Mental Health Foundation Of Nova Scotia

What Mental Health Foundation Of Nova Scotia does

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered Canadian charity (registration number 8586 35675 RR0001) founded in 1986 and headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It is the province's only health foundation dedicated exclusively to funding mental health and addictions support, operating with a fully female staff of 8 people. The foundation's core offering is the Community Grants Program, which awards funding twice yearly (April and October) to community-based organizations designing mental health and addictions initiatives for Nova Scotians. Eligible projects may receive up to $25,000, with funding drawn from the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health, individual donors, and corporate sponsors.

The foundation's revenue model is multi-stream and event-driven: government grants (notably a $3 million one-time provincial investment in March 2022 plus ongoing allocations), corporate sponsorships (RBC as presenting sponsor of the signature gala), individual donations (online, monthly, memorial, planned giving), and transaction-based campaign revenue (Tim Hortons Smile Cookie retail sales, ad-hoc third-party events). Signature fundraising assets include the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala ($390,000 raised in 2025 from 570+ attendees), Let's Keep Talking (presented by Bell Let's Talk), Body Movin' (February movement campaign), and Message of Kindness. The foundation underwrote 375 grants totaling $4M+ in fiscal year 2024-2025, plus $1.79M in the second round of 2025-26 alone.

There is no proprietary technology platform; distribution of grant capital flows through a Grants Selection Committee reviewing twice-yearly applications, and donor acquisition runs through events, email, earned media, and a podcast. End beneficiaries include Nova Scotians across mental health and addictions segments - specifically Indigenous communities, African Nova Scotians, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers, women, youth, seniors, and individuals facing substance use or homelessness - served indirectly through funded partner organizations such as Laing House, Bright Smiles Antigonish, Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia, Northwood Bedford, Mocean Dance, and various Nova Scotia Health Mental Health & Addictions Program units.

Name

Mental Health Foundation Of Nova Scotia

Legal name

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

Website

https://mentalhealthns.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia's only health foundation dedicated exclusively to funding mental health and addictions support, distributing $4M+ annually through biannual community grants, signature fundraising events (RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala, Let's Keep Talking), and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental health philanthropy and community grantmaking

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health) (HLAJALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA), Community Health & Prevention Program Funding (HLAJALAF)

Keywords

• Mental health funding
• Community grants program
• Mental wellness charity
• Addictions support funding
• Nonprofit health foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Dartmouth

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: The foundation receives government funding from the Nova Scotia government and Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health to support community grants programs.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Major sponsors including RBC (presenting sponsor), J&W Murphy Foundation (gold sponsor), and others provide sponsorship for events and campaigns.
3. Individual Donations: The foundation accepts online donations, monthly donations, memorial giving, tribute giving, gifts of securities, and planned giving (bequests in wills).
4. Campaign Revenue: Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign generates revenue through cookie sales at HRM locations, with 100% of proceeds donated to the foundation and other charities.
5. Event Fundraising: Signature events like the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala raise funds through ticket sales, auctions, raffles, and donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered Canadian charity that raises funds from government grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, planned giving, and signature fundraising events, then redistributes those funds through its twice-yearly Community Grants Program to community-based mental health and addictions organizations across Nova Scotia. It is the only provincial health foundation dedicated exclusively to funding mental health and addictions support, distributing $4M+ across 375 grants in 2024-2025 and operating supporting programs such as Let's Keep Talking, Body Movin', Message of Kindness, the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala, and the Keep Talking Podcast.

Product overview

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia operates as a health foundation rather than a technology company. Its core offering is the Community Grants Program, which distributes funding to community-based mental health and addictions organizations across Nova Scotia. The Foundation supports its mission through signature fundraising events (RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala, Let's Keep Talking), awareness campaigns (Body Movin', Message of Kindness, Smile Cookie partnerships), and content programs (Keep Talking Podcast). Rather than a unified software product, the Foundation functions as a charitable grant-making organization that mobilizes community support reflecting Nova Scotia's realities, people, cultures, and places.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Grants Program Twice-yearly grant cycle (April and October) awarding up to $25,000 per project to community-based mental health and addictions organizations across Nova Scotia, with funding decisions driven by a Grants Selection Committee based on community need and program design.
• Let's Keep Talking Annual public event presented by Bell Let's Talk to educate, inspire, and celebrate Nova Scotians who live with or support those living with mental illness or addiction, typically held during Mental Illness Awareness Week and featuring keynote speakers and community awards.
• RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala Foundation's signature annual black-tie fundraising gala presented by RBC that celebrates community and compassion while raising funds through tickets, auctions, raffles, and donations for mental health and addictions initiatives across Nova Scotia.
• Body Movin' Community-wide February movement campaign encouraging Nova Scotians to move daily to raise funds for mental health and addictions initiatives, while promoting the mental health benefits of physical activity, open to participants of all ages and abilities.
• Message of Kindness Holiday-season campaign inviting people to share handwritten messages of hope and kindness on ornaments displayed at community locations, with funds raised matched by Killam Apartments and Southwest Properties in support of mental health and addictions programs.
• Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Annual product fundraising campaign in partnership with Tim Hortons where 100% of proceeds from Holiday Smile Cookie sales at HRM locations (priced at $1.50 per cookie) are donated to the Mental Health Foundation, IWK Foundation, and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
• Keep Talking Podcast Ongoing podcast featuring conversations about mental health, community connections, and stories from Nova Scotians supporting mental wellness.

Quantifiable outcome

• 375 grants awarded and $4M+ distributed in 2024-2025 fiscal year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• RBCflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerRBC serves as the presenting sponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala, the foundation's signature annual fundraising event. This flagship partnership has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for mental health programs across Nova Scotia.
• Bell Let's TalkcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBell Let's Talk is the presenting sponsor of Let's Keep Talking, the foundation's annual public event during Mental Illness Awareness Week that celebrates mental health champions.
• Killam Apartments and Southwest PropertiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFor six years, these partners have co-sponsored the Message of Kindness campaign during the holiday season, matching funds raised and supporting mental health and addiction programs across the province.
• Tim HortonsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign generates significant fundraising with 100% of proceeds from HRM locations donated to the foundation and other local charities. The foundation received $192,654.79 from the 2026 campaign.
• J&W Murphy FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala, supporting the foundation's signature fundraising event.
• Steele Auto GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrand Prize Raffle Sponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala.
• St. John AmbulancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology Sponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala and supporter of the silent auction.
• IWK FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-beneficiary of Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, with proceeds supporting IWK Health Centre alongside the Mental Health Foundation.
• Tim Hortons Foundation CampsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-beneficiary of Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, receiving $42,811.18 from the 2026 campaign.
• Glow HalifaxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe foundation receives $1 from each ticket sold on select dates at the Glow Gardens light festival, with staff also collecting donations on-site.
• Saltscapes ExpominorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe foundation is part of the Online Art Auction featuring original pieces created live during Saltscapes Expo, with proceeds from Jasyn Lucas's piece 'Into the Calm' supporting the foundation.
• Teichert GalleryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Teichert Gallery for the Saltscapes Expo online art auction supporting mental health initiatives.
• Take It OutsideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor providing gift cards as prizes for Body Movin' campaign fundraisers.
• Petro-CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor providing gift cards as prizes for Body Movin' campaign participants.
• Air Canada FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala.
• Advocate Printing & PublishingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala.
• CTV AtlanticminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia sponsor of the RBC Holiday Black Tie Gala.
• Medavie FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of Let's Keep Talking 2025 event.
• Dalhousie University Department of PsychiatrycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward sponsor for Let's Keep Talking Awards.
• IWK Health Mental Health & AddictionscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward sponsor for Let's Keep Talking Awards.
• Nova Scotia PowercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward sponsor for Let's Keep Talking Awards.
• ScotiabankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAward sponsor for Let's Keep Talking Awards.
• Tim MooreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCanadian entrepreneur who donated 100% of royalties from his book 'How I Made It' plus matching dollars up to $20,000 to the foundation, supporting community-based mental health programs.
• Karen FurneauxcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThree-time Olympian and Body Movin' ambassador who promotes the foundation's movement campaign and mental health awareness across Nova Scotia.
• Caitlin MorrisonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKeynote speaker at Let's Keep Talking 2025, advocate for Matthew Perry House supportive housing initiative in Ottawa, and mental health champion.
• Jasyn LucasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNova Scotia artist whose painting 'Into the Calm' was auctioned at Saltscapes Expo with proceeds supporting the foundation.
• Nova Scotia HealthflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation funds programs within Nova Scotia Health's Mental Health & Addictions Program, including grants to various units like Abbie J. Lane, East Coast Forensic Hospital, and community mental health clinics across the province.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Nova Scotia Division: CMHA is the largest national mental health charity in Canada with provincial divisions including Nova Scotia. It directly overlaps with MHFNS in funding and advocating for community-based mental health services in the same province.
• Schizophrenia Society of Canada: National mental illness-focused charity with provincial chapters operating similar community education, peer support, and grant-distribution models.
• Jack.org: Canadian charity focused on youth mental health, including provincial chapters. Shares MHFNS's youth mental health philanthropic mandate and competes for corporate mental health CSR funding.
• Mood Disorders Society of Canada: National charity focused on mood disorders, peer support, and community-based mental health program delivery. Mirrors MHFNS's community-mental-health philanthropic strategy at the national level.

Emerging players

• Anxiety Canada: National charity providing anxiety-focused education, resources, and peer support. Overlaps with MHFNS's mental wellness mission and competes for targeted mental health donor segments.

Broad incumbents

• Kids Help Phone: National e-mental health service and registered charity serving youth across Canada. While it delivers services directly, it competes for the same youth mental health donor dollars that MHFNS funds through community grants.
• Mental Health Commission of Canada: Federally established policy and program body that channels public funding into mental health initiatives nationwide. Operates as a public-sector peer with overlapping national-level funding and policy influence.
• CAMH Foundation: The fundraising arm of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada's largest mental health and addictions hospital and research centre. Operates as a national incumbent in mental health philanthropy with significantly larger scale than MHFNS.

Regional players

• IWK Foundation: Maritime-based hospital foundation supporting IWK Health Centre including mental health and addictions services. Co-beneficiary of the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign alongside MHFNS and direct Atlantic Canada peer in health philanthropy.
• BC Mental Health Foundation: Provincial mental health foundation in British Columbia with a comparable model of raising and regranting funds to community mental health organizations. Closest functional analog outside Nova Scotia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCspNKRLKJzgjZr8wD2RDQjQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/mentalhealthns
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mental-health-foundation-of-nova-scotia
• Instagraminstagram.com/mentalhealthns
• Xx.com/mentalhealthns

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mental Health Foundation Of Nova Scotia