The Open Future Institute, along with four other remarkable organizations, has been selected for Zephyr Impact’s inaugural Spark Cohort. Out of 250 applicants, the Open Future Institute was singled out as “among the most innovative and effective community-based solutions uplifting the mental health and wellness of young people in America.” Each awardee will receive support and funding to strengthen their groundbreaking efforts in enhancing youth wellbeing through creative and effective programs.

“We are delighted to acknowledge the Open Future Institute as part of our first-ever Spark Cohort,” said Andrew Smiles, Co-Founder and President of Zephyr Impact, a philanthropic collaborative that launched the Youth Wellbeing Fund in 2023. “These outstanding organizations and their leaders assist youth—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds—in developing a sense of individual and collective identity, agency, and wellbeing,” he emphasized. Zephyr Impact’s Youth Wellbeing Portfolio recognizes innovative organizations that contribute to addressing the youth mental health crisis through various means, including the arts, music, storytelling, mindfulness, and other innovative approaches.

About Zephyr Impact

The Youth Wellbeing Portfolio is Zephyr Impact’s first dedicated issue fund. The portfolio supports sustainable, high-impact, community-driven organizations leading “upstream solutions” to address the escalating youth mental health crisis in America. For more information, please link to the press release and announcement on Zephyr Impact’s website.