2027 Frequently Asked Questions

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Background

What are the goals of the Innovation Awards?

The Innovation Awards program helps fill the funding gap in the under-resourced children’s mental health sector by providing runway for game-changing ideas. We seed fund selected nonprofits and elevate their work to other funders to help unlock additional capital for innovative projects in the children’s mental health field. We also offer leadership learning opportunities to help build capacity for nonprofits.

When is the next call for applications?

We anticipate the next call for applications in Summer 2026. Information will be provided here soon. Check back for updates or you can email us at acmhinnovation@morganstanley.com to be added to the email list. 

Contact Us

For additional questions about the Innovation Awards or to get added to our email distribution list for updates, please contact us at acmhinnovation@morganstanley.com.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Who can apply for the Innovation Awards? 

All registered 501(c)(3) public charities based in the U.S. with an annual total revenue under $5 million are eligible to apply to the program. Nonprofits with an annual total revenue over $5 million are not eligible. 

What projects are eligible?

We are looking for new or piloted projects from direct-service organizations that will help address the far-reaching challenge of stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues in children and young adults in the U.S. Projects must tackle specific issues and address unmet needs, with a goal of educating the public, reducing stigma, increasing access to care, enabling early identification/prevention, enhancing intervention, fostering peer support or strengthening social connection, especially among disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

How are the winners selected?

Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts in the mental health and grantmaking fields and are evaluated based on the equally weighted criteria below:

• Innovation: Applications must present an inventive solution for addressing unmet needs in children's mental healthcare, especially among disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.
• Expertise: Applications should outline executable services informed and/or delivered by mental health professionals, highlighting any related mental health expertise and evidence-based models. 
• Impact: Applications should offer measurable deliverables aimed at improving the state of children’s mental wellbeing, with a clear evaluation model and measurable outcomes.
• Potential: Applications will also be judged on the feasibility of replicating or scaling the proposed service to benefit children in broader communities.

Are local and regional projects eligible or do they need to be national?

A proposed project can be national, regional or local in scope. We are especially interested in projects that can potentially replicate or scale the service to benefit children and youth in broader communities.

Are international organizations eligible?

No, only U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities are eligible to apply.

Application Details

What are the key dates for the program?

We anticipate the next call for applications in summer 2026. Key dates for the upcoming Innovation Awards program are forthcoming.

If I applied for this program in previous years, can I apply again?

Yes, past applicants are welcome to apply again, especially with a new or enhanced proposal. You are encouraged to review the selection criteria and questions listed on our application form and prepare your new proposal accordingly. 

How many applications can each organization submit?

One application may be submitted per organization.

How are applications reviewed? Do I need to provide any further information?

Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts in the mental health and grantmaking fields based on the selection criteria stated above. You may be asked to provide further information on your organization and proposed project during the process. Decisions by the Alliance are discretionary and final.

When will I hear back about my application?

We will notify applicants of their status before we announce the next cohort of winners in spring/summer 2027.

Benefits of the Program

What are the potential benefits for winning organizations?

Winners will receive grants to pilot or scale their innovative work. In addition, they will receive leadership training from industry experts, build powerful connections and raise their profile.

How much funding is available?

Grants of $100,000 will be awarded to each Innovation Award winner and grants of $25,000 - $50,000 will be awarded to each Next Gen Innovation Award winner.  

Can funding cover overhead costs?

Funds will go directly to the proposed project and will not cover or contribute to any institutional overhead costs which are not directly related to the proposed project.

Are grants recurring or made on a one-time basis?

Grants are made on a one-time basis.

What are the opportunities for recognition?

After winners are announced, we will promote their innovative ideas through Morgan Stanley’s global communications channels.

Leadership Learning Series

What is the Leadership Learning Series?

The Leadership Learning Series is a virtual series of expert-led learning sessions and networking opportunities for a select group of applicants to support organizational growth, capacity-building, and effectiveness. Session topics may vary but have included funding strategy, impact measurement, decision-making, and partnerships and collaborations.

What are the goals of this series?

In response to the high volume of applications, this series aims to support more nonprofits beyond the winners with learning and networking opportunities. 

Will organizations selected for this series receive a grant?

No, only the winners will receive a grant. Participants in this series will receive in-kind support.

Who is eligible for this series?

All Innovation Awards applicants, which must be registered 501(c)(3) public charities based in the U.S., can indicate their interest in joining this series on their application. Note that this series is aimed primarily at small and mid-sized nonprofits and/or those that have identified a crucial need to grow their organizations and connect with peers.

How do I apply for this series?

On the Innovation Awards application form, you will be asked to indicate your interest in joining this series. A select group of applicants will be invited to join this series.

When will I hear back after indicating my interest in joining this series?

Your indication of interest does not constitute an official enrollment in this series. We will review all applications and invite a select group of applicants to join this series.

Pro Bono Consulting Opportunities

What are pro bono consulting opportunities?

For the 2027 program, we may explore potential opportunities for Morgan Stanley employees to provide pro bono strategic advice to a select group of applicants, subject to volunteer skillsets and availability. 

What is the goal of pro bono consulting?

Pro bono consulting is intended to help nonprofit organizations address important strategic questions that may support their mission and increase their impact.

Who is eligible for pro bono consulting?

Innovation Awards applicants that are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities with an annual total revenue of $1 million to $5 million and have more than two years in operation may indicate their interest in potential pro bono consulting, should Morgan Stanley volunteers with relevant skillsets and availability be identified.

How do we indicate our interest in pro bono consulting?

As part of the Innovation Awards application form, eligible organizations will be asked to indicate their interest in potential pro bono consulting and to describe a strategic question for which they might seek support.

What kinds of strategic questions are suitable for pro bono consulting?

Strategic questions should focus on issues that are important to advancing your organization’s mission and impact, such as program alignment, effective business models, scaling, organizational growth or pricing strategy. Please note that pro bono consulting does not extend to fundraising strategy, investment products, program or service development, impact measurement, or advice on investment portfolios.

What is required if our organization is interested in pro bono consulting?

On the Innovation Awards application form, eligible organizations will be asked to estimate how much time a senior leader and/or project manager could dedicate to working with Morgan Stanley volunteers over the course of a potential project (if volunteers become available). Organizations should be prepared to engage with volunteers in a timely manner—such as providing relevant information and data, making introductions to appropriate staff, and joining meetings as needed.

When will we hear back after indicating our interest in pro bono consulting?

Indicating interest and submitting information does not guarantee the availability of volunteers or the provision of pro bono services. We will review all submissions and explore potential pro bono consulting opportunities with a select group of applicants by spring/summer 2027.