Mental Health Awareness Month: Support These Nonprofits
Mental Health Awareness Month is a national observance in the United States that is held each May. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage people to seek help if they are struggling.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often overlooked. One in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year, and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to talk about mental health and break down the stigma associated with mental illness. It is also a time to learn about mental health conditions and to find resources that can help you or someone you know.
Support efforts to raise awareness about mental health by setting up recurring donations to any of these nonprofit organizations:
Black Girls Smile Inc.
Black Girls Smile Inc. (BGS) is a national nonprofit organization that promotes positive mental health and educational activities geared toward young black females. Founded in 2012 by Lauren Carson, BGS's mission is to "empower Black girls and women to lead mentally healthy lives."
BGS provides a variety of programs and resources, including:
- In-person and virtual mental health workshops and support groups
- A mentorship program that pairs Black girls with adult mentors
- A scholarship program that provides financial assistance to Black girls pursuing higher education
- A resource library that provides information on mental health, wellness, and other topics
The organization also advocates for the mental health of Black girls and women at the local, state, and national levels. They work to raise awareness of the mental health needs of Black girls and women and to promote policies that support their mental health.
BGS is committed to providing culturally responsive and gender-affirming mental health services to Black girls and women. The organization's staff and volunteers are all trained in culturally competent mental health care, and they are committed to creating a safe and supportive space for Black girls and women to heal and thrive.
Here are some ways you can support Black Girls Smile:
- Donate to the organization via Groundswell.
- Volunteer your time at one of the organization's events or programs.
- Spread the word about Black Girls Smile to your friends, family, and community.
The Headstrong Project
The Headstrong Project is a non-profit organization that provides confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free PTSD treatment to veterans, service members, and families connected to their care. Their mission is to help our clients “Triumph Over Trauma” by providing them with effective mental health treatment. Headstrong's network of trauma-informed clinical partners provides individualized, evidence-based outpatient care to their clients.
Headstrong was founded in 2011 by a group of veterans who were passionate about providing access to quality mental health care for their fellow service members. The organization has since grown to provide services to over 10,000 veterans and their families.
Headstrong's services are provided at no cost to clients, and they are available to all veterans, service members, and family members regardless of service era, combat exposure, or discharge status.
Headstrong's services include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication management
- Peer support
- Case management
- Vocational counseling
- Financial counseling
- Housing assistance
- Legal assistance
Headstrong also offers a variety of educational resources and events to help veterans and their families learn about mental health and find support.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to quality mental health care. MHA was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.
MHA's mission is to "build better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness and addiction."
MHA accomplishes this mission through a variety of programs and services, including:
- Advocacy: MHA advocates for policies that support mental health care, such as access to affordable insurance and parity for mental health care.
- Education: MHA provides information and education about mental health to the public, including through its website, publications, and public awareness campaigns.
- Support: MHA provides support to people with mental illness and their families, including through its helpline, support groups, and online resources.
- Research: MHA supports research on mental health, including through its funding of research grants and its publication in the journal Mental Health America.
HealthRIGHT 360
HealthRIGHT 360 is a nonprofit healthcare organization that provides integrated, high-quality, and affordable healthcare to people in need in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The organization was founded in 1974 and has grown to become one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare providers in the region.
HealthRIGHT 360 offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, dental care, behavioral health care, and pharmacy services. The organization also provides a variety of support services, such as case management, transportation, and translation services.
HealthRIGHT 360 is committed to providing high-quality, affordable health care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The organization offers a sliding fee scale for all services, and it accepts most major insurance plans. HealthRIGHT 360 also has a robust financial assistance program to help people who cannot afford to pay for their care.
Here are some of the ways HealthRIGHT 360 makes a difference in the community:
- Provides high-quality, affordable health care to people in need
- Offers a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, dental care, behavioral health care, and pharmacy services
- Provides a variety of support services, such as case management, transportation, and translation services
- Is committed to social justice and equity
- Advocates for policies that improve the health of all people
- Educates the public about health and wellness
- Trains the next generation of healthcare professionals
PEERS
PEERS, or Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services, is a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and recovery services to people with mental health conditions. PEERS was founded in 1994 by a group of people with mental health conditions who were passionate about creating a more peer-driven and recovery-oriented mental health system.
PEERS has grown to become one of the largest and most respected peer-run organizations in the country. The organization has a network of over 200 peer support specialists who provide services to people with mental health conditions in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community-based organizations.
PEERS's services are based on the principles of peer support, which is a model of care that emphasizes the importance of peer relationships in recovery. Peer support specialists are people who have lived experience with mental health conditions and who are trained to provide support, encouragement, and hope to others who are struggling.
