On Friday, August 23rd 2024, ChangeX and Paramount Global announced the launch of the World Mental Health Day Community Fund, a new grant initiative funded by Paramount Global. This fund will support communities to turn awareness into action on World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10th 2024.
The fund will be available to communities in 10 countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Netherlands, France, and Chile. It aims to support up to 200 community projects that positively impact mental health and well-being in these countries. Interested communities can apply for funding from now until September 22nd, 2024, with the goal of encouraging action to begin on World Mental Health Day.
Crystal Barnes, Executive Vice President of Social Impact and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Paramount, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting mental health and well-being globally. She stated, “At Paramount, we are committed to our legacy of creating impact through initiatives and campaigns to drive change in support of critical social issues, including mental health. Launching this initiative in many markets around the world will further the ability of communities to take action and promote mental health and well-being.”
Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX, also expressed excitement about the partnership with Paramount. She said, “We are delighted to partner with Paramount to support communities in 10 countries, providing support to local projects that promote mental health and well-being.”
The World Mental Health Day Community Fund builds on the success of a similar grant program launched in the United States by Paramount’s SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios and supported by select CBS-owned local stations. This year, grants were provided to 22 non-profit organizations to support local activations aimed at young people.
The fund will provide grants of up to $2,000 USD for up to 200 community projects. Interested applicants can apply for funding for either a proven mental health and well-being focused project, such as mindful meals and sidewalk listening, or an original idea for a community project. Funding for proven ideas will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying applicants.
ChangeX, the community engagement platform, was established in 2015 with a mission to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods. It works with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic, and social issues and partners with companies and foundations to support local communities with the necessary funding. ChangeX is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA) is a leading global media, streaming, and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Its portfolio includes iconic consumer brands such as CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, the company provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution, and advertising solutions.
For more information about the World Mental Health Day Community Fund and to apply for funding, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.