American Flags Foundation, Inc. — Grant Application Boilerplate

Last Updated: March 2026 Purpose: One-stop reference document for all grant applications. Copy, paste, and tailor as needed.

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| Field | Detail |

|---|---|

| Legal Name | American Flags Foundation, Inc. |

| EIN | 93-3268747 |

| UEI (SAM.gov) | QBBZJ2AMG3P5 |

| Tax-Exempt Status | 501(c)(3) Public Charity — 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) |

| IRS Determination Date | September 14, 2023 |

| Mailing Address | 3801 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste E240-3901, Austin, TX 78746 |

| Executive Director | Jamie Lewis |

| Email | info@aff1.org |

| Website | americanflagsfoundation.org |

| Fiscal Year End | December 31 |

| Annual Budget | Under $50,000 (early-stage nonprofit) |

| IRS Filings | 990-N filed for FY2023 and FY2024 |

| SAM.gov | Registered (pending activation) |

| Service Area | Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area; State of Texas; national digital reach |

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American Flags Foundation, Inc. (AFF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Austin, Texas, dedicated to combatting mental health stigma and expanding access to mental health resources for underserved communities. Founded in 2023, AFF operates at the intersection of public education, community engagement, and digital advocacy — working to dismantle the cultural, systemic, and personal barriers that prevent millions of Americans from seeking the mental health support they need.

AFF's work is organized around six strategic pillars: Shattering Silence, Embracing Empathy, Building Hope, Breaking Barriers, Fostering Resilience, and Cultivating Optimism. Together, these pillars form a comprehensive framework for addressing mental health challenges from multiple angles — reducing stigma through open conversation, equipping individuals with coping tools, connecting communities to crisis resources, and building long-term resilience in populations disproportionately affected by mental illness.

As an early-stage nonprofit, AFF combines the agility and grassroots energy of a startup with the structural discipline of a mission-driven organization. We are led by a passionate founder, supported by a growing network of community partners, and driven by the conviction that no one should suffer in silence because of shame, misinformation, or lack of access. Our programs leverage both in-person engagement and digital platforms to reach individuals where they are — in schools, workplaces, faith communities, and online spaces across Texas and beyond.

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Short Version (1 sentence)

American Flags Foundation combats mental health stigma and empowers individuals and communities to seek, access, and sustain mental wellness through education, advocacy, and direct support.

Expanded Version

The mission of American Flags Foundation, Inc. is to shatter the silence surrounding mental health, embrace empathy as a tool for healing, and build hope for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. Through community education, peer support, crisis resource navigation, digital awareness campaigns, and resilience training, AFF breaks down the barriers — cultural, financial, and systemic — that prevent people from accessing the care they deserve. We foster resilience in those who are struggling and cultivate optimism in communities too often defined by despair. We believe that mental health is a fundamental human right, and that stigma is a solvable problem.

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We envision a world where mental health is treated with the same urgency, compassion, and accessibility as physical health — where no individual suffers in silence due to stigma, shame, or lack of resources, and where every community is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and empathy to support its members through every stage of mental wellness.

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The National Mental Health Crisis

The United States is in the grip of a mental health crisis of unprecedented scale. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults — nearly 60 million people — experience mental illness in any given year, while 1 in 20 adults (approximately 16 million) live with a serious mental illness such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Among youth, the numbers are equally alarming: 1 in 6 children aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year (NAMI, 2024).

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 55% of U.S. adults with mental illness receive no treatment — a staggering gap that translates to more than 33 million people going without care annually. Among youth aged 12–17 with a major depressive episode, 60% did not receive any mental health treatment in the past year (SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2024). The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and projects that mental health conditions will account for more than $6 trillion in global economic burden by 2030.

The Stigma Problem

Stigma remains the single greatest barrier to mental health treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that stigma, discrimination, and fear of judgment are among the top reasons individuals do not seek help, even when they recognize they need it. A 2024 survey by the American Psychiatric Association found that 87% of U.S. adults believe there is stigma associated with mental illness, and nearly 33% of adults with symptoms of a mental health condition cited embarrassment or shame as a reason for not seeking treatment.

Stigma operates on multiple levels — self-stigma (internalized shame), social stigma (fear of judgment from peers, employers, or family), and structural stigma (policies and systems that deprioritize mental health). For communities of color, veterans, men, rural populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals, these layers compound, creating environments where seeking help can feel not just difficult but dangerous. The result is a vicious cycle: silence breeds ignorance, ignorance breeds stigma, and stigma breeds silence.

