Grants
Creating impactful change in inner health takes dedication, creativity, and a long view.
Our grant funding provides a patient runway — enabling the development, testing, and validation of new ideas. It’s designed to give bold visions the space and support they need to take root and grow.
Could we be a working match? Learn more about our process.
Do you…
…have a proven and innovative solution for empowering the inner health of emerging adults, along with a clear roadmap to expand your impact?
Whether you’re a for-profit, non-profit, hybrid model, or intrapreneur within an organization, we’re interested in how your model drives social change. And how the character of your team sees that through. Let’s figure out if we make a match for positive change.
Mission-driven
We seek to understand and shift the underlying norms, structures, and dynamics that influence inner health—partnering to unlock lasting transformation at the root level.
Ecosystem approach
We believe meaningful change happens when families, communities, workplaces, and policy all move together—working with others to ensure no one is left behind.
Measurable impact
We look for partners who are ready to bridge divides across public, private, and nonprofit sectors—because only together can we meet today’s complex challenges.
-
“We are deeply grateful and proud to be part of such a bold, values-driven community, and we look forward to building the next chapter together with The Inner Foundation”
–
Adriana Preda
Executive Board Member
Read more: The Social IncubatorEmpowering young people transitioning out of institutionalised care to build independent, resilient lives through personalized support, mental health care, and skills for the future.
Type of investment
-
“There are a lot of funds you meet that discuss the importance of making an impact in the mental health space – there are few that mean it in the way the Inner Foundation does.”
–
Matthew Stefanko
Co-founder, MANUAL
Read more: RELEASEUShattering stigma and expanding access to care, RELEASEU strengthens campus-based and digital support systems so emerging adult men can seek help, connect, and truly thrive.
Type of investment
-
“Building an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem takes long-term commitment—and collective effort. Our partnership with The Inner Foundation is a testament of that shared vision.”
–
Deqa Abukar
Co-founder
Read more: BLING CapitalVenture fund backing underrepresented founders—combining strong commercial potential with inclusive innovation to unlock overlooked talent through grassroots ecosystem experience.
Type of investment
-
“As donors, The Inner Foundation offers us tremendous trust. We are equals working towards the same end goal.”
–
Sean Mayberry
Founder & CEO
Read more: StrongMindsDelivering scalable, community-led group therapy, training clients and health workers to expand access and integrate mental health into broader development programs.
Type of investment
-
“We feel incredibly lucky to call The Inner Foundation investors, partners, and friends on this journey. They’re as interested in our challenges as successes, wisely guiding us when we ask for it.”
–
Tiffany Boswell
Co-founder, Meela
Read more: MeelaResearch-backed platform matching you with the best-fit therapist for your unique needs, preferences, and goals—ensuring effective, personalized care and therapeutic match.
Type of investment
-
“Partnering with The Inner Foundation strengthens our mission to provide holistic care for women, expanding reach and deepening long-term impact on emotional and physical well-being.”
–
Lydia Graflund
CEO, EsterCare
Read more: EsterCareDelivering integrated women’s healthcare through digital, in-person, and preventive services—supporting well-being with accessible, high-quality care tailored to women’s daily needs.
Type of investment
-
“The Inner Foundation team has been there for me in every moment, high and low, with compassion, expertise, and infinite support. They have become much more than just LPs, and I am deeply grateful”
–
Maya Horgan Famodu
Partner & Founder
Read more: Ingressive CapitalEarly-stage venture fund investing in African tech startups—providing capital, mentorship, and global networks to help diverse founders scale market-relevant businesses.
Type of investment
-
“The Inner Foundation’s commitment to creating positive impact aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are confident that their partnership will significantly enhance our vision.”
–
Helene Lassem Nørlem
Co-CEO & Co-founder
Read more: TiimoAdaptive, neuroinclusive planning platform with visual scheduling and focus tools—supporting executive function and reducing daily stress for neurodivergent individuals.
Type of investment
-
“Through The Inner Foundation, we have found an investor who shares the same belief system as us, and who continues to push us forward when we most need it.”
