A new funding opportunity has opened for projects supporting student mental health.

United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties has launched the Student Mental Health Grant Fund aimed at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students across those two counties.

The fund, made possible by philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver, focuses on supporting smaller nonprofit organizations that might not be eligible for United Way’s traditional community impact funding.

By targeting smaller organizations, the Student Mental Health Grant Fund can reach underserved communities and students who might not have access to larger, more established services.

The funds are designed to strengthen grassroots organizations that deliver innovative programs and measurable outcomes to support student health by addressing key barriers faced by young people. The focus on measurable outcomes ensures that funded projects will have a clear and lasting impact, not just on individual students but on the communities as a whole.

Carl F Cricco III, CEO of the United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties, underscored the importance of supporting the mental health of our youth for building stronger, healthier communities.

“Through the generosity of Delores Barr Weaver’s legacy, we are proud to invest in organizations that are meeting students where they are and helping them thrive,” Carl F. Cricco III, CEO of the United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties, said in a news release

Applications for the Student Mental Health Grant Fund are underway and will remain open until June 23 at 5 p.m. Grant recipients will be notified of the funding decisions on July 1.

Eligible organizations include nonprofits serving students in St. Johns and Putnam counties with programs that address mental health challenges, improve access to care and promote emotional wellbeing.

Mental health challenges among students have become increasingly prominent, with many schools and families reporting rising levels of stress, anxiety and depression.

The United Way said empowering students with the right resources will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and improve academic and social outcomes. It said the Student Mental Health Grant Fund is expected to generate positive change by equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Applications can be submitted online at https://www.unitedway-sjc.org/smhgrants.

This story was created by reporter Lucia Viti, lviti@usatodayco.com. with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: United Way of St. Johns, Putnam opens student mental health grant fund