The United Health Foundation is providing $1 million in grants across four Minnesota organizations working to improve children's mental health, strengthen family support and address urgent community needs across the Twin Cities. The funding will support school-based mental health services, crisis care for young children, continued healing resources for families affected by trauma, and community recovery efforts.
Why it matters
Minnesota children are facing growing mental and behavioral health challenges. According to America's Health Rankings, the percentage of children in Minnesota with a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition increased from 18.1% in 2016-2017 to 22.7% in 2023-2024, while the percentage of children flourishing in their families and communities declined during the same period.
The grants build on the United Health Foundation's longstanding commitment to improving health and well-being in Minnesota through partnerships with organizations addressing local community needs.
“The future of Minneapolis depends on the well-being of our children and families,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “This $1 million investment from the United Health Foundation will expand access to critical mental health services, crisis support, and community resources for those who need them most. I’m grateful for the partnership of organizations across our city that are working every day to help our young people succeed, and for this important investment in the future of our city.”
“UnitedHealthcare is proud to call Minnesota home. We’re not just supporters of this community – we’re part of it. Community means showing up for one another and investing in the well-being of children and families to create a stronger future. We have a shared responsibility to come together as businesses, community leaders and neighbors to help children and families live their healthiest lives. The United Health Foundation is honored to provide $1 million to support these partners whose critical work, every day, helps families across our community thrive.”
Tim Noel | chief executive officer, UnitedHealthcare
The big picture
The $1 million commitment includes:
- $500,000 to Washburn Center for Children to support school-based mental health services reaching students in more than 60 K-12 schools across the Twin Cities.
- $150,000 to Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery to support caregiving and mental health services for children from birth through age 6 whose parents are in crisis.
- $100,000 to Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota's Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund to continue on-site mental health services supporting the Annunciation community.
- $250,000 to Minneapolis Foundation to address urgent community needs such as housing and food supports.
“The United Health Foundation's investment in our delivery of mental health services in our community's schools comes in the midst of an ongoing children's mental health crisis,” said Washburn Center for Children CEO Craig Warren. “Their generosity keeps therapeutic services within reach, helping kids reach their full potential. When we invest in our children, we are building a more vibrant future for all of us.”
Supporting healthier communities in Minnesota
The announcement was made during a community event hosted by Washburn Center for Children in Minneapolis, bringing together community leaders, nonprofit partners, policymakers and UnitedHealth Group employees. Following the program, volunteers assembled approximately 200 backpacks filled with school supplies for local children and families ahead of the new school year.
Tim Noel and Mayor Jacob Frey help fill backpacks
Volunteers fill backpacks
Mayor Jacob Frey speaks about the grant announcement
The investment continues the United Health Foundation's work in Minnesota, including previous support for the Annunciation community and a 2022 grant to Children's Minnesota that helped address pediatric care gaps and improve health outcomes for children and families.
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