America’s Mental Health Crisis: Philanthropy’s Bold Action Plan

Originally broadcast August 14, 2025

One in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, yet only a fraction of philanthropic dollars goes toward mental health, addiction, and well-being. Alyson Niemann, CEO of Mindful Philanthropy, joined Conversations on Health Care hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to share how her organization is closing this gap and inspiring bold new investments.

“We issued a challenge … to increase the funding to mental health, addiction, and well-being to $35 billion annually by 2035,” Niemann explained during the interview at the Aspen Ideas: Health conference. “If invested in the right places, it can produce incredible savings, economic productivity, and well-being across our entire ecosystem.”

Mindful Philanthropy is convening more than 1,100 funders across all 50 states; launching state-based collaboratives; and connecting funders, uplifting community-led solutions, and providing strategic guidance to break down silos and scale impact.

“We’re hoping to have all of those [funder collaboratives] learn from one another,” Niemann said, underscoring the power of collaboration to advance lasting change.

Whether it’s strengthening the mental health workforce, supporting youth from birth to young adulthood, or investing in community-rooted solutions, this conversation offers practical and inspiring insights for anyone passionate about building a healthier future.

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