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OUR WORK

We’re exploring promising paths for mental health

About our work

The Ortus Foundation unites like-minded advocates, directly funds innovation and supports models of systemic change to uplift youth mental health. By working together, exploring all promising avenues and analyzing data to identify gaps, we’re building solutions and destigmatized environments for youth mental health and suicide prevention.

At Ortus, we support full-scale movements that create a lasting difference. We connect experts and fund innovations that build toward these models, rather than single projects within existing frameworks. This work creates the building blocks of long-term systemic change for youth mental health.

Our focus areas

Youth mental health is a complex landscape full of opportunities to make a difference. The Ortus Foundation takes a strategic approach to our work, focusing on areas where we see the greatest need and can make the largest impact.
1

Youth mental health in schools

School is a crucial space for young people to connect, build relationships and share ideas. Ortus partners with national organizations to strengthen schools’ programs and support students’ emotional health.

Our actions include:

• Identifying schools that recognize a need for additional internal mental health support and resources
• Engaging with schools that want to take proactive measures to increase their community’s wellbeing
• Partnering with other direct-service organizations that bring additional mental health services, tools or support to schools

2

Research on groundbreaking solutions

We’re funding nontraditional research and projects that serve as catalysts for change, new ideas and positive advancements for mental health.
Our actions include:

• Funding research focused on the psychedelic retreat space
• Supporting a multi-year clinical trial program focused on the effectiveness of MDMA for PTSD treatment in adolescents
• Pursuing research that examines the intersection of neurodiverse learners and increasing mental health issues

3

Creating connections + partnerships

Passionate, visionary organizations are pursuing big solutions for youth mental health and suicide prevention. We’re making introductions to grow their network of nationwide change, so the small become mightier together.
Our actions include:

• Participating in an official consensus group focused on the future of government-approved medical use of psychedelic medicines
• Hosting mental health symposiums and virtual coffee meetups to build community, strategize and launch collaborations
• Joining mental health and suicide prevention coalitions, both regionally and nationally, to accelerate improvement in mental health care systems

4

Funding early-stage mental health companies

We’re applying our investing experience to deploy capital in early-stage biotech, neurotech and other innovative companies that will change the mental health landscape.

Our actions include:

• Limited partnerships in brain- and mental health-focused funds, and investments in a variety of companies focused on novel therapeutics

Let’s start a conversation

Tell us your ideas or share your experience with youth mental health.

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970 W. Broadway Ste E, PMB 222
Jackson, WY, 83001

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Call 988 or visit the link below to get 24/7 crisis support for yourself or a loved one.
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*The Ortus Foundation funds innovative advancements in youth mental health support and suicide prevention. We grant applications by request only, and our decision making process is rigorous. Unsolicited applications will not be considered.

This website is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are a young person or a caregiver with questions or concerns related to mental health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician or other qualified health professional with any concerns you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health issue. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

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