Capstone Mental Health at the Center Report Establishes North Star Metrics for Mental Health Impact

NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindful Philanthropy released yesterday Measuring Success in Mental Health Philanthropy—the capstone report in their four-part Mental Health at the Center series. This landmark report introduces a common set of goal metrics for philanthropy and beyond, offering funders practical tools to assess impact, align strategies, and build accountability across the sector.

"Funders have long asked, 'How do I know if I'm making a difference in mental health?'" said Alyson Niemann, CEO of Mindful Philanthropy. "This report provides the shared measurement framework we need to chart progress and to ensure that philanthropy is driving true flourishing at the individual, community, and systems level."

The report launch was announced during Mindful Philanthropy's high-level UN General Assembly week convening, Our Flourishing Future: Philanthropy's Role in Advancing Mental Health & Well-Being. The gathering brought together philanthropic leaders, researchers, and field innovators to underscore the urgent need for coordinated, catalytic action in mental health funding—especially for youth.

Flourish Together: A New Chapter in Mental Health Philanthropy
The event also marked the launch of Flourish Together, a bold initiative to align mental health philanthropy around three priorities aimed at population-scale systems change: youth well-being, community connection, and behavioral health workforce development. Building on extensive research, including nearly 40,000 hours of engagement with over 1,500 funders and nonprofits, Flourish Together aims to move the field from shared vision to shared action. Based on expressed interest from over 80% of Mindful Philanthropy's network of funders, this initiative is launching with a focus on youth well-being.

The urgency is clear: youth mental health is in crisis. In the United States, nearly half of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, with rates even higher among girls and marginalized youth. Globally, young people and their families are calling for solutions that are coordinated, comprehensive, and responsive to their realities.

"Our collective future depends on the well-being of young people," Niemann added. "Philanthropy has the power—and the responsibility—to step forward with solutions that match the scale of the need."

Measuring Success in Mental Health Philanthropy is the fourth in the Mindful Philanthropy series—Mental Health at the Center—a guide for funders to navigate the complex mental health landscape and to catalyze $35 billion in annual philanthropic investment in mental health by 2035. All four reports are available to the public for download at https://mindfulphilanthropy.org/guidance-library.

About Mindful Philanthropy
Mindful Philanthropy's mission is to catalyze impactful funding for mental health, addiction, and well-being. Founded in 2020, the organization serves as a trusted partner to funders seeking to align bold investments with the most effective, evidence-based solutions. With an audacious goal of $35 billion in annual funding for mental health by 2035, Mindful Philanthropy is guiding funders on bold investments so that all people have access to the tools and resources they need to be well.

For more information, visit www.mindfulphilanthropy.org.

SOURCE Mindful Philanthropy