Megan Butler Executive Director of the Financial Conduct Authority | Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley has announced the recipients of its 2025 Alliance for Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards. This initiative is designed to support and advance innovative mental healthcare solutions for children and young adults across the United States.
The five organizations selected from over 800 applicants are Bring Change to Mind, Doc Wayne, Koko, Trek Medics International, and We Rise International. Each will receive $100,000 to enhance their programs, alongside training from industry professionals and opportunities to connect with other nonprofits and potential funders.
In addition to these awards, Morgan Stanley introduced a new Next Gen category aimed at fostering mental health talent and solutions. Organizations founded or led by individuals under 32 years old are eligible for up to $50,000 in funding.
Joan Steinberg, President of the Morgan Stanley Foundation and CEO of the Alliance for Children’s Mental Health’s Advisory Board stated: “Over the past five years, the Alliance for Children’s Mental Health has seen firsthand how funding for innovative nonprofits can make a transformative impact on children and their caregivers. With nearly half of our country’s youth impacted by a mental health issue, support for new solutions is critical.”
The awarded organizations focus on various aspects of mental health:
- Bring Change to Mind works to eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness through public education campaigns.
- Doc Wayne integrates sport-based therapy into mental health services.
- Koko provides AI-moderated peer support online.
- Trek Medics International offers dispatching technology for emergency response agencies.
- We Rise International partners with universities to train students in leading community-based mental health groups.
These winners were chosen by experts from the Alliance comprising leaders from Morgan Stanley and notable nonprofits in children's mental health.
Additionally, over 140 leaders from around 100 nonprofits will engage in the Leadership Learning Series launched in 2024. This program includes expert-led sessions on strategic development and impact measurement.
Applications for the 2026 Innovation Awards are open until July 7, 2025. Interested organizations can learn more about the program at an upcoming briefing session scheduled for May 27, 2025.
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm offering investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services worldwide.