–
Hermine Bonde Jahren
Co-founder & CEO
Read more: BraiveAI-driven platform delivering personalized mental health care by combining advanced technology with proven methods tailored to each person’s unique symptoms, context, and needs.
Type of investment
-
“We are beyond grateful for the support from the Inner Foundation, which allows us to significantly strengthen our work with establishing our work in Ukraine.”
–
Trine Hammershøy
Director
Read more: headspace DenmarkEstablishing safe, accessible youth spaces in Ukraine, offering early, stigma-free mental health support for adolescents and emerging adults.
Type of investment
-
“Partnering with The Inner Foundation marks an exciting new chapter—opening doors to invaluable resources, meaningful collaboration opportunities, and greater impact.”
–
Ivan Dimov
Founder & Chairman
Read more: Single Step FoundationSupporting LGBTQ+ emerging adults in Bulgaria with free, inclusive mental health care, career guidance, and safe community spaces that build resilience, visibility, and lasting opportunity.
Type of investment
-
“The support from The Inner Foundation is a turning point for our organization. It empowers us to strengthen a model that places dignity, empathy, and accessibility at the core of support.”
–
Razvan Popa
Founder & President
Read more: Centrul Social de PsihoterapieDelivering free, high-quality mental health care through Romania’s first social psychotherapy clinics and a growing digiphysical network—making support accessible to all.
Type of investment
-
The Inner Foundation’s generosity has directly protected more children, and we are deeply grateful to have them among our partners.
–
Mary L. Pulido
Executive Director
Read more: World Childhood Foundation USAWorking to end abuse and exploitation by strengthening support systems that protect vulnerable children and promote their resilience and long-term well-being.
Type of investment
-
“The Inner Foundation’s support has meant a lot to us, as we feel that we are part of a larger ecosystem and have access to an international network of people who want to do social good.”
–
Cem Celepli Atci
Co-founder & CEO
Read more: AllbryA digital platform transforming student health care by offering secure communication, data-driven insights, and accessible counseling services tailored to students’ needs.
Type of investment
-
“Being part of The Inner Foundation community has been eye-opening. They genuinely support founders—through values-driven engagement, convenings, and meaningful backing.”
–
Danish Munir
Partner & Co-founder
Read more: GreyMatter CapitalVenture fund backing early-stage founders with tech solutions to transform mental health—reimagining care delivery through targeted support and deep sector expertise.
Type of investment
Applications are closed
This application cycle has ended — but we’re always keen to connect with visionary changemakers. Another Open Call is on the horizon.
When exactly? Let us know how to contact you when the time is ripe.
The inside scoop
What age group falls under your category of emerging adults?
18-29 years old
What can I expect from the application process?
This is a two-fold application process to determine mission alignment and get to know one another better. You will submit a quick scan, and if we think there’s potential for a good match, we will get back to you with an invitation to fill out the full application, followed by an in-depth due diligence process.
This is an ongoing process, and we continuously review the quick scan applications, so do not wait to send in your information.
What is the typical size and duration of The Inner Foundation’s grants?
Our partnerships begin with a one-year commitment, but in most cases are extended by a few years. However, this will be subject to an annual audit process.
In a few cases, we can follow you for a longer period as you improve your impact and offer support in other communities. The size of the grant varies depending on your needs, but usually ranges between €25,000 to €100,000 per year.
We don’t finance anything entirely by ourselves, so make sure you define your needs in your application, together with who the other funders are.
If two organizations are planning to work together, should we submit an individual or a joint application?
One of our guiding principles at The Inner Foundation is the power of collaboration. A cornerstone of our work is strengthening a more connected innovation ecosystem. We therefore strongly encourage joint applications, as they demonstrate meaningful collaboration between organizations.
What other support do you offer beyond monetary, and how much is The Inner Foundation team involved in shaping the solution?
We and our network of experts can offer guidance throughout the funding period or on strategic questions.
Our involvement varies; in some cases, we take on a more active role (through taking on a board position), but how to execute your goals is left primarily to the organizations that we choose to fund.
