Global mental health
Mental health is a fundamental part of overall wellbeing—and yet, too often, support remains out of reach for those who need it most. Mental health has been a key part of Grand Challenges Canada’s portfolio since 2011, and we now steward two complementary portfolios: Global Mental Health and Being.
Global Mental Health focuses on enhancing mental health literacy and providing youth-friendly services in support of young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Through this portfolio, we support innovations that reach people where they are—whether through peer-led support, community-based care, mobile tools, or creative therapies that resonate with local cultures. Our investments help reduce stigma, improve access, and strengthen the systems that surround people living with mental health conditions.
Our impact
The Global Mental Health portfolio has supported a wide range of interventions. So far, we have:
Funded
102 unique innovations
across 44 countries
Invested
$64.6 million
in mental health innovations worldwide
Reached more than
1 million people
with mental health supports
Improved
550,000 lives
with a focus on unserved and underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries
Saved
14,000 lives
with interventions to address mental health and wellbeing
Spotlight
Power of Giving Report
In recognition of our leadership in the field, Grand Challenges Canada was named one of the top 10 global mental health funders in the 2024 Power of Giving report by Prospira Global—a testament to our commitment to bridging the global mental health gap with catalytic, locally led solutions
What we support
Our portfolio includes a mix of prevention and promotion approaches, service delivery models, and health systems strengthening—with innovations ranging from peer-led care to digital platforms. Some of the approaches we support include:
Peer-to-peer models
grounded in lived experience
Digital platforms
offering accessible, real-time support
Task shifting
approaches that empower lay health workers, teachers and peers
Non-clinical pathways
through schools, sports, arts, and community groups
Culturally-rooted care models
that challenge stigma and improve outcomes
Path to scale
through multiple funding rounds toward sustainability
Bold frontiers
in research and development for women’s health, addressing historical gaps
Our partners—from StrongMinds in Uganda to Sangath in India—are driving change in some of the world’s most underserved communities. Together, we’re helping more people live fuller, healthier lives.
