Rare Impact Fund

The Rare Impact Fund, founded by Selena Gomez and fiscally sponsored by the Hopewell Fund, is committed to addressing youth mental health challenges by supporting organizations that expand access to culturally responsive, stigma-free care. Through a global vision, the Fund seeks to mobilize $100 million in support for youth mental health initiatives and currently partners with nonprofit organizations across five continents. The fund operates under three key strategic pillars: school-based solutions, suicide prevention and crisis support, and networks of care. This initiative represents the Fund's continued dedication to strengthening the broader youth mental health ecosystem by elevating the nonclinical workforce. The Rare Impact Fund defines nonclinical mental health providers as trusted individuals who support young people’s mental health without offering formal diagnoses or clinical treatment. These roles—such as community health workers, peer support specialists, navigators, and health educators—are grounded in mentorship, cultural knowledge, and community relationships. They operate outside of clinical systems but are integral to early identification of mental health needs and fostering engagement in care. However, despite their value, nonclinical providers often lack stable career pathways, adequate compensation, and recognition. This funding opportunity seeks to address these systemic gaps. The 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) allocates over $2.5 million in total funding—including a $500,000 investment from the Enlight Foundation—for nonprofits building a stronger nonclinical mental health workforce. The Fund anticipates awarding at least five grants ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, disbursed over a two-year period. Funded projects must target at least one segment of the nonclinical workforce pipeline, including recruitment, training, placement, professional development, and retention. Preference is given to programs that center youth experiences, demonstrate community-rooted approaches, and integrate evidence-based or data-informed practices. The grants are time-limited and not intended for renewal. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or international equivalent) that operate in the United States and deliver programming focused within U.S. borders. Organizations must be politically unaffiliated and may only submit one Letter of Intent (LOI). Preference will be given to organizations that are not current Rare Impact Fund partners. Submissions must be in English and include a brief narrative detailing organizational background, program strategy, equity approach, and youth engagement methodology. Applicants are also required to provide compliance documents such as IRS determination letters, financial statements, and organizational budgets. The application process includes two stages. First, eligible nonprofits must submit a Letter of Intent by April 10, 2026. From these submissions, approximately 60 applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. The full proposal stage will require more detailed narrative and financial materials, with selections based on a rubric that assesses alignment with program goals, equity impact, youth voice integration, and workforce development strategy. Final recommendations will be reviewed by an expert advisory board, followed by due diligence conducted by the Hopewell Fund. Awards will be distributed between September and October 2026. Applicants seeking support are encouraged to attend an informational webinar scheduled for March 18, 2026, to learn more about eligibility, submission mechanics, and evaluation priorities. Questions regarding the program or submission process can be directed to [email protected]. The Rare Impact Fund does not provide feedback on specific submissions during the application period to ensure fairness across all applicants.

Proposals should demonstrate community-rooted approaches, integration of youth voice, and strategies for nonclinical workforce sustainability. Avoid framing projects as direct clinical services.