The Texas and Austin Context

Texas faces unique and acute mental health challenges. The state ranks 50th out of 51 (including D.C.) in access to mental health care, according to Mental Health America's 2024 State of Mental Health in America report. Texas has only 8 mental health providers per 1,000 residents with a mental illness, compared to the national rate of 14 per 1,000. More than 4.7 million Texas adults have a mental health condition, and 56% of those adults do not receive treatment.

The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area, while economically vibrant and rapidly growing, is not insulated from these challenges. Austin's population has surged past 2.4 million in the metro area, and with growth comes increased social isolation, housing insecurity, substance use, and demand on an already strained mental health infrastructure. Travis County's community mental health system regularly reports wait times of 4–8 weeks for non-emergency appointments. For uninsured and underinsured residents — including immigrants, gig workers, and low-income families — the wait is often indefinite.

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified every dimension of this crisis. CDC data from 2023–2024 shows that 32.3% of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, compared to approximately 11% before the pandemic. Among young adults aged 18–24, the rate exceeds 50%. Texas, with its high uninsured rate (18%, the highest in the nation) and limited Medicaid expansion, has fewer safety nets to absorb this surge.

Why AFF Is Needed Now

The gap between the scale of mental health need and the availability of culturally responsive, stigma-focused services is vast. While clinical treatment is essential, it is not sufficient — stigma must be addressed at the community level through education, normalization, peer support, and advocacy. AFF fills a critical niche by focusing not on clinical treatment itself, but on the upstream barriers that prevent people from ever reaching treatment: silence, shame, misinformation, cultural taboos, and lack of navigational support.

Austin's diversity — with large Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian American, and immigrant communities — demands culturally informed approaches that meet people where they are. AFF's six-pillar model is designed to do exactly that: to break stigma in living rooms, churches, schools, and social media feeds — not just therapist offices.

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AFF delivers programming through six interconnected pillars, each addressing a distinct dimension of the mental health stigma problem:

Pillar 1: Shattering Silence — Community Education Workshops

AFF conducts free, interactive workshops in community settings — libraries, schools, faith centers, workplaces, and community organizations — designed to normalize conversations about mental health. Topics include recognizing signs of mental illness, understanding the impact of stigma, supporting loved ones, and knowing when and how to seek help. Workshops are tailored for specific audiences (parents, teens, employers, faith leaders, veterans) and delivered in English and Spanish.

Pillar 2: Embracing Empathy — Peer Support Programs

AFF facilitates peer support circles where individuals with lived mental health experience can share stories, build connection, and model vulnerability in safe, structured environments. These circles are not therapy — they are community. Peer support has been shown to reduce isolation, improve self-efficacy, and increase willingness to seek professional care. AFF trains peer facilitators using evidence-based frameworks aligned with SAMHSA's peer support competencies.

Pillar 3: Building Hope — Crisis Resource Navigation

Many individuals in crisis do not know where to turn. AFF provides one-on-one resource navigation to connect individuals and families with mental health services, including therapists, crisis hotlines (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), community health centers, sliding-scale clinics, and public benefits. Navigators serve as warm handoffs — not just referral lists — reducing the friction that causes people to fall through the cracks.

Pillar 4: Breaking Barriers — Digital Awareness Campaigns

AFF leverages social media, digital storytelling, and online content to reach audiences at scale. Campaigns address common myths about mental health, amplify diverse voices, and create shareable content designed to spark conversation. Digital campaigns are data-driven, using engagement metrics to refine messaging and targeting. AFF's online presence serves as both an awareness engine and a gateway to local resources.

Pillar 5: Fostering Resilience — Resilience and Coping Skills Training

AFF offers structured resilience training programs that equip participants with practical, evidence-informed tools for managing stress, building emotional regulation, and developing healthy coping strategies. Programming draws on cognitive-behavioral principles, mindfulness practices, and strengths-based approaches. Training is offered in group settings and as self-guided digital modules for broader accessibility.

Pillar 6: Cultivating Optimism — Community Partnerships and Coalition Building

AFF convenes cross-sector partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, employers, faith organizations, local government, and other nonprofits to build a coordinated ecosystem of mental health support. By serving as a connector and convener, AFF amplifies impact beyond what any single organization can achieve. Partnerships also support policy advocacy for increased mental health funding and reduced systemic barriers at the local and state levels.

