What is the Kindness in Community Fund (KiC)?
The Kindness in Community Fund (KiC) is a fund created by Born This Way Foundation in 2022, and expanded internationally in 2024 with the generous support of Cotton On Foundation. It aims to support organizations that are directly addressing the emerging and changing mental health needs of young people in various countries. KiC is committed to funding organizations that provide free and accessible resources to proactively support youth mental health.
Which countries are eligible for funding from the KiC Fund?
The KiC Fund is open to organizations based in the following countries:
- Australia
- United States
- New Zealand
- Malaysia
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Thailand
- Hong Kong
What kind of organizations is the KiC Fund hoping to support?
The KiC Fund seeks to support tax-exempt organizations, non-profits, NGOs and similar types of organizations focused on mental wellness that meet the following criteria:
- Informed and/or led by young people
- Rooted in practices of cultivating community, inclusion, and equity at all levels
- Provide free and accessible mental health resources
How much funding does the KiC Fund provide to individual organizations?
Born This Way Foundation commits grants for individual organizations of up to $150,000 USD.
How can I nominate an organization for the KiC Fund?
We’re especially eager to receive nominations from young people between 15-24 years old about the local mental health organizations making a difference in their communities, and we will place greater weight on the nominations they submit. Additionally, if you have any questions during the application process, you can email [email protected].
What is the deadline for nominations?
Nominations for the KiC Fund are due by 12 PM PST on October 17, 2023. Be sure to submit your nominations before the deadline to be considered.
What is the purpose of the KiC Fund?
The purpose of the KiC Fund is to address unmet needs in youth mental health by supporting the organizations in countries around the world that serve them directly. Born This Way Foundation aims to work in partnership with these organizations to learn from them and make a high impact in youth mental health. The fund seeks to simplify the process and make it as impactful as possible.
How will the KiC Fund support organizations and youth communities?
The KiC Fund will provide financial grants to selected organizations, allowing them to respond directly to the emerging and changing mental health needs of the youth communities they serve. The fund aims to promote kindness and community spirit in supporting mental health.
Is the KiC Fund only available for organizations already supported by or affiliated with Cotton On Foundation?
No, the KiC Fund is a collaboration between Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On Foundation, but it is open to organizations beyond those associated with Cotton On Foundation. The fund aims to support community-led mental health work globally. For the avoidance of doubt, making a purchase of Cotton On products does not increase a nominated organization’s chances of being selected for a grant award.
Can organizations from countries not listed participate in the KiC Fund?
Currently, the KiC Fund is limited to the nine countries listed above. However, organizations from other countries are encouraged to stay informed for future funding opportunities from Born This Way Foundation or explore other resources and grants available in their respective regions.
If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please reach out to [email protected].
When will the selected organizations for the Kindness in Community Fund be announced?
The organizations selected for the Kindness in Community Fund (KiC) will be announced in early 2024. Born This Way Foundation will review the nominations and make their decisions alongside our international youth Advisory Board, taking into account the eligibility criteria and the alignment with the fund’s objectives. The selected organizations will be notified of their acceptance and funding in the early part of 2024. Please stay tuned for updates and announcements during that time.
How old do I have to be to nominate an organization for the Kindness in Community Fund?
Our hope is for our work to always be led and informed by youth perspectives first. To ensure a youth-first approach in the nomination process, Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On Foundation are especially eager to learn from young people between 15-24 years old about the local mental health organizations making a difference in their communities, and we will place greater weight on the nominations they submit. If you are under the age of 13, you must have your legal guardian’s permission to submit the form. As the fund aims to serve young people and prioritize their needs, involving young people in the nomination process is an essential part of creating a meaningful impact on youth mental health. Whether you are a young person or someone who supports and advocates for youth mental wellness, your nominations are valuable in shaping the future of the Kindness in Community Fund.
What types of organizations qualify for mental health support through the Kindness in Community Fund?
Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On Foundation recognize that many different types of organizations play a crucial role in supporting mental health. This includes organizations offering clinical support, housing support, mentorship programs, or utilizing unique approaches like technology-based interventions. The primary consideration for eligibility is whether the organization supports the mental wellbeing of young people. The focus is on providing free and accessible resources that address the emerging and changing mental health needs of youth in communities. Learn more about past organizations that received KiC grants, here.