An unprecedented mental health crisis for children in the United States often occurs where they spend most of their days: school. With that in mind, Google’s philanthropic arm is directly funding high school health projects in the area of crowdfunding.
Google.org on Monday flash funded all mental health related listings on DonorsChoose, an online charity where members help buy items requested by public school teachers. With a new $10 million donation and the help of actress Selena Gomez, the Silicon Valley giant hopes to put mindfulness as an educational goal at the beginning of the academic calendar.
Districts have turned to teachers for mental health help after the coronavirus pandemic brought alarming levels of child stress, anxiety and fighting back. But experts say the increased attention hasn’t translated into more philanthropic money for mental health.
Google.org made a commitment earlier this year to support nonprofits that support children’s mental health and online safety. Monday’s announcement — which will also provide $500 vouchers to eligible DonorsChoose campaigns in the near future — totals $25 million in pledges.
The move comes amid widespread criticism and accusations that Google-owned YouTube and other social networking sites have fueled children’s mental health problems by deliberately designing addictive content.
Justin Steele, Americas Director of Google.org, said their move highlights Google’s efforts to lead this “important conversation” and “be part of contributing to positive solutions.”
Its internet browser data showed growing interest; Steele said searches for “youth mental health” have doubled in the past four years.
“Obviously, we want people to be able to take advantage of all the amazing things that technology has to offer,” Steele said. “But we also want them to be able to do it in a healthy and safe way.”
Google.org donates $6 million to DonorsChoose. The tech company also announced $1.5 million in donations to the Jed Foundation, the Steve Fund and the Child Mind Institute — groups that focus on emotional well-being among young people, people of color and children, respectively. Organizations will design half-hour training sessions to help teachers deal with new mental health challenges. Teachers can earn $200 in DonorsChoose credits when they complete the course.
Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund, which seeks to invest more in this “underfunded sector,” is getting $1.25 million.
The “On Murders in the Building” star has spoken about her bipolar disorder. In a Monday blog post, Gomez said she knows firsthand that “caring elders” can make a big difference for young people.
“As young people find their way in the world, it is important that they receive guidance on how to build healthy, positive and productive mental health habits,” Gomez wrote. “Few people are in a better position to help do this than teachers.”
The need to address behavior problems in high school was further emphasized by a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Students said they faced harassment and absenteeism from school due to safety at higher rates compared to previous years in data released on August 6.
Of course, Mindful Philanthropy Executive Director Alyson Niemann agreed, the increased focus on mental health has resulted in less fundraising for nonprofits in this space. But he said dollars don’t equate to new levels of awareness.
One big obstacle is that sponsors don’t know what solutions work, according to Niemann. School-based mental health support is one of the most effective ways, she said. This is where many students begin the treatment process and find trusted adults in teachers or coaches.
DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier emphasized that teachers are not substitutes for mental health professionals. But he said DonorsChoose has seen a four-fold increase over the past four years in the number of mental health referrals. Such applications include “quiet corner” saucer chairs and meditative stuffed animals that guide deep breathing.
“There is no limit to the creativity of teachers,” said Guerrier.
Mental health has long been a priority for Aileen Gendrano Adao in her classes in Los Angeles. A high school English teacher said she asks students to take three deep breaths at the beginning of class. Posters on the wall boost students’ confidence.
He said DonorsChoose gives him the freedom to connect with students creatively — especially when districts are desperate for money to meet real-time needs. As Asian Americans faced racially motivated attacks during the pandemic, she discovered graphic novels about Asian American identity.
He hopes the extra money encourages teachers to prioritize mental health.
“Schools are changing as needed and needed to recover from the post-pandemic chaos,” she said. “There is an investment. People see us and want us to be better and better.
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits is supported by AP’s partnership with The Conversation US, with funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit
-James Pollard, The Associated Press
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