The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced a slate of grants to advance mental health and well-being for infants and mothers. More than $2 million will be awarded to six national and local nonprofits in Georgia and Montana. These grants aim to strengthen critical support networks, promote early intervention, and address the unique challenges caregivers and communities face. 

Over the past three years, the Blank Family Foundation has been on a learning journey in the mental health and well-being space, working closely with experts to identify pressing needs and to explore innovative philanthropic solutions. This latest round of grants focuses on infant and maternal mental health, recognizing that early intervention is key. Research from the nonprofit Zero to Three shows that fostering well-being from the earliest stages of life—during pregnancy for mothers and infancy for babies—creates a strong foundation for long-term mental health. 

“We are thrilled to support these incredible organizations that align with our ongoing commitment to mental health and well-being,” said Beth Brown, managing director, Mental Health and Well-Being, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “Recent reports from Mindful Philanthropy and the White House have underscored the urgent need for greater investment in maternal and infant mental health, an often-overlooked crisis that affects families and communities for generations. One in five mothers face mental health challenges during or after pregnancy, with many going undiagnosed and untreated, highlighting the critical gaps in care that we must address. 

“Our funding reflects a strategic investment in prevention, ensuring mothers and children have access to early, culturally responsive care that fosters healthy emotional bonds. By tackling systemic inequities—such as fragmented healthcare systems, racial disparities and gaps in insurance coverage—we aim to help mothers provide the stable, nurturing care children need for lifelong well-being. We are inspired by the transformative potential of these programs, which not only improve outcomes for individual families but also create a ripple effect that strengthens communities.” 

Since 1977, Zero to Three (ZTT) has championed mental health initiatives for infants, recognizing that the earliest years of life are critical for long-term well-being. With a $1 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, ZTT will continue leading state-wide coalitions and advocating for stronger policies and increased resources to support the mental health of young children and their families. 

ZTT is known for translating complex early childhood development research into practical tools for parents and early childcare professionals. The organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that every baby holds unlimited potential, but the window to build a solid foundation for future success is brief. In the first three years of life, a child’s brain forms up to one million new connections per second—connections that are strengthened through positive, consistent experiences and healthy relationships. 

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) will receive $300,000 to support initiatives dedicated to improving maternal and infant health across the state. HMHBGA will particularly focus on Georgia’s complex healthcare landscape as it faces limited Medicaid expansion, healthcare provider shortages and inadequate data transparency. HMHBGA is working to improve access to prenatal and preventative healthcare for women, children and families through direct service, advocacy, research, and community and professional education. 

The Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Montana (HMHB-MT) will also receive $300,000 to support its mission to build a unified, statewide network of comprehensive maternal and child health services. With a focus on early relational health, HMHB-MT focuses on several key areas: resource connection, policy and advocacy, training and technical assistance, and strategic communications. 

A $350,000 grant will support the Maternal Mental Health Equity Fund (MMHEF)‘s network of seven nonprofit sites across the U.S. Each site offers maternal, and family mental health care models developed by Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. By offering unrestricted funding, technical assistance, evaluation support, and peer-learning opportunities, the fund seeks to strengthen nonprofits’ ability to provide these essential services to families within their communities. 

Lastly, $50,000 each will go to the Lullaby Project by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute and Motherhood Beyond Bars (MBB). The grant to the Lullaby Project will support the program’s mission to pair caregivers and expecting parents with professional artists to create personal lullabies for their babies. This project supports maternal health, childhood development and the parent-child bond through lullabies, which have proven to enhance infant well-being by improving their heart and respiratory rates and promoting better sleep. The grant to MBB will support the nonprofit’s mission to focus on the specific needs of pregnant women and mothers in prison. MBB offers maternal health services, prenatal and postpartum education, parenting classes and reentry support to help maintain the critical bond between mothers and their children.