Grant Portal Open for Youth Projects Aimed at Improving Mental Health Outcomes

Jodi S. Klebick
Executive Director Pittsburgh
jklebick@multiplyinggood.org
M: 412-977-2402
https://pittsburgh.multiplyinggood.org

 

 

PITTSBURGH, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — Multiplying Good (MG) Pittsburgh’s Students In Action (SIA) program has announced that their application portal is now open for middle and high school aged youth-lead teams in Pennsylvania’s Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties to apply for $500 mini grants to support service projects around awareness, education, and/or empowerment regarding the mental health of children, youth, and/or adults in their schools, organizations, and communities. Students In Action elevates student voices and enables youth people to act on the issues they seek to change, all while helping them develop critical life skills to be successful and improving their self-efficacy to make a difference through service.  In addition to current SIA teams, MG Pittsburgh wants to connect with other middle and high schools or out-of-school-time organizations in the impacted counties. All interested teams can apply online at https://bit.ly/MGPGH-SIA-MiniGrantApplications now through October 29, 2021.

Grant applications should include an outline of the team’s service project idea, including SMART Goals and a basic project budget. Selected grantees will be notified by November 5, 2021 and will be issued a $500 VISA gift card to complete their project. Grantees will attend a kickoff information session in November as well as monthly check-in meetings, and all projects must be completed by March 31, 2022 when Grantee teams must submit a written post-report including photos and a short video. All applicants will be invited to join leadership conferences and events, and grantees will participate in Pittsburgh’s SIA Public Service Pitch Day celebration in the Spring of 2022.

These grants are available thanks to generous funding provided by the Staunton Farm Foundation, which invests in a future where behavioral health, including its impact on physical and mental health, is understood, supported, and accepted.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Trustees of the Foundation, which supports treatment, services, and systems improvements for children, youth, and adults with behavioral and mental health issues,” said Jodi Klebick, Executive Director of Multiplying Good Pittsburgh.

This year mental health has become even more a priority given the struggles of the pandemic, unemployment, food insecurity, climate crises, and more. “This time has strengthened our belief in the importance of community and our commitment to making sure every young person has a seat at the table when it comes to community,” stated Sarah Fanslau, Vice President of Youth Programming at Multiplying Good.

All SIA teams get support via online tools, team meetings, twice-yearly skills-based training conferences, and connections with other change-makers to share and reflect on community impact.  SIA elevates student voices, enabling them to act on the issues they seek to change while helping them develop critical life skills. Students In Action is provided at no cost to those who participate.

 

 

ABOUT MULTIPLYING GOOD: Multiplying Good is a national nonprofit that uses service to others as tools to unleash potential, inspire individuals, and transform lives. It has offices in 11 communities across the country, delivering on-the-ground impact where it is needed most. Founded in 1972 by Sam Beard, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Senator Robert Taft, Jr., the organization has recognized the extraordinary public service of thousands with its Jefferson Award. Additionally, Multiplying Good fuels personal growth and leadership development through a continuum that starts with engagement and culminates in recognition. Visit Multiplying Good online and on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter to learn more. For local updates, follow Multiplying Good Pittsburgh on Instagram at @Pittsburgh4Good.

 

ABOUT THE STAUNTON FARM FOUNDATION: The Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment, support, and recovery through grant making to nonprofit organizations in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland).