Investing in Mental Health in Calgary
CMHA Calgary | Philanthropic Funding Priorities

Why Your Support Matters

Every day, Calgarians are navigating anxiety, grief, isolation, financial pressures, and significant life changes. Many face barriers to accessing mental health services or simply don't know where to turn.

At CMHA Calgary, we believe no one should have to navigate these challenges alone.

We provide free, accessible, non-clinical mental health support that helps people find connection, build practical skills, and access the resources they need.

Our priority is to ensure more Calgarians can access meaningful support, earlier and without unnecessary barriers.

Philanthropic investment is essential to sustaining this work and expanding our reach across the community.

Our Three Funding Priorities

1. Early Intervention and Prevention

Giving people the tools to support their mental health before challenges escalate.

Through YouthSMART, EQUIPPED, and Recovery College Calgary, we provide education, practical tools, and opportunities to build confidence and connection. Our programming reaches young people, adults, schools, workplaces, and communities, helping people better understand mental health and develop skills they can use throughout their lives.

Funding priorities include:

• Expanding youth mental health education and resources.
• Sustaining free Recovery College courses and workshops.
• Increasing access to community-based learning and prevention initiatives.

2. Accessible Mental Health Support

Keeping our doors open and support within reach.
Our Welcome Centre, community navigation services, and Peer Support programs provide accessible entry points for people seeking help.
Whether someone needs guidance navigating available resources, a conversation with someone who understands, or a welcoming place to connect, our services meet people where they are.

Funding priorities include:

• Sustaining Welcome Centre operations and frontline staffing.
• Expanding access to individual and group peer support.
• Strengthening community navigation and connections to appropriate services.

3. Supporting Underserved Populations

Reaching people whose needs are often overlooked or difficult to address through traditional services.

Mental health challenges do not affect everyone in the same way. Some Calgarians face additional barriers related to age, isolation, difficult life circumstances, or complex support needs. Through specialized programming, including Horizons and Safe at Home, we offer tailored, person-centred support that helps people strengthen their connections and navigate challenges.

Funding priorities include:

• Sustaining specialized mental health programming.
• Reducing isolation and barriers to community participation.
• Providing consistent support for individuals navigating complex circumstances.

Our Greatest Need: Flexible Funding

Unrestricted donations are among the most valuable investments donors can make in CMHA Calgary.

While designated gifts support specific programs, flexible funding allows us to respond to the needs of our community as they emerge. It helps us maintain essential operations, support frontline teams, keep services free, and direct resources to areas where funding gaps can limit access. Unrestricted support also gives us the flexibility to strengthen existing services while exploring new opportunities to reach people who might otherwise go without support.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

Your investment supports meaningful, local impact.

It can help ensure that:

• Someone seeking support can walk into our Welcome Centre and speak with a team member without an appointment or fee.
• A person experiencing grief or isolation can connect with a trained peer who understands.
• A young person can access practical mental health education and resources.
• A Calgarian can participate in a free Recovery College course that builds skills and confidence.
• Someone facing complex circumstances can receive ongoing, community-based support.

Your contribution supports the people, programs, and spaces that make these connections possible.

Partner With Us

CMHA Calgary supports thousands of Calgarians each year, but sustaining accessible community mental health services requires ongoing investment. We invite Calgary Foundation fundholders and donors to consider CMHA Calgary as part of their philanthropic giving.

Our ask is straightforward: help us sustain essential mental health services, expand access to early support, and reach Calgarians who need us most.

Whether through an unrestricted gift or a designated investment in one of our priority areas, your generosity helps build a community where people have somewhere to turn.

Let's talk about where your giving can make a difference.

CMHA Calgary
www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca
[email protected]