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ICONIQ Impact Launches Collaborative Philanthropy Fund for Youth Mental Health

Introduction
In a groundbreaking initiative, ICONIQ Impact, the collaborative philanthropy platform of ICONIQ Capital, has announced the launch of the Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab. This initiative has a formidable goal: to mobilize $200 million to support organizations dedicated to addressing mental health issues among the youth worldwide, particularly focusing on anxiety and depression.

The Fund's Genesis
Launched on March 5, 2025, the Co-Lab begins with $112 million in donations from eight philanthropic contributors. Over the next five years, it will provide unrestricted funding to 25 diverse organizations that are actively working to mitigate the mental health crisis facing young people today.

A Global Crisis
Recent trends indicate a troubling reality: around 20% of youth worldwide experience anxiety disorders, with nearly a quarter showing symptoms of depression. Factors such as climate change, financial inequality, and excessive social media usage exacerbate these issues, painting a bleak outlook particularly for young people in the Global South, who often confront multilayered challenges such as poverty and conflict. Despite the growing demand for mental health services, a mere 2% of global health funding is allocated to mental health needs, amplifying the urgency for interventions like those offered by the Co-Lab.

Empowering Youth
The Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab strives to empower young people through three key approaches: giving them agency, fostering community and belonging, and building resilience. These pillars aim to counteract feelings of helplessness that economic and societal upheavals often engender. For instance, the organization Force of Nature converts eco-anxiety into climate activism, equipping youth with skills in leadership and public speaking while enabling them to influence policy.

Community Connections
Today's youth are paradoxically more connected than ever yet face unprecedented levels of loneliness. Co-Lab projects, such as OurHerd, a peer-to-peer storytelling app, will create safe spaces for young people to share experiences and connect over mental health challenges, fostering a support network that reduces feelings of isolation.

Building Resilience
Resilience against both societal crises and personal adversities is crucial for mental health. Organizations like Roca, Inc. aim to provide mental health support to at-risk youth in the U.S., addressing the cycles of poverty and violence that impede their growth. These interventions not only support individuals but also educate surrounding institutions on how to better assist young people.

Future Directions
With 60% of funding aimed at supporting organizations within the Global South, the Co-Lab aims to create inclusive opportunities for at-risk youth across the globe. ICONIQ Impact is also involving a youth advisory group to ensure that the perspectives of young people shape the efforts of the Co-Lab.

Engagement with Philanthropy
Currently backed by eight philanthropic donors, ICONIQ is open to inviting more contributors into this vital initiative. By leveraging resources and expertise, the Co-Lab hopes not only to enhance funding for youth mental health initiatives but also to inspire a greater movement within the philanthropic community.

Conclusion
As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, the Youth Mental Wellbeing Co-Lab represents a beacon of hope for many young individuals worldwide. With a commitment to addressing urgent issues and an innovative approach to funding, ICONIQ Impact is pioneering a pathway that not only recognizes the complexities of youth mental health but actively strives to create a brighter, healthier future for young people everywhere. The Co-Lab serves as a model for how philanthropy can address pressing societal challenges while empowering the next generation to take charge of their destinies.