Mental Health

To nurture the mental health and well-being of all members of the Northern Virginia community.

2025 Mental Health Fund Grantee, Women For Afghan Women

In 2019, about eight percent of our population was dealing with active symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. In 2021, that rate is 28 percent, a nearly four-fold increase, and impacts nearly 550,000 adults in the region. An additional 200,000 adults are asymptomatic consumers of mental health services who are receiving (or want to receive) treatment. All told, over 750,000 adults in Northern Virginia (39 percent) have mental health needs. (Finding Our Way Back to Mental Health, 2021)

Health and safety concerns are growing among youth in Northern Virginia, with a significant number of students reporting feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods and at school. Nearly 15% of middle school students feel unsafe in their surroundings, with Hispanic/Latino students reporting higher levels of fear. The rise of electronic bullying, which has grown by 30% from 2013 to 2023, highlights the increasing challenges faced by youth. The impact of bullying is further reflected in the mental health crisis, with youth deaths by suicide increasing by 45% since the last report. (A Portrait of Northern Virginia's Youth, 2025)

To help nurture the emotional health and well-being of all members of the Northern Virginia community, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia makes grants with a focus in Mental Health annually through the Community Investment Funds grant cycle.

The Mental Health Fund, a component fund of The Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia, is a permanent community endowment at the Community Foundation dedicated to the mental health and well-being of all members of the Northern Virginia community.
DONATE

Nonprofits: Learn More & Apply