Morgan Stanley has announced the winners of its 2025 Alliance for Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards. The initiative aims to support transformative mental healthcare solutions for children and young adults across the United States. Five organizations were selected from over 800 applicants based on their innovative approaches to improving children's mental health outcomes and expertise in service delivery.
Each winning organization will receive $100,000 to expand its programs, training from industry professionals, and opportunities to connect with other nonprofits and potential funders. This year's winners are Bring Change to Mind, Doc Wayne, Koko, Trek Medics International, and We Rise International.
In addition to the main awards, Morgan Stanley introduced a new Next Gen category. This segment is designed to address the need for mental health talent and solutions by providing up to $50,000 to eligible organizations founded or led by individuals under 32 years old.
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." She added that they are eager to support younger leaders in driving meaningful change.
The award-winning organizations have varied focuses:
- Bring Change to Mind works against stigma surrounding mental illness through public education campaigns.
- Doc Wayne integrates evidence-based mental health practices into sports.
- Koko provides AI-moderated peer support online.
- Trek Medics International offers dispatching technology for emergency response agencies.
- We Rise International partners with universities for community-based mental health support groups.
Selected by experts from the Alliance, these organizations reflect diverse approaches within children's mental health services. Additionally, around 140 leaders from approximately 100 nonprofits will join the Leadership Learning Series initiated in 2024. This program includes expert-led sessions on strategic development and impact measurement.
Applications are open until July 7, 2025, for those interested in participating in next year's awards program.
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm offering investment banking and wealth management services worldwide.