Write to Thrive Fund

Focus: Youth mental health and wellness through writing as a preventative mental health tool

Overview:
The Write to Thrive Fund is a first-of-its-kind literacy and mental health initiative launched by 826 National in December 2025 to address the youth mental health crisis in the United States. The fund supports youth-serving organizations in integrating writing-based interventions that promote student well-being, preventative mental health care, and evidence-based learning strategies.

Key Information:

• Launched: December 2025
• Grant Amount: $20,000 per organization
• Inaugural cohort announced: February 2026
• Inaugural cohort served approximately 1,500 young people
• Nearly 400 applications received in pilot year

Target Population:

• Youth in grades 4-12
• Low-income students
• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students
• English Language Learner (ELL) students
• Students in rural, urban, and tribal communities

What This Funds:

• Integration of 826 National's writing and social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum
• Facilitator training and professional development
• Implementation support
• Writing as a preventative mental health and wellness tool
• Programs in education, health, and afterschool settings

Evidence Base:

• Structured writing can reduce stress, improve mood, and build cognitive flexibility
• Students who write regularly report greater resilience, stronger social-emotional skills, and deeper engagement in school
• Two decades of practice and emerging research

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Inaugural Grantees (2026):

1. Southern Indian Health Council — Tribal health organization serving Native youth along California–Arizona border
2. COR Inc — Atlanta, Georgia nonprofit in Title I high school
3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas — Urban afterschool system serving Dallas, Texas
4. YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School — Re-engagement education model in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5. 826 MSP — Minneapolis, Minnesota

Contact Information:

• For media inquiries: Heidi Lepe at heidi@826national.org
• CEO: Laura Brief, 826 National

Website/More Info:
https://826national.org/our-work/news/to-address-the-youth-mental-health-crisis-826-national-launches-a-first-of-its-kind-literacy-mental-health-fund/

Application Process

Note: Full guidelines and eligibility details are available on 826 National's Write to Thrive Fund page (specific URL for application portal not provided in source materials).

Application Requirements:

• Organizations must serve youth in grades 4-12
• Priority given to organizations serving:
  • Rural communities
  • Urban communities
  • Tribal communities
  • Low-income students
  • BIPOC students
  • English Language Learner (ELL) students

What Grantees Receive:

1. $20,000 grant
2. Access to 826 National's writing and SEL curriculum
3. Facilitator training
4. Implementation support

Application Details:
Specific application steps, forms, and narrative questions are not detailed in the provided content. Applicants should visit the Write to Thrive Fund page on 826national.org for complete application materials and instructions.