What other support do you offer beyond monetary, and how much is The Inner Foundation team involved in shaping the solution?
We and our network of experts can offer guidance throughout the funding period or on strategic questions.
Our involvement varies; in some cases, we take on a more active role (through taking on a board position), but how to execute your goals is left primarily to the organizations that we choose to fund.
How detailed would you expect the budget to be at this stage?
At the application stage, we expect you to include a financial plan for the organization’s fiscal year or a proposed budget for the project’s scope. We will ask for further details as we proceed with reviewing your application.
Why do you require applicants to have more than one funder?
We believe that having just one funder makes an organization more exposed and vulnerable. The stability that two, three, or more funders offer is valuable both for start-ups and well-established organizations.
Can an organization submit multiple applications for different projects?
We believe that having just one funder makes an organization more exposed and vulnerable. The stability that two, three, or more funders offer is valuable both for start-ups and well-established organizations.
We support…
..these incredible changemakers.
Their work in the world is making real inroads in the world of inner health. We are invested in their urgent missions.
-
-
Read more: The Social Incubator
Empowering young people transitioning out of institutionalised care to build independent, resilient lives through personalized support, mental health care, and skills for the future.
Type of investment
-
Read more: RELEASEU
Shattering stigma and expanding access to care, RELEASEU strengthens campus-based and digital support systems so emerging adult men can seek help, connect, and truly thrive.
Type of investment
-
Read more: BLING Capital
Venture fund backing underrepresented founders—combining strong commercial potential with inclusive innovation to unlock overlooked talent through grassroots ecosystem experience.
Type of investment
-
Read more: StrongMinds
Delivering scalable, community-led group therapy, training clients and health workers to expand access and integrate mental health into broader development programs.
Type of investment
-
Read more: Meela
Research-backed platform matching you with the best-fit therapist for your unique needs, preferences, and goals—ensuring effective, personalized care and therapeutic match.
Type of investment
Hmm, not exactly…
Looking for funding or collaboration in the inner health of emerging adults, but not a social enterprise? Explore other application tracks.
Let’s drive meaningful change – together.
Equity
Are you building a mission-driven business with impact at its core? We provide early-stage equity investments on a rolling basis for ventures with proof of concept, growth potential, and a clear focus on inner health for emerging adults.
Collaboration
Are you driven to transform inner health and tackle complex social challenges? We thrive on collaboration, uniting across disciplines and sectors to amplify our collective impact. Together, we can achieve more.
In the limelight
-
Apocalypse or optimism? The AI Doc asks what’s really at stake
Read more: Apocalypse or optimism? The AI Doc asks what’s really at stake“The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist” is now available on Netflix. The Inner Foundation is proud to have supported the Center for Humane Technology (CHT), which contributed expert perspective…
-
Replik i SvD: Många unga har ingen kö att stå i
Read more: Replik i SvD: Många unga har ingen kö att stå iDen som mår för dåligt för att klara sig själv, men inte tillräckligt dåligt för psykiatrin, står idag utan självklar kontakt. Hårdast drabbas den som saknar nätverk eller resurser, skriver Annika Sten…
-
What a new national health report tells us about emerging adults in Sweden
Read more: What a new national health report tells us about emerging adults in SwedenThis week, Myndigheten för vård- och omsorgsanalys, the Swedish government agency tasked with independently evaluating the country’s healthcare system, published its latest national follow-up “Nationell uppföljning av hälso- och sjukvården 2026”. The…
-
A new chapter for our investment team
Read more: A new chapter for our investment teamAfter nearly two years with The Inner Foundation, Zakaria Hersi is embarking on a new chapter, continuing his work to find and build solutions that improve mental health and wellbeing. As our…
-
What if research travelled faster?
Read more: What if research travelled faster?Research on emerging adulthood is growing. But knowledge alone does not create change. At EARA 2026 in Utrecht, The Inner Foundation, Center for Social Sustainability (CSS), Karolinska Institute (KI), and the Royal…
-
Our support of Single Step Foundation
Read more: Our support of Single Step FoundationEmpowering LGBTQI+ youth through community and psychological support.