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AFF serves a broad and inclusive population, with particular focus on communities disproportionately affected by mental health stigma and barriers to care:

Adults aged 18–64 experiencing or at risk of mental health challenges, particularly those who have not sought treatment due to stigma, cost, or lack of awareness.
Young adults (18–30) navigating transitions in education, employment, and identity — the age group with the highest rates of untreated mental illness.
Hispanic/Latino communities in Central Texas, where cultural stigma around mental health is compounded by language barriers and immigration-related stressors.
Black and African American communities, which face systemic barriers to care, historical mistrust of medical institutions, and disproportionate rates of trauma exposure.
Veterans and military families, who experience elevated rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide, often exacerbated by stigma around help-seeking in military culture.
Parents and caregivers seeking to understand and support children or family members with mental health challenges.
Rural and suburban residents of Central Texas with limited proximity to mental health providers.
Uninsured and underinsured individuals who face financial barriers to accessing professional mental health care.

AFF's digital programs extend reach to a national audience, while in-person programming prioritizes the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area and surrounding Central Texas communities.

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Leadership

AFF is led by Jamie Lewis, Founder and Executive Director, a mission-driven leader who established the organization out of a deep personal commitment to addressing the mental health stigma crisis. Jamie brings entrepreneurial expertise, strategic vision, and community-building skills to the role, overseeing all aspects of organizational development, program design, fundraising, and partnerships. (See full bio in Section 12.)

Governance

AFF operates under the direction of a Board of Directors committed to the organization's mission, financial integrity, and strategic growth. The board provides oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and community connections.

Digital Infrastructure

AFF maintains a professional website (americanflagsfoundation.org), active social media presence, and digital content pipeline for awareness campaigns. The organization leverages low-cost, high-impact digital tools for outreach, program delivery, and community engagement — maximizing reach while maintaining lean operations.

Community Relationships

Despite its early stage, AFF has begun building relationships with community organizations, faith institutions, and local stakeholders in the Austin area. These connections form the foundation for program delivery, referral networks, and collaborative impact.

Fiscal Responsibility

AFF demonstrates strong fiscal stewardship through timely IRS filings (990-N filed for both operational years), SAM.gov registration, and transparent financial management. As an early-stage organization, AFF operates with minimal overhead and directs the maximum possible share of resources to program delivery.

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Goal 1: Reduce Mental Health Stigma in Central Texas Communities

Objective 1.1: Deliver a minimum of 12 community education workshops within the first 12 months of program launch, reaching at least 300 participants across diverse communities.
Objective 1.2: Launch 4 digital awareness campaigns annually, generating a combined reach of 50,000+ impressions and 2,000+ engagements across platforms.
Objective 1.3: Achieve a measurable reduction in stigma attitudes among workshop participants, with 75% of attendees reporting increased comfort discussing mental health (measured via pre/post survey).

Goal 2: Connect Individuals to Mental Health Resources

Objective 2.1: Provide crisis resource navigation services to at least 100 individuals within the first year of program operations.
Objective 2.2: Establish referral partnerships with a minimum of 10 local mental health providers, community health centers, and crisis services within the first 12 months.
Objective 2.3: Achieve a 60% successful connection rate (individual followed through on at least one referral) among those receiving navigation services.

Goal 3: Build Community Resilience and Peer Support Networks

Objective 3.1: Launch at least 4 peer support circles within the first year, with sustained participation of 8–15 individuals per group.
Objective 3.2: Train 10 volunteer peer facilitators using SAMHSA-aligned competency frameworks within 18 months.
Objective 3.3: Deliver resilience training to at least 150 individuals within the first program year, with 80% of participants reporting improved coping skills (measured via post-program survey).

Goal 4: Establish Organizational Sustainability and Growth

Objective 4.1: Diversify funding to include at least 3 distinct revenue streams (grants, individual donations, corporate partnerships) within 24 months.
Objective 4.2: Grow annual operating budget to $100,000+ within 3 years while maintaining an overhead ratio below 25%.
Objective 4.3: Recruit and onboard at least 20 trained volunteers within the first 18 months.

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AFF is committed to rigorous, data-informed evaluation to ensure program effectiveness, accountability to funders, and continuous improvement.

