digital tools that simplify referral processes and provide easy-to-use informational resources.
These activities are all about making mental health care more accessible, culturally appropriate, and community-centered for youth across Canada.
Eligible and ineligible expenses for the Youth Mental Health Fund
| Eligible Expenses | Ineligible Expenses |
|---|---|
| Salaries and benefits for healthcare workers outside provincial health systems or hospitals (e.g., community health professionals, counselors, peer support staff) | Costs associated with preparing or submitting an application |
| Fees for contractual personnel | Ongoing operational costs unrelated to approved project activities |
| Travel and lodging expenses | Undefined or miscellaneous expenses |
| Supplies and materials | Administrative costs calculated as a percentage of total project expenses |
| Equipment purchases | Emergency or contingency funds |
| Rent and utility expenses | Purchasing vehicles, land, or buildings, except vehicles used as mobile mental health units for underserved areas |
| Capital expenses such as vehicles or vans for mobile mental health services in rural or remote regions (with prior approval from Health Canada) | Expenses for services already funded by provincial health plans under the Canada Health Act |
| Capital costs over $500,000, provided Health Canada approves them and a sustainable maintenance plan is in place |
Important note: Any costs incurred before receiving Health Canada approval or before the project officially begins are not reimbursable and must be covered by the applicant.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to:
- Not-for-profit organizations dedicated to community impact.
- Public post-secondary institutions that provide youth-focused mental health services.
Unfortunately, organizations in Quebec aren’t eligible, as funding there is managed separately by provincial health authorities.
How to get started
Applying is straightforward:
- Download the application form from the YMHF website.
- Review the Applicant Guide for detailed instructions.
- Submit your completed application by January 22, 2025, to YMHF-FSMJ@hc-sc.gc.ca.
How Is funding relevant to MoveMobility’s clients?
At MoveMobility, we understand the importance of reaching youth where they are, especially those struggling with mental health challenges. This funding could empower organizations to utilize Mobile Counselling Vans or Mobile Outreach Vans, making mental health support throughout Canada more accessible than ever.
These vehicles break barriers by providing safe, private spaces for counseling and connecting underserved youth to essential care. With the help of this funding, your organization could bring mental health services directly to the communities that need them most, creating hope and brighter futures for youth in need.
If this resonates with your mission, don’t wait—apply today and help drive change where it’s needed the most.
