Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant

Supporting social connection to protect mental health in Arizona

The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant (Momentum Maker) was created to inspire new paths to mental health and well-being in Arizona. Addressing the loneliness epidemic that affects one-in-two adults in America is our focus for 2024. By strengthening social connection, we can reduce and even reverse the negative impact loneliness has on mental and physical health.

Congratulations to the Aliento Education Fund

The Aliento Education Fund’s Cultiva Program project was awarded the 2024 Momentum Maker grant. The project addresses the unique stressors that exacerbate isolation and loneliness among immigrant youth and mixed immigration families.

  • Arts & Healing Workshops for ages 7-adult support self-reflection, community building, and use of artistic expression to heal.
  • Group and individual therapy allows youth and families to process trauma with culturally sensitive, licensed therapists.
  • Open Mic Nights give participants opportunities to build community and express emotions through performance.
  • Trauma-informed educational trainings for educators so they can support youth in managing trauma-induced stress and increase success in school.

Through the Cultiva Program, people have multiple ways to connect with others who have similar lived experiences. By building connection, the program reduces the loneliness and sense of isolation common among people who have immigrated to the U.S.

Funding changemaking ideas. Uplifting mental health.

The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant (Momentum Maker) was established in 2023 thanks to a generous gift from the Thiru Family Trust. Momentum Maker embodies our shared passion for inspiring new paths to mental health and well-being in Arizona.

Each year, we identify a specific area of mental health-related need and award a single Momentum Maker grant package valued at $75,000 to address that need. Momentum Maker funding is designed to help grantees build capacity, innovate, test proof of concept, or expand early-stage projects.

Like so many people, I have had experiences that impacted my mental and physical health. Providing resources to improve mental health in our communities is an honor for our family, and a meaningful way to give back.

- Thiru Thangarathinam

Looking Ahead to 2025

The 2024 Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant opportunity will be announced in early Q2 2025.

July 10 — August 10, 2023

Applications Accepted

4 p.m. MST on August 10, 2023

Application Deadline

September 14, 2023

Funding Date

September 15, 2023 — September 14, 2024

Grant Term

Together, we can mobilize health in Arizona.

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