San Diego Foundation announced that it is investing $1.5 million in grants to help nonprofit service providers expand access to mental and behavioral health services for children and families while strengthening the local workforce through paid stipends for future professionals. Nonprofit organizations providing services in San Diego County are invited to apply for a grant. Successful proposals will center the needs of young children, youth, parents, caregivers and/or the providers who support them. The deadline for applying is 5 p.m., March 28. To learn more or to apply for this grant opportunity, visit SDFoundation.org/apply.
Nonprofit service providers providing mental/behavioral and early relational health services that promote and destigmatize access to care through culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices for children and youth of all ages and their families.
Strengthening a diverse local workforce by supporting organizations that provide paid stipends to individuals pursuing careers in mental and behavioral health professions.
“San Diego Foundation is committed to supporting children and families furthest from opportunity to ensure they have a bright future and thrive in our region,” said Pamela Gray Payton, VP, Chief Impact & Partnerships Officer in a press release. “Our investment in this work with our nonprofit partners is reflective of the critical need in our community, now and in the future.”
According to the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s San Diego Behavioral Health Workforce Report, the San Diego region will need an estimated 18,500 additional mental and behavioral health professionals by 2027. To support mental and behavioral health workforce development in the region, the report recommends student stipends to support transportation, childcare, and other critical needs to provide much-needed financial support to students.
The lack of diversity among mental and behavioral health professionals remains an issue in the region. In 2021, the American Psychological Association found that over 80% of the country’s workforce are comprised of White professionals compared to the 5% of Black and African American professionals. Individuals of color seeking support from a professional who shares cultural experiences have a far more difficult time securing services. Financial barriers, including the high cost of graduate-level training and limited prospects for gainful employment, are often cited for the lack of diversity in the mental and behavioral workforce.
Exposure to high levels of chronic stress early childhood contributes to a range of challenges, including learning difficulties, interpersonal and behavioral concerns, and mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. In California, mental health issues are the No. 1 reason for youth hospitalization and the state ranked last (out of 50 states and Washington DC) in access to youth mental health care based on parent self-report.
Since 2017, SDF has granted $7.6 million through 128 grants to nonprofits providing mental and behavioral health support and services to local families through the Early Childhood Initiative and the Healthy Children & Families Initiative.