At the Eric Monday Foundation, our mission is to #TAKEDOWNTHESTIGMA associated with mental illness and promote mental fitness, with a particular focus on youth (k-12) competitors. We firmly believe in the following principles:

• Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and it should be given equal importance and attention to physical health.
• Participation in competitive programs uniquely equips young men and women with essential life skills such as resilience, grit, courage, self-confidence, discipline, and many others that contribute to their holistic well-being. 
• Teams and cultures that promote open lines of communication regarding mental health should be emulated and supported. 
• All individuals, irrespective of financial constraints or background, should have equal opportunities to engage in activities that foster personal growth and promote mental health.
• Stigma can be overcome. Through education, awareness, and open conversations, the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with mental health can be replaced with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

What types of requests for funding do you accept?

• The Eric Monday Foundation provides grants and small awards to youth (k-12) competitors and teams to purchase essential equipment and participate in and/or host clinics, camps, tournaments, and mental health programming.

Grant Application Window and Funding Details:

• Grant applications are accepted annually between March 1st and September 15, during the Grant Application Window.
• After the September 15^th deadline, the Eric Monday Foundation Grant Committee will review the applications and awards grants within eight weeks.
• The Grant Committee prioritizes applications that best align with the mission and beliefs of the Eric Monday Foundation.
• Grants provided by the Eric Monday Foundation will generally not exceed $2,500.
• Applications for Small Awards (<$500) may be submitted outside of the grant application window and will be awarded on a rolling basis.

Follow-Up Expectations:

• Upon receiving a grant, the recipient(s) must actively promote the Eric Monday Foundation and mental and validate the use of the funds within one year of receiving the grant.
• Any proposed changes in the utilization of grant funds must be approved in writing by the Grant Committee. 
• Funds will be released once the head coach or program leader completes the Coaches Guide to Mental Health Awareness or a similar course offered by the Foundation.

We at the Eric Monday Foundation are committed to destigmatizing mental illness and providing support to competitors and their communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and mentally resilient environment.