Data Collection Methods

Pre/Post Surveys: Administered to all workshop and training participants to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, stigma beliefs, and self-reported coping skills. Surveys use validated instruments adapted from the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27) and the Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS).
Participant Tracking: Resource navigation clients are tracked (with consent) through intake, referral, and follow-up to measure connection rates and service utilization.
Digital Analytics: Social media and web analytics (reach, engagement, click-through, content shares) are monitored monthly to assess campaign effectiveness and audience growth.
Peer Support Attendance and Feedback: Circle attendance, retention rates, and participant satisfaction are tracked via sign-in sheets and quarterly feedback surveys.
Community Partner Feedback: Annual surveys of partner organizations to assess collaboration quality and perceived impact.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

| Metric | Target (Year 1) |

|---|---|

| Workshop participants served | 300+ |

| Digital campaign impressions | 50,000+ |

| Individuals navigated to resources | 100+ |

| Successful referral connection rate | 60%+ |

| Peer support circle participants | 50+ |

| Volunteer facilitators trained | 10+ |

| Participant-reported stigma reduction | 75% report improvement |

| Participant-reported coping improvement | 80% report improvement |

Reporting

AFF will provide funders with quarterly progress reports and a comprehensive annual impact report including quantitative data, qualitative stories, and lessons learned. Evaluation findings will inform program refinements on a rolling basis.

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AFF is building a diversified, resilient funding model to ensure long-term viability beyond any single grant:

Diversified Revenue Streams

Foundation and Government Grants: AFF will pursue grants from local, state, and national foundations as well as government sources (SAMHSA, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, city/county mental health funds). Grant revenue will be diversified across multiple funders to reduce dependence on any single source.
Individual Giving: AFF will cultivate a base of individual donors through digital fundraising campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising events, and recurring giving programs. Early donor cultivation begins in Year 1 with a goal of 100+ individual donors by Year 3.
Corporate Partnerships: AFF will develop workplace wellness partnerships, offering employers customized workshops and training in exchange for sponsorship support. Austin's robust tech and business community presents significant partnership opportunities.
In-Kind Support and Volunteerism: AFF will leverage volunteer facilitators, pro-bono professional services, and donated event space to minimize costs and maximize program delivery.
Fee-for-Service (Future): As programs mature, AFF will explore earned revenue through fee-based resilience training for corporate and institutional clients, with sliding-scale and free options preserved for community programs.

Cost Management

AFF operates with minimal overhead by leveraging digital tools, volunteer labor, and shared/donated spaces. The organization is committed to maintaining an overhead ratio below 25%, ensuring that the vast majority of funds directly support programs and services.

Growth Trajectory

Year 1: Establish core programs, build community presence, secure 2–3 foundational grants.
Year 2: Expand programming, grow volunteer corps, launch individual giving campaign, establish 2+ corporate partnerships.
Year 3: Achieve budget of $100K+, formalize evaluation systems, begin earned revenue initiatives, pursue state and federal funding.

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Adapt the following framework for grants in the $25,000–$50,000 range. Adjust line items and percentages based on specific grant requirements.

Sample Budget — $35,000 Grant

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| Personnel | $12,000 | 34% | Partial salary support for Executive Director (program management, community outreach, partnerships) |

| Program Supplies & Materials | $4,000 | 11% | Workshop materials, printed resources, educational handouts (English/Spanish), peer support circle supplies |

| Digital Campaigns & Marketing | $5,000 | 14% | Social media advertising, content creation, website maintenance, digital storytelling production |

| Event & Workshop Costs | $4,000 | 11% | Venue rental (when donated space unavailable), refreshments, accessibility accommodations, AV equipment |

| Training & Professional Development | $3,000 | 9% | Peer facilitator training, staff professional development, conference attendance |

| Technology & Software | $2,000 | 6% | Survey tools, CRM/data management, video conferencing, digital program delivery platforms |

| Transportation & Outreach | $1,500 | 4% | Travel to community sites, outreach events, partner meetings |

| Evaluation | $1,500 | 4% | Survey instruments, data analysis tools, annual impact report production |

| Administrative & Overhead | $2,000 | 6% | Insurance, accounting, legal compliance, office supplies, filing fees |

| TOTAL | $35,000 | 100% | |

Budget Narrative Notes

Personnel: AFF's Executive Director dedicates approximately 60% of time to direct program delivery, community engagement, and partnership development. This line item supports the portion of salary directly tied to grant-funded programming.
Program costs comprise 75%+ of total budget, reflecting AFF's commitment to directing resources to direct service.
Overhead is maintained below 10% for grant-funded activities, with administrative costs supported through unrestricted funds and in-kind contributions.
In-kind contributions (volunteer time, donated event space, pro-bono design and legal services) significantly supplement the cash budget and are documented separately.

