The Tom and Ruth Kritsch Family Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation that supports the I Am Mental Health initiative and related efforts to improve mental health outcomes. Operating as a discretionary funder, the foundation allocates charitable dollars to organizations and projects working in mental health support, education, prevention and community well-being.
Role of the foundation in the funding ecosystem
Through its I Am Mental Health platform, the foundation focuses its giving on initiatives that make it easier for people to access help, reduce stigma and build healthier communities. Rather than selling services, it channels its resources to nonprofit organizations, community groups and other qualified charities that deliver front-line mental health services, outreach and awareness campaigns.
Typical beneficiaries and areas of support
The foundation’s funding is oriented toward mental health–focused activities such as counselling and peer support, educational and awareness initiatives, and programs that encourage early intervention and resilience. Support can take the form of grants, project-based contributions or donations that help partner organizations expand or strengthen their mental health programming.
Impact and approach
As a family foundation, the Tom and Ruth Kritsch Family Foundation has flexibility to respond to emerging needs and to back innovative approaches in mental health care and community support. By concentrating its giving through the I Am Mental Health initiative, it aims to create visible impact for individuals and families, and to complement the work of public systems and other charitable funders in the mental health ecosystem.