Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

Role in Nova Scotia’s funding ecosystem

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a charitable foundation that raises donor dollars and redistributes them through grant programs that support mental health and addictions initiatives across the province. Its work is explicitly community-focused: it funds projects designed by communities for communities, with an emphasis on connection, resilience, belonging, and access to support.

Funding streams and supported audiences

The Foundation’s grantmaking portfolio includes Community Grants, Nova Scotia Health Mental Health & Addictions Program Grants, and the St. John Ambulance Mental Health Literacy Grant. It also supports named and donor-supported funds tied to specific community needs. These streams reach charities, community groups, organizations, businesses, and, in some cases, individuals participating in training or other supported initiatives.

• Community-based mental health and addictions projects throughout Nova Scotia
• Programs that improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma
• Initiatives supporting youth, families, vulnerable populations, and equity-deserving communities
• Targeted funds addressing local needs and region-specific priorities

Scale and impact

The Foundation reports awarding 375 grants and more than $4 million in 2024–2025. Its annual report and project stories show support for grassroots organizations, local service providers, and province-wide initiatives that complement clinical care and help bridge system gaps.

Governance and accountability

The organization presents staff, board, annual community reports, and application resources, indicating a structured grantmaking process with published criteria, exclusions, deadlines, and reporting expectations.