Being Initiative Funding 2026: Up to $1.5 Million CAD for Youth Mental Health Solutions in 12 Countries

Organizations working to improve youth mental health can now apply for major funding through the Being Initiative Request for Proposals (RFP). Led by Grand Challenges Canada, this global funding opportunity supports innovative solutions that address the root causes of mental health challenges among young people.

The initiative focuses on prevention, promotion of well-being, and strengthening the environments where young people live, learn, and grow.

About the Being Initiative

The Being Initiative is a global mental health program that envisions a world where young people feel well and thrive. The initiative funds research, innovation, and ecosystem-building approaches aimed at improving youth mental health outcomes.

Rather than focusing only on treatment after mental health challenges arise, the initiative prioritizes prevention and early drivers of distress. It supports solutions that address the social, environmental, and structural factors affecting young people’s mental health.

Through its Transition to Scale (TTS) funding stream, the initiative invests in approaches that have already demonstrated effectiveness and are ready to expand their reach and impact.

Countries Eligible for the Being Initiative Funding

The Being Initiative is investing in projects operating in the following countries:

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Ghana

• India

• Indonesia

• Morocco

• Pakistan

• Romania

• Senegal

• Sierra Leone

• Tanzania

• Vietnam

Projects funded under this initiative aim to strengthen the environments where young people live, learn, and grow while addressing the underlying drivers of youth distress.

Each country has specific funding priorities targeting one key driver of youth mental health challenges. Applicants should review the Request for Proposals to ensure their solution aligns with the country-specific priorities.

Available Funding

The Being Initiative will invest between $300,000 and $1,500,000 CAD in selected projects. Please refer to our ‘Our investment approach’ page for more details on how we define Transition to Scale.

This funding supports Transition to Scale innovations, meaning initiatives that:

• Have already been proven effective

• Have demonstrated measurable results

• Are ready to be implemented or expanded at a larger scale

The goal is to scale evidence-based solutions that improve youth mental health and strengthen prevention systems.

Who Can Apply

Any legally recognized organization can apply for this funding opportunity.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Nonprofit organizations

• Civil society organizations

• Research institutions

• Social enterprises

• Community-based organizations

• Youth-led organizations

Priority will be given to youth-led organizations based in one of the 12 participating countries.

Types of Projects Supported

The Being Initiative seeks bold and scalable solutions focused on preventing youth mental health challenges and promoting well-being.

Projects should aim to:

• Address the root causes of youth distress

• Strengthen supportive environments for young people

• Promote prevention and early intervention strategies

• Scale interventions that have already demonstrated effectiveness

• Improve mental health outcomes through evidence-based innovation

Applicants are encouraged to review the initiative’s investment approach for details on how Transition to Scale innovations are defined.

Application Deadline

All proposals must be submitted by:

• March 31, 2026

• 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)

• 7:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

Late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply

All proposals must be submitted through Grand Challenges Canada’s online application portal (Fluxx).

Application portal:
You must submit your application via GCC’s online application portal, Fluxx: https://gcc.fluxx.io. We will not accept applications submitted via any other channel. Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for guidance.

Important application requirements:

• Applications submitted through email will not be accepted

• Only submissions through the Fluxx portal will be considered

• Applicants should review all eligibility criteria before applying

Key Documents for Applicants

Please read all of the eligibility criteria and competition details in the full Request for Proposals document before applying.

For more information about the Being initiative, please visit www.beinginitiative.org

For questions related to the content of this request for proposals, Please visit the Apply for Funding page on our website for:

• Guidance on How to Apply 
• Our investment approach
• Innovator Resources 
• For anything not addressed through the request for proposals, reach out to OpenCompetitions@grandchallenges.ca
• For technical issues related to the Fluxx portal, which are not addressed in the Fluxx Reference Guide, reach out to fluxxsupport@grandchallenges.ca

All proposals must be submitted by March 31, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. ET (7:00 P.M. GMT).

You must submit your application via GCC’s online application portal, Fluxx: https://gcc.fluxx.io.

Applicant Information Session

Interested applicants can join an information session to learn more about the funding opportunity.

Information Session Details:

• Date: Thursday, 12 March 2026

• Time: 8:00 AM Eastern Time

• Format: Online via Zoom

The session will provide guidance on the application process and allow participants to ask questions.

Additional Resources

For more information about the Being Initiative, visit:
www.beinginitiative.org

Applicants can also consult the following resources on the Grand Challenges Canada website:

• Guidance on how to apply

• The Being Initiative investment approach

• Innovator resources

For inquiries related to the funding call:

Content-related questions:
OpenCompetitions@grandchallenges.ca

Technical support for the Fluxx portal:
fluxxsupport@grandchallenges.ca

Key Documents:

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

Youth mental health challenges are increasing globally, yet investments in prevention remain limited. The Being Initiative aims to address this gap by funding innovations that tackle the early drivers of mental health challenges before they escalate.

By supporting scalable and evidence-based solutions, the initiative seeks to strengthen youth mental health ecosystems and create environments where young people can thrive.

Organizations working in youth development, mental health innovation, education, and community-based prevention are encouraged to review the full Request for Proposals and submit their applications before the deadline.