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Jamie Lewis — Founder & Executive Director

Jamie Lewis is the Founder and Executive Director of American Flags Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to combatting mental health stigma and expanding access to mental wellness resources. Driven by a deep commitment to addressing the silence and shame that prevent millions of Americans from seeking help, Jamie established AFF in 2023 to build a grassroots movement centered on education, empathy, and community-powered change.

Jamie brings an entrepreneurial mindset and strategic vision to the nonprofit sector, combining operational discipline with a passion for impact. With experience in business development, community organizing, and digital strategy, Jamie has designed AFF's six-pillar programming model to address mental health stigma across multiple touchpoints — from community workshops and peer support circles to digital awareness campaigns reaching tens of thousands.

Based in Austin, Texas, Jamie is actively engaged in the Central Texas community, building partnerships with healthcare providers, faith organizations, schools, and local businesses to create a coordinated ecosystem of mental health support. Jamie's leadership philosophy emphasizes transparency, data-driven decision-making, and the belief that every person deserves access to mental health support without fear of judgment.

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Provide this template to partners, community leaders, or supporters to customize on their letterhead.

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[Organization Letterhead]

[Date]

[Funder Name]

[Funder Address]

Dear [Funder Contact / Grant Review Committee],

I am writing to express my strong support for American Flags Foundation, Inc. (AFF) and its application for [grant name/funding opportunity]. As [your title] of [your organization], I have had the opportunity to [observe/collaborate with/learn about] AFF's work in combatting mental health stigma in [our community / Central Texas / the Austin area].

Mental health stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to treatment and recovery in our region. [Insert 1–2 sentences about how this issue affects your organization's constituency or community.] AFF's approach — combining community education, peer support, crisis resource navigation, and digital advocacy — addresses this challenge in a way that is both innovative and deeply community-centered.

[Insert 1–2 sentences about your specific interaction with AFF or why you believe in their mission. Examples: "We have partnered with AFF to host workshops at our facility." / "Jamie Lewis has been a valued collaborator in our community mental health efforts." / "AFF's digital campaigns have reached members of our congregation and opened doors to conversations that were long overdue."]

I am confident that AFF's programs will [deliver meaningful impact / fill a critical gap / strengthen our community's mental health infrastructure], and I enthusiastically recommend them for this funding opportunity.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Title]

[Organization]

[Phone / Email]

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Q: What problem does your organization address?

Mental health stigma is the leading barrier to treatment in the United States. Despite the fact that 1 in 5 American adults experience mental illness each year, more than half receive no treatment — and stigma is consistently cited as a primary reason. This is not a clinical gap alone; it is a cultural, social, and systemic failure. American Flags Foundation addresses this upstream crisis by working to dismantle stigma through community education, peer support, digital advocacy, and resource navigation — creating the conditions that allow people to seek and accept help.

Q: How did your organization get started?

American Flags Foundation was founded in 2023 by Jamie Lewis in Austin, Texas, out of a recognition that mental health stigma was causing immense, preventable suffering. Jamie saw that while clinical services were expanding, the cultural barriers — silence, shame, misinformation — were not being adequately addressed. AFF was established to fill that gap: not as a treatment provider, but as a stigma-reduction and community empowerment organization that helps people get to treatment in the first place.

Q: What makes your organization unique?

AFF's differentiation lies in our upstream, stigma-first approach. While most mental health organizations focus on clinical services or crisis intervention, AFF focuses on the barriers that prevent people from ever reaching those services. Our six-pillar model addresses stigma at every level — individual, social, cultural, and systemic — through a combination of in-person community programming and scalable digital campaigns. We are culturally responsive, community-rooted, and designed for the diverse population of Central Texas.

Q: Who benefits from your programs?

AFF primarily serves adults and young adults in the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area and broader Central Texas, with particular focus on communities disproportionately affected by mental health stigma: Hispanic/Latino communities, Black and African American communities, veterans and military families, uninsured and underinsured individuals, and young adults aged 18–30. Our digital programs extend our reach nationally.

Q: How will you measure success?