PEERS's services have been shown to be effective in helping people with mental health conditions improve their quality of life and achieve their recovery goals. The organization's services have been praised by mental health professionals and consumers alike for their effectiveness, affordability, and accessibility.
Here are some of the ways PEERS makes a difference in the community:
- Provides peer support and recovery services to people with mental health conditions
- Trains peer support specialists
- Advocates for policies that support peer support
- Conducts research on peer support
- Raises awareness about mental health and recovery
- Educates the public about peer support
The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults. The Jed Foundation partners with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. They equip teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. They encourage community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
The Jed Foundation was founded in 1999 by Peggy and Andrew J. Gottesdiener in memory of their son, Jed, who died by suicide at the age of 19. The foundation is committed to preventing suicide and promoting emotional health among teens and young adults.
The Jed Foundation works to achieve its mission through a variety of programs and initiatives, including:
- The Jed Campus: A comprehensive approach to mental health and suicide prevention for colleges and universities.
- The Jed Talks: A series of public conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
- The Jed Foundation Student Advisory Council: A group of high school and college students who advise the foundation on its programs and initiatives.
- The Jed Foundation Media and Entertainment Initiative: A partnership with the entertainment industry to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
- The Jed Foundation Research Program: A research program that supports research
Mental Health Collaborative
The Mental Health Collaborative is a non-profit organization that provides mental health education and awareness to the public. They are dedicated to building resilient communities through mental health education and awareness. They provide an integrated, proactive approach to building mental health literacy; a much-needed education to help promote mental health.
The Mental Health Collaborative was founded in 2019 by Dr. Amy Barnhart, a clinical psychologist, and mental health advocate. Dr. Barnhart saw a need for more mental health education and awareness in the community, and she founded the Mental Health Collaborative to fill that need.
The Mental Health Collaborative works to achieve its mission through a variety of programs and initiatives, including:
- Mental Health First Aid: A training program that teaches people how to identify, assess, and respond to mental health crises.
- Mental Health Literacy: A series of educational resources that teach people about mental health and mental illness.
- Mental Health Awareness Events: A variety of events that raise awareness about mental health and mental illness.
- Mental Health Advocacy: The Mental Health Collaborative advocates for policies that support mental health care and promote mental health.
BEAM
BEAM, or the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing social justice-informed mental health education and resources to Black communities. The organization was founded in 2016 by a group of Black mental health advocates who were passionate about addressing the mental health disparities that exist in Black communities.
BEAM works to achieve its mission through a variety of programs and initiatives, including:
- Mental health education and awareness: BEAM provides a variety of educational resources about mental health and mental illness, tailored to Black communities.
- Peer support: BEAM offers peer support groups and other opportunities for Black people to connect with others who understand their experiences.
- Advocacy: BEAM advocates for policies that support mental health care and promote mental health equity in Black communities.
- Research: BEAM supports research on mental health in Black communities.
NAMI
NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness. The organization was founded in 1979 by a group of families who were concerned about the lack of resources and support available to people with mental illness.
NAMI works to achieve its mission through a variety of programs and initiatives, including:
- Support and advocacy: NAMI provides support groups, educational programs, and advocacy services to people with mental illness and their families.
- Public education: NAMI raises awareness about mental illness and mental health through its website, publications, and public awareness campaigns.
- Research: NAMI supports research on mental illness and mental health.
- Policy advocacy: NAMI advocates for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. They provide 24/7 crisis counseling and suicide prevention services through their TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat platforms. They also operate TrevorSpace, the world's largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth.
The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by Peggy Rajski, Randy Stone, and James Lecesne. The organization was inspired by the 1994 Academy Award-winning short film Trevor, which tells the story of a 13-year-old gay boy who contemplates suicide after being bullied at school.
The Trevor Project has been praised by mental health professionals and LGBTQ advocates alike for its innovative approach to suicide prevention. The organization's services are confidential, free, and available 24/7, making them accessible to LGBTQ youth who may not have other options for help.
The Trevor Project has made a significant impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth. In 2020, the organization provided crisis counseling and suicide prevention services to over 200,000 LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project has also been instrumental in raising awareness about suicide prevention and LGBTQ youth mental health.
About Groundswell
Groundswell is an affordable workplace giving program built for modern businesses. We give organizations the infrastructure and tools to make it easy to empower employees to support the causes they care about during moments that matter most.
Reach out to our team to learn more about Groundswell.io. Donate to these causes and more on the Groundswell app.
Related resources
Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.
5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.
12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?