Mental health remains a critical public health concern in Wisconsin, with increasing demand for services and interventions across both urban and rural communities. According to recent data, nearly 20% of high school students in the state report serious thoughts of suicide, while significant disparities in mental health outcomes persist among groups such as BIPOC communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lower incomes. These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted, community-based mental health initiatives that address the unique needs of diverse populations.
To respond to these challenges, several organizations and funding bodies in Wisconsin have launched initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes, reducing disparities, and increasing access to care. These efforts include seed grants for innovative projects, momentum grants for larger-scale interventions, and per-pupil allocations to support school-based mental health services. Additionally, programs that integrate mental health care with medical and dental services are being explored to provide more holistic and accessible care for underserved populations.
This article provides an overview of key funders and programs in Wisconsin that are making significant investments in mental health, with a focus on their goals, funding structures, and the impact of their initiatives.
Overview of Key Funders and Programs in Wisconsin
Several organizations are playing a crucial role in advancing mental health care in Wisconsin through grant funding and program development. These include the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW), the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (MCHP), United Way, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Each of these entities supports a range of initiatives that aim to improve mental health outcomes across the state.
Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW)
The AHW Endowment is a major source of funding for mental health projects in Wisconsin, offering both seed and momentum grants to support innovative and evidence-based initiatives. These grants are designed to address pressing mental health needs and promote health equity across the state.
Seed Grants
AHW’s Seed Grants provide up to $50,000 to projects that aim to lay the groundwork for future, larger-scale initiatives. These grants support the development of new programs, research, and community partnerships that address gaps in mental health care.
One notable seed grant recipient is the project "Bringing Wellness Home: QI Evaluation of an Urban Community Mental Health Education Project." This initiative, led by the Medical College of Wisconsin and Amani United, focuses on improving mental health outcomes in Milwaukee through community engagement, focus groups, and innovation events. The project also addresses related social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, and supports leadership development within the community.
Another seed grant-funded project, "Strengthening Fox Cities: A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainable and Equitable Suicide Prevention," is led by NEW Mental Health Connection and the Medical College of Wisconsin. The project aims to reduce suicide rates in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties through expanded death reviews, improved data collection, and community-led initiatives. By focusing on health equity and local involvement, the project seeks to build sustainable strategies for suicide prevention.
Momentum Grants
AHW’s Momentum Grants offer larger funding amounts, up to $250,000, to support more comprehensive mental health projects. These grants are intended for community health projects, health-focused research, and workforce development initiatives that address significant mental health challenges in Wisconsin.
A key momentum grant-funded project is "Building Resilience in Our Communities," led by Great Rivers United Way and the Medical College of Wisconsin. This project explores the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in rural western Wisconsin and implements trauma-informed care and resilience-building strategies to mitigate the impact of ACEs on chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and substance abuse.
Another momentum grant recipient, "Advancing Health Equity Using an Integrated Medical-Dental-Behavioral Health Care Model," is led by Kenosha Community Health Center and the Medical College of Wisconsin. This project investigates methods to coordinate medical, dental, and behavioral health care to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among vulnerable populations in Wisconsin. The project aims to fully integrate these services at Pillor Health, operated by Kenosha Community Health Center, Inc., to enhance care access and quality.
Milwaukee Health Care Partnership (MCHP)
The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership is a collaboration between Ascension Wisconsin, Aurora Health Care, Children’s Wisconsin, and Froedtert Health. Through its Mental Health Improvement Fund, MCHP supports organizations that provide mental and behavioral health services for low-income and underserved populations in Milwaukee County.
The Mental Health Improvement Fund, formerly known as the Health Improvement Fund, awards grants to nonprofit and human service agencies in Milwaukee County. These grants are one-time investments aimed at increasing access to mental health care, improving mental health outcomes, and promoting health equity.
Supported activities include mental health and substance use programs and services that focus on early identification and intervention, outpatient diagnostics and treatment, crisis intervention, and care coordination for people of all ages. The fund is particularly interested in projects that address the needs of underserved populations and that align with broader community health goals.
New and increased gifts to the fund are matched six to one by the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, up to $2 million. This matching mechanism encourages additional investment in mental health initiatives and supports the expansion of services for those in need.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
The DPI administers the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMHS) Grant Program, which provides funding to school districts and independent charter schools in Wisconsin to support mental health services for students. The program was initially a competitive grant, but the 2023-2025 State Budget (Act 19) changed the funding model to a per-pupil allocation, making the program more accessible to all school districts and charter schools.
Under Act 19, the SBMHS allocation increased from $10 million in Fiscal Year 2023 to $25 million in Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025. In Fiscal Year 2026, the allocation is set at $40 million, and in Fiscal Year 2027, it is $10 million. This shift in funding reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health services in schools and the need to support students in navigating emotional and behavioral challenges.
Funds from the SBMHS program must be used for allowable activities aimed at building, improving, and sustaining Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems in partnership with community mental health providers. These activities include the development of mental health resources, the training of school staff, and the provision of counseling and support services for students.
The DPI provides estimated allocations to school districts and charter schools by December 1 and final allocations in June, with a single aid payment distributed on June 23. This structured timeline ensures that schools can plan and implement mental health initiatives effectively throughout the academic year.
Impact of Funding on Mental Health Initiatives
The funding provided by these organizations has led to the development of a range of mental health initiatives that address the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s communities. These initiatives include:
Community-based mental health education and outreach programs: Projects like "Bringing Wellness Home" and "Strengthening Fox Cities" demonstrate the importance of community engagement and leadership in addressing mental health challenges. These programs not only provide direct mental health services but also work to reduce stigma and promote well-being through education and collaboration.
Integrated care models: The "Advancing Health Equity Using an Integrated Medical-Dental-Behavioral Health Care Model" project highlights the potential of integrated care to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among vulnerable populations. By coordinating medical, dental, and behavioral health services, this model aims to provide more comprehensive and accessible care for patients in need.
Trauma-informed care and resilience-building: The "Building Resilience in Our Communities" project underscores the importance of addressing the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through trauma-informed care and resilience-building strategies. These approaches are essential for mitigating the impact of trauma on mental health and promoting long-term well-being.
School-based mental health services: The SBMHS Grant Program ensures that school districts and charter schools have the resources they need to support students’ mental health. By providing funding for mental health services, this program helps to create a supportive environment in schools and ensures that students have access to the care they need.
Suicide prevention and data-driven approaches: Projects like "Strengthening Fox Cities" demonstrate the value of data-driven approaches in suicide prevention. By improving data collection and community-led initiatives, these efforts aim to reduce suicide rates and improve mental health outcomes in the long term.
Conclusion
The mental health landscape in Wisconsin is being shaped by the efforts of funders and organizations that are committed to addressing the state’s most pressing mental health challenges. Through seed and momentum grants, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment supports innovative projects that improve mental health outcomes and promote health equity. The Milwaukee Health Care Partnership’s Mental Health Improvement Fund provides critical support for organizations that serve low-income and underserved populations, while the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program ensures that schools have the resources they need to support students’ mental health.
These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and the need for comprehensive, community-based solutions. By investing in mental health services, research, and integrated care models, these funders are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the state. As mental health challenges continue to evolve, the support provided by these organizations will be essential in ensuring that everyone has access to the care and resources they need to thrive.