AFF uses a mixed-methods evaluation framework including pre/post participant surveys (using validated stigma and knowledge assessment instruments), resource navigation tracking, digital engagement analytics, peer support retention data, and community partner feedback. Key metrics include participants served, stigma attitude change, successful resource connections, digital reach, and participant-reported improvements in coping and help-seeking behavior. We report to funders quarterly and publish an annual impact report.

Q: How will this grant be used?

This grant will fund [specific program/initiative], including community education workshops, peer support programming, digital awareness campaigns, crisis resource navigation services, and the operational infrastructure to deliver and evaluate these programs. Approximately [75–85]% of funds will support direct program costs, with the remainder covering essential administrative and evaluation expenses.

Q: What is your organization's experience with this type of work?

AFF was purpose-built for mental health stigma reduction. Since our founding in 2023, we have invested in developing evidence-informed programming, building community partnerships, and establishing the organizational infrastructure necessary to deliver high-quality, accountable services. Our Executive Director brings expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and digital outreach. Our program model is informed by best practices from SAMHSA, NAMI, and the broader mental health advocacy field.

Q: How will you sustain this work after the grant period?

AFF is committed to long-term sustainability through diversified funding (multiple grant sources, individual giving, corporate partnerships), low overhead operations, volunteer engagement, and eventual earned revenue from fee-for-service corporate wellness programming. No single funder will represent more than 30% of AFF's total revenue by Year 3. This grant represents a critical investment in building the programmatic foundation and community presence that will attract sustained support.

Q: Describe your organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Equity is embedded in AFF's mission and operations. Mental health stigma disproportionately harms communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, immigrants, and low-income populations. AFF designs culturally responsive programming, delivers services in English and Spanish, prioritizes accessibility in all program settings, recruits diverse peer facilitators, and partners with community organizations that serve historically marginalized populations. We are committed to ensuring that our leadership, volunteers, and programming reflect the communities we serve.

Q: What are your organization's greatest challenges?

As an early-stage nonprofit, AFF's primary challenges are securing foundational funding to launch full-scale programming, building name recognition in a competitive nonprofit landscape, and recruiting and training a sufficient volunteer base. We address these challenges through strategic grant-seeking, digital-first community building, and a lean operational model that allows us to launch programs incrementally while maintaining quality.

Q: Is there anything else you would like the review committee to know?

American Flags Foundation exists because stigma kills. Every day, people in our community suffer in silence — not because help doesn't exist, but because shame, fear, and misinformation stand between them and the support they need. AFF is not just another mental health nonprofit. We are a movement to change how communities talk about, think about, and respond to mental health. An investment in AFF is an investment in the upstream change that makes all downstream mental health services more effective, more accessible, and more human.

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Use these in narrative sections, needs statements, or supplementary materials:

| Statistic | Source |

|---|---|

| 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness annually (~60M) | NAMI, 2024 |

| 1 in 20 U.S. adults live with serious mental illness | NAMI, 2024 |

| 55% of adults with mental illness receive no treatment | SAMHSA NSDUH, 2024 |

| 60% of youth (12–17) with major depression received no treatment | SAMHSA NSDUH, 2024 |

| 1 in 6 U.S. youth (6–17) experience a mental health disorder annually | NAMI, 2024 |

| Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide | WHO, 2024 |

| 87% of U.S. adults believe mental illness carries stigma | APA, 2024 |

| 33% of adults with symptoms cite shame as a barrier to treatment | APA, 2024 |

| Texas ranks 50th/51 in mental health care access | Mental Health America, 2024 |

| Texas has 8 mental health providers per 1,000 residents w/ mental illness | MHA, 2024 |

| 4.7M+ Texas adults have a mental health condition | MHA, 2024 |

| 56% of Texas adults with mental illness receive no treatment | MHA, 2024 |

| 32.3% of U.S. adults reported anxiety/depression symptoms (post-pandemic) | CDC, 2023–2024 |

| 50%+ of young adults (18–24) report anxiety/depression symptoms | CDC, 2023–2024 |

| Texas uninsured rate: ~18% (highest in nation) | U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 |

| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — national crisis resource | SAMHSA |

| Mental health economic burden projected >$6T globally by 2030 | WHO/Lancet Commission |

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This document is a living resource. Update statistics, program descriptions, and organizational details as AFF grows. For questions or assistance, contact Jamie Lewis at info@aff1.org.