New York City-based Fountain House has announced a $12 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in support of its efforts to improve health, increase opportunity, and end social and economic isolation for people most impacted by mental illness.

To be deployed over an unspecified amount of time, the gift will support the organization’s strategic plan, innovation in direct service, additional strategic initiatives, and core operations at its New York City base. Established nearly 75 years ago, the organization developed a “clubhouse” approach to mental health assistance and has expanded to include advocacy for improved mental health policies informed and led by those most impacted by mental illness, research to strengthen community-based mental health care, and support for a growing alliance of clubhouses working together to develop, test, and scale innovations, including virtual models of care.

“We are proud of Fountain House’s legacy and model, and are also aware of the unmet need of the 14 million Americans living with serious mental illness. For every person whose life we directly impact, there are at least 100 others who could benefit,” said Mary Crowley, interim president and CEO of Fountain House. “We are exceedingly grateful for this investment from MacKenzie Scott, whose generosity—to Fountain House and other mental health nonprofits—will help improve these lives. It will be foundational to advancing our national work and building an inclusive movement dedicated to changing the conditions for people most impacted by mental illness, as well as strengthening our direct services and the frontline workers that deliver those vital and continuous supports.”

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