Silence the Shame

What Silence the Shame does

Silence the Shame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017 by Shanti Das, a former music industry executive, to reduce mental health stigma and expand access to culturally competent mental health education in Black and minority communities. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia (Atlanta metro), the organization operates a portfolio of community programs, signature events, and digital content products targeting youth and young adults, families and caregivers, corporate employers, schools and faith-based organizations, and high-stress marginalized populations. Core service lines include Mental Wellness Seminars, evidence-based training such as Mental Health First Aid, QPR, and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, Community Conversations, Workplace Wellness programming, and youth-focused initiatives including the Silence the Shame University (STSU), the Youth Mental Wellness COPE Clinic, and the Youth Advisory Council. Programs and end-beneficiary resources are provided free of charge.

The organization's technology footprint centers on a mental health mobile application developed in partnership with Microsoft and launched on National Silence the Shame Day (May 5, 2024), supported by a digital resource library, blog, podcast series, and the 'My Life is Worth Living' animated series — described as the world's first animated series on teen mental health and suicide prevention, produced with Wonder Media and the Cook Center for Human Connection. Distribution spans grassroots community outreach, faith-based and university networks (Morehouse College, Emory University School of Medicine), social channels across eight platforms, and named partnerships with Microsoft, Kaiser, CarMax, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Atlanta Braves Foundation, the City of Atlanta, and the State of Georgia.

Revenue is generated through individual donations (one-time and recurring via Pledge, including stock, crypto, and Donor Advised Fund payments), corporate sponsorships, event packages anchored by the annual A Brilliant Mind Gala, foundation grants (OpenAI, Healthcare Georgia Foundation, Moody Foundation), and merchandise sold via BigCartel. As a grassroots nonprofit, financial scale is modest but reach is meaningful — the inaugural campaign generated over 90 million social media impressions, and the organization reports engaging 78,000+ individuals annually with 85-88% of participants reporting improved mental health literacy, willingness to seek help, or behavior change.

Name

Silence the Shame

Legal name

Silence the Shame, Inc.

Website

https://silencetheshame.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Silence the Shame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 that delivers mental health education and suicide prevention programming to Black and minority communities. It operates community events, a Microsoft-partnered mobile app, and evidence-based programs serving youth, families, employers, and underserved populations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mental Health Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

Keywords

• Mental health education
• Suicide prevention training
• Community wellness programs
• Youth mental health
• Behavioral health awareness

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations via one-time or monthly recurring contributions through Pledge platform. Donors can contribute via credit card, stock donations, cryptocurrency, and Donor Advised Fund (DAF) payments.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships: Business partnerships including employee engagement programs, community investment initiatives, event sponsorship packages, and cause marketing campaigns with corporate partners like Microsoft, Kaiser, CarMax, CHOA.
3. Event Revenue: Gala events including sponsorship packages, silent auction contributions, and ticket sales. Annual A Brilliant Mind Gala targets $250,000 fundraising goal.
4. Merchandise Sales: Official Silence the Shame merchandise sold through BigCartel storefront including apparel and accessories.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Silence the Shame is a nonprofit organization that delivers mental health education, stigma-reduction programs, and suicide prevention training to communities, with a focus on Black and minority populations. It offers a portfolio of programs including wellness seminars, evidence-based training (Mental Health First Aid, QPR, CALM), community conversations, workplace wellness, and youth-focused initiatives, supported by a Microsoft-partnered mobile app, an animated series, and a podcast. The organization is funded through donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events.

Product overview

Silence the Shame is a grassroots nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of mental health education programs, digital content, and community events. Its core offerings include a mental health mobile app (developed with Microsoft), the animated series 'My Life is Worth Living,' a podcast, and signature programs such as Mental Wellness Seminars, Community Conversations, Workplace Wellness, and evidence-based training (Mental Health First Aid, QPR). Youth and young adult programming includes the Silence the Shame University (STSU), Youth Mental Wellness COPE Clinic, and Youth Advisory Council. Annual events include the A Brilliant Mind Gala and STSU Fest College Empowerment Summit. The organization also maintains a comprehensive mental health resource library and runs awareness campaigns such as Maternal Mental Health and 988 Suicide Prevention.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Youth Mental Wellness COPE Clinic: Youth mental wellness program providing workshops, self-care activities, and discussions for youth to learn about mental health, crisis signs, and coping skills.
• Silence the Shame University (STSU)
• A Brilliant Mind Gala
• My Life is Worth Living

Products and services

• Silence the Shame Mental Health Mobile App A mobile application dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and support, providing personalized mental health resources accessible to individuals and groups facing mental health challenges.
• My Life is Worth Living Animated Series World's first animated series about teen mental health and suicide prevention, comprising five character storylines across twenty episodes, produced in partnership with Wonder Media and The Cook Center for Human Connection with support from the Moody Foundation.
• Silence the Shame Podcast A podcast platform that expands mental health education and normalizes conversations around mental wellness through episodic content featuring expert interviews and personal stories.
• A Brilliant Mind Gala Annual signature fundraising event celebrating mental health champions, featuring an all-black sneaker ball format, auctions, and entertainment. The 5th Annual Gala is scheduled for October 8, 2026, at Zoo Atlanta, with a goal to raise $250,000.
• STSU Fest College Empowerment Summit Annual college empowerment summit engaging students in prioritizing well-being and learning peer support skills. The 3rd Annual STSU Fest is scheduled for August 26, 2026, at Morehouse College.
• Mental Wellness Seminars Signature wellness seminars delivered to eliminate mental health stigma, teach healthy coping strategies, and improve access to behavioral health resources for adults and community members.
• Evidence-Based Training Programs Training programs including Mental Health First Aid, Question Persuade & Refer (QPR), and Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), designed to equip individuals with suicide prevention and crisis response skills.
• Community Conversations Open forums and community discussions that normalize mental health conversations, break down stigma barriers, and inspire participants to seek help through shared stories and panel discussions.
• Workplace Wellness Program Corporate mental health outreach programs that curate safe spaces for employees to learn mental wellness strategies, including wellness activities and facilitated trainings offered as corporate partnerships.
• Silence the Shame University (STSU) College campus program engaging students in prioritizing well-being and supporting peers in accessing behavioral health resources, including workshops, self-care activities, and discussions.
• Youth Mental Wellness COPE Clinic Youth-focused program offering workshops, self-care activities, and discussions for young people to learn about mental health, crisis signs, and coping skills.
• Youth Advisory Council Youth and young adult advisory board (ages 13–26) that empowers youth voices, eliminates mental health stigma, and informs best practices and programming for peer groups.
• Self-Care Socials Community self-care events combining social activities with wellness programming to promote mental health and engage participants in healthy coping practices.
• Mental Health Resource Library Comprehensive collection of downloadable mental health guides and resources covering anxiety, depression, building healthy relationships, maternal mental health, workplace wellness, men's health, suicide prevention, and youth mental health.
• The Weight She Carried, The Support She Deserves Campaign Maternal mental health awareness campaign aimed at reducing shame around postpartum and maternal mental health struggles, providing resources and normalizing proactive care.
• 988 Suicide Prevention Campaign Partnership with the City of Atlanta to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and expand access to mental health crisis resources across the city.
• Silence the Shame Merchandise Store Official Silence the Shame merchandise sold through BigCartel storefront including apparel and accessories, with proceeds supporting mental health programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90,000,000+ social media impressions generated during inaugural campaign
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or Integration · 3 May 2024Innovative partnership with Microsoft, the largest vendor of computer software in the world, to develop and launch a revolutionary mobile app dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and support. Available on National Silence the Shame Day May 5th.
• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partnership for behavioral health initiatives and community mental health programs in Georgia.
• The Mental Health CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partnership to advance mental health awareness and resources.
• KaisermajorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 corporate partner providing workplace wellness and mental health support programs.
• CarMaxmajorGTM or Marketing Partner2025 corporate partner supporting mental health initiatives and community programs.
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner2025 partnership supporting youth mental health programming and community wellness initiatives.
• City of AtlantacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial partnership with City of Atlanta to fight mental health stigma and educate residents about mental health issues, highlighting disparities in care across the city.
• Atlanta Braves FoundationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to support youth mental health programming for Georgia's youth and families.
• Wonder MediacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create My Life is Worth Living animated series, the world's first animated series about teen mental health and suicide prevention.
• The Cook Center for Human ConnectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with support from the Moody Foundation to create the My Life is Worth Living animated series.
• Free Your Feels CampaignmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCampaign partnership to support youth mental health and encourage emotional expression.
• Atlanta MissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Atlanta Mission to support mental health and wellness for underserved populations.
• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to address mental health needs alongside healthcare services.
• Jack and Jill of America FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation partnership supporting family and youth mental health programming.
• Urban League of Greater AtlantamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Urban League to advance mental health in Black communities.
• State of GeorgiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to designate May 1st as Black Children's Mental Health Awareness Day in Georgia.
• CHRIS180, Hillside AtlantamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health nonprofit partners selected as beneficiaries for The Same House Beloved Benefit event.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): Nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers to Black emotional and mental health through education, training, and advocacy; highly comparable culturally competent lens, community dialogue programming, and Black-led mental health movement positioning.
• The Confess Project: Nonprofit training Black barbers to become mental health advocates, addressing stigma through culturally grounded community spaces; comparable community-trusted-channel approach to mental health stigma reduction in Black communities.
• The Steve Fund: Nonprofit dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, particularly students; highly comparable because both target Black/minority youth mental health stigma, education, and culturally competent resources, with overlapping higher-education and corporate partnerships.
• Active Minds: Nonprofit supporting young adult mental health through student-led chapters on 1,000+ college campuses; directly comparable to Silence the Shame University (STSU) and College Empowerment Summit programming, both targeting college student mental wellness and peer support.
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Founded by actress Taraji P. Henson to destigmatize and provide access to mental health services in the Black community; almost identical mission and target population as Silence the Shame, with celebrity-driven brand, school partnerships, and corporate alliances.
• The Loveland Foundation: Nonprofit providing financial support for Black women and girls to access therapy, plus related healing and educational programming; comparable as a culturally specific mental health nonprofit with therapy access programs, education, and high-profile partnerships in the same Black mental health space.
• JED Foundation: Nonprofit protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for teens and young adults through school-based programs and content; directly comparable on youth and young adult suicide prevention programming, school partnerships, and content-driven education.

Emerging players

• The Mental Health Coalition: Coalition of nonprofits, brands, and individuals reducing stigma around mental health; Silence the Shame is already a coalition partner, making this a directly adjacent peer with overlapping corporate partnerships and awareness campaign programming.

Broad incumbents

• Mental Health America: National nonprofit focused on mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention through screening tools (Mental Health America of Georgia is even referenced as a prior employer of Silence the Shame's Executive Director); comparable provider of community-based mental health education, advocacy, and awareness campaigns.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Largest US grassroots mental health nonprofit providing education, advocacy, and support groups for people affected by mental illness; comparable as a national nonprofit addressing mental health stigma and education across diverse communities, though lacking Silence the Shame's specific Black/minority cultural focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/silencethshame
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfHWB_s_mkoMXq7uuFYINTA/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/SilenceThShame
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/silence-the-shame
• Instagraminstagram.com/silencetheshame
• TikToktiktok.com/@silencetheshame
• Pinterestpinterest.com/SilencetheShame22

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Silence the Shame