Grant and Funding Programs Offered by New Start Foundation for Addiction and Mental Health

New Start Foundation for Addiction and Mental Health is a Canadian charitable foundation dedicated exclusively to funding treatment for mental health, substance use and addiction. Based in Toronto and serving adults across Canada, the foundation exists to close the gap left by limited government mental health funding, ensuring that people who need inpatient treatment but cannot afford it can still access high‑quality care.

The organization raises donations from individuals, events and partners, then uses these resources to provide direct financial support for inpatient treatment programs delivered by trusted clinical partners. Its work focuses on adults over 18 who face both significant clinical needs and financial barriers to accessing care.

New Start Foundation explicitly states that it “funds inpatient treatment” and provides “life‑saving treatment grants” to people who need it most. Adults who require treatment and cannot afford it can apply for treatment funding, and, if approved, can begin a program immediately with one of the foundation’s partner facilities.

Eligibility is based on both clinical and financial need, and applicants must be Canadian residents and over 18. Assessments are completed by the foundation’s clinical team to evaluate mental health and addiction needs, as well as the person’s capacity to pay. The team then helps navigate options and recommends appropriate timing and location for treatment.

New Start Foundation collaborates with established treatment centres across Canada. Its criteria for inpatient programs include credentialed staff, 24/7 on‑site nursing, on‑site physicians, access to psychiatrists and psychologists, outcome measurement and reporting, robust after‑care, and current accreditation (such as CARF or Accreditation Canada). By negotiating preferred pricing with these providers, the foundation maximizes the value of each donation and passes cost savings directly to clients.

The foundation’s primary beneficiaries are adults experiencing mental health and addiction challenges who cannot access appropriate inpatient treatment due to cost. New Start highlights the broader impact of supporting an individual’s recovery, noting benefits for their families and communities. It has set goals such as funding dozens of people per year through inpatient programs, framing each grant as a chance to change the trajectory of a person’s life.

To sustain and expand its funding capacity, New Start Foundation organizes and promotes community and fundraising events, such as recovery runs, conferences and awareness gatherings. It also encourages online giving, alumni contributions and tribute gifts. These efforts support the foundation’s core mission: transforming philanthropic support into concrete financial assistance for treatment.