University Mental Health Initiative: RFP

Dear Colleagues,

Columbia University is undertaking a Mental Health Initiative (MHI) to advance our impact on mental health, encompassing both the critical need to address the current crisis afflicting our local and global communities and the importance of long-term strategic investments in the science, education, and policy that can drive sustained improvements in mental health worldwide. Among President Shafik’s strategic University priorities, the MHI aims to identify innovative “big ideas,” from an academic perspective, through which Columbia University can have a meaningful impact on mental health through education, research, public service, and community engagement. The MHI is closely aligned with President Shafik’s operational priority on campus well-being, which is led by Columbia’s Chief Operating Officer, Cas Holloway.

As the MHI advances its planning through three working groups focused on Social Connectedness and Community Well-being; Prevention and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions; and Space, Place, and Environment, we are committed to grounding our work in the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of the Columbia community. In support of that goal, we are delighted to share a new pilot grant program that will provide support for individuals across the Columbia community to share their perspective on mental health using a wide range of approaches from the arts, humanities, sciences, and other disciplines. For this RFP and all of its work, the MHI uses the mental health definition provided by the CDC, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Request for Proposals: Capturing Diverse Perspectives on Mental Health

We invite proposals for projects that capture diverse perspectives on mental health at Columbia University. We encourage applicants from a wide range of disciplines and the use of approaches from the arts, humanities, sciences, and other academic disciplines. Potentially relevant approaches include photography and photo elicitation, new or editing of existing films, digital storytelling, visual and sound art, creative writing, data science, and case studies or stories. Each project should result in a defined product that can be shared with the Columbia community through upcoming MHI displays, events, and related avenues.

RFP Procedures and Guidelines

• One-to-two-page proposal

• $5,000 - $15,000 in total funding for each award

• Led by a faculty member, staff member, or student (student-led projects and projects requiring IRB approval must have a faculty sponsor)

• Applications are welcome from individuals or groups

• Must have short-term feasibility with progress at 3 months and completion within 6 months

• Submission deadline is Monday, September 16. Applicants will be notified of funding decision in October. First project report due on January 31, 2025. Project must be completed by April 30, 2025.

Please submit your submissions via Info Ready, Columbia’s central application system, by Monday, September 16 at 5 p.m.

If you have any questions while preparing your proposal, please contact Marian Jakubiak, mj2076@cumc.columbia.edu.

Thank you for your interest! We very much look forward to receiving your impactful proposals.

Katrina Armstrong, Executive Vice President & Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and VP&S
Melissa Begg, Dean of Social Work
Co-leads, Columbia University’s Mental Health Initiative