About
Active Minds is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the conversation around mental health by mobilizing youth and young adults. Founded by Alison Malmon after the suicide of her older brother, Brian, the organization works through a nationwide network of student-led chapters, national programs, and advocacy to transform mental health norms across society. It reports reaching more than 8 million young adults each year.
Mission
Active Minds works to change the conversation around mental health, mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society.
What they do
- A chapter network of more than 500 student-led chapters at high schools and colleges
- Send Silence Packing, a traveling exhibit that has made 350 stops across 15 years
- A.S.K. (Acknowledge, Support, Keep-in-Touch), a framework for supporting peers emotionally
- A Speakers Bureau whose speakers have been heard by more than 1 million youth and adults
- K-12 initiatives providing mental health curriculum and resources for schools
- Youth leadership programs, including the Mental Health Advocacy Academy and Institute
- Cause + Career, a platform for exploring mental health careers, used by 2,700 youth
History
Alison Malmon founded the organization in 2001 at the University of Pennsylvania, initially as Open Minds, following the suicide of her older brother, Brian, in 2000. It was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in December 2003, and its IRS tax exemption was issued in March 2004 according to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Scale and impact
Figures published on the organization's website:
- More than 8 million young adults reached annually
- More than 500 high school and college chapters
- 2,564 K-12 schools reached in 867 days, exceeding its goal of 1,000 schools in 1,000 days
- More than 1 million people have heard Active Minds speakers
- More than 200 students have participated in the Mental Health Advocacy Academy
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 Active Minds Inc reported total revenue of $8,992,888, total expenses of $9,795,695, and net assets of $12,080,735. Contributions accounted for $8,000,704 (89% of revenue), with program services revenue of $625,420 and investment income of $416,049.
Governance
Active Minds Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 20-0587172) led by Founder and Executive Director Alison Malmