In the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires, moments of quiet reflection gave way to a sobering truth. The nation watched in shock as entire neighborhoods vanished. Thousands of homes reduced to ash, cherished belongings and family heirlooms lost forever. But beyond the physical devastation lay an invisible toll: the emotional wreckage carried by survivors, first responders, and communities left to grieve and rebuild. What once seemed like a localized concern has now emerged as the defining crisis confronting our nation. Mental health is no longer a peripheral issue. It is the medical emergency of our generation.

The numbers are staggering. According to the CDC:

• 4 in 10 young people report persistent feelings of loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness

• 1 in 5 seriously considers suicide

• Fewer than 20% of youth receive the care they need

• 1 in 3 high school students say their mental health was “not good” most of the time or always in the past month

• Depression affects 19.2% of adolescents, rising to 26.5% among teen girls

• Nearly 88% of those with depression report difficulty functioning at work, home, or socially

• Only 43% of females and 33% of males with depression receive counseling or therapy

These figures reflect a crisis that demands bold, innovative responses. One powerful path to healing is through the arts. Creative expression fosters emotional resilience, builds confidence, and offers a safe space to process life’s challenges. Across the country, arts-based mental health programs are gaining traction. Universities are piloting arts prescribing initiatives with remarkable student engagement, and state-level programs are integrating the arts into healthcare systems, signaling a growing national movement toward creative well-being.

Studies show: 

• 75% of people feel emotionally better after an art therapy session.

• 66% report reduced anxiety.

• 70% experience increased self-esteem and hope.

In response to the urgent mental health crisis gripping our nation, the Open Hearts Foundation is proud to announce its 2025 grantees: 13 remarkable organizations, including 12 community-based nonprofits in the arts and mental health space. These 12 grantees are transforming lives at the intersection of creative expression and emotional healing. Through trauma-informed programs ranging from music and dance to visual arts and storytelling, they are turning isolation into connection, pain into possibility, and adversity into action. Each one serves some of the most vulnerable communities in the United States, offering hope, resilience, and a path forward through the power of the arts.

This marks a pivotal moment in the Foundation’s history. Though we’ve spent over a decade supporting transformative work, this marks the first time we’ve dedicated our entire grant cycle to funding programs specifically at the intersection of creative expression and mental health. The shift was born from a moment of reckoning after the wildfires, our leadership witnessed firsthand how art can help communities process trauma, rebuild connection, and begin to heal.

“Art has always been my way of opening my heart, of expressing feelings that words cannot capture,” shared Jane Seymour, Founder and Board Member. “I’ve seen creativity turn pain into beauty, isolation into connection, and adversity into possibility. That’s why I believe so deeply in making art accessible to all who seek healing.”

The response to our call for proposals was overwhelming: more than 270 inquiries and 165 full applications. With 11 grants, these selected grantees exemplify the Foundation’s values with grassroots leadership, deep community ties, and a commitment to serving marginalized populations. Yet the sheer volume of powerful, unfunded applications made one thing clear: this work must grow.

“We were humbled by the response and inspired by the power of the arts to heal,” said Tim Mallad, Chair of the Open Hearts Foundation Board. “From music and theater to painting and dance, these programs are transforming lives. The need is vast, and we’re committed to walking alongside our grantees not just as funders, but as volunteers, advisors, and partners in impact.”

The need is urgent, and the stakes are high. But we’re not standing still, we’re moving full speed ahead. The Open Hearts Foundation is not only funding these 2025 grantees; we’re actively championing their work through collaborative efforts that connect their impact to our donors, volunteers, and broader community of supporters. Together, we’re amplifying their voices, sharing their stories, and building a movement where creative healing is recognized, resourced, and celebrated.

Come alongside us as we champion the power of the arts to heal hearts and uplift communities.