Youth Mental Wellbeing Fund 2.0
Strengthening Community-driven Initiatives to Strengthen Youth Mental Health in Asia
IN COLLABORATION WITH
Introduction
Youth Mental Wellbeing in Asia is in Crisis
Across Asia, young people are facing a growing mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are rising, but support remains limited.
In many low-and middle-income (LMICs) countries in Asia.
Over 80%
of mental health conditions go untreated
Less than 3%
of health budgets are spent on mental health -mostly for urban psychiatric facilities
> 80%
of mental health conditions go untreated
< 3%
of health budgets are spent on mental health—mostly for urban psychiatric facilities
Despite growing recognition, efforts remain fragmented. Community-driven responses—often more accessible, inclusive, and culturally rooted—receive minimal support
Stigma, poor awareness, and limited access to care leave million vulnerable youth without support.
AVPN places youth as one of our key impact areas, and we view mental health as essential to their overall development. The growing mental health crisis is not just a health issue—it affects young people’s ability to learn, work, and thrive. That’s why we take a strategic, ecosystem approach to tackle this issue: mobilising capital and connecting public, private, and philanthropic partners to strengthen community-based support and scale local solutions across Asia.
About the Fund
The Asian Youth Mental Wellbeing Fund (YMWF) was launched by AVPN to help close critical gaps in youth mental health support across Asia. As part of our broader effort to build stronger health systems, the Fund supports locally led, community-based solutions and brings partners together to scale what works.
In its first round, the Fund supported three organisations in Singapore, India, and Malaysia, each piloting innovative, context-specific mental health programmes aimed at prevention, resilience, and care.
Building on this momentum, AVPN is now launching YMWF 2.0 in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors and EMpower—a new phase that expands the Fund’s reach and deepens its focus on community-led innovation. YMWF 2.0 aims to broaden access, unlock flexible capital, and build the foundation for stronger, more coordinated mental health.
USD 5M
covering India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong
5 Markets
of health budgets are spent on mental health -mostly for urban psychiatric facilities
USD 5M
In total funding to support high-impact, community-based mental health interventions for youth
5 Markets
Covering India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong
Our Approach for YMWF 2.0
Taking into account our collective learnings from YMWF Round 1, AVPN, Dalberg, and EMpower have co-designed YMWF 2.0, which now features three key shifts.
Community-Based Care
The Fund shifts focus toward community-driven initiatives that complement institutional care. By supporting community actors who are closest to the challenges—and most trusted by young people—the Fund works to expand access, reduce stigma, and build sustainable support systems alongside traditional healthcare services.
Youth Wellbeing Journey
The Fund supports key touchpoints throughout a young person’s life—from early childhood interventions that safeguard emotional safety in the home, to social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools, and mental health promotion in workplaces and online communities. These interventions not only prevent serious mental health conditions but also equip youth with lifelong coping skills.
Intersectional Approach
The Fund’s approach recognizes that mental wellbeing is not an isolated health issue—it is systemic and deeply connected to equity, development, and human potential. The Fund is now open to supporting broader youth development initiatives that have the potential to enhance mental wellbeing holistically, including efforts to address stressors in young people’s lives that may impact their mental health.
Explore Partnership Opportunities
We believe in the power of collective action to transform youth mental wellbeing. We invite potential partners to join us in shaping YMWF 2.0 as an anchor funder.
We are seeking a partner who can:
Provide initial capital investment to establish the fund’s operations
Offer strategic guidance on fund allocation and prioritization to maximize systemic impact
Leverage networks to help the fund scale and sustain its efforts over the long term
Beyond Funding: The Funds Plus Initiative
To further support our grantees in achieving their goals, AVPN also launched the Funds Plus Initiative. This programme provides non-financial capacity-building support—including mentorship, pitch coaching, and tailored masterclasses to the Funds programme we managed. By addressing the holistic needs of our grantees, we aim to create even greater impact.
Empowering Young Minds: Success Stories from YMWF Round One
In the first round of the Asia Youth Mental Wellbeing Fund, we supported three nonprofits across Asia. Each organisation brings innovative ideas and a steadfast commitment to improving youth mental wellbeing. Through our flexible funding, these leaders have made significant strides, transforming the youth mental wellbeing ecosystem in their respective markets.
Our Round 1 Grantee
With Support From
Hear from Round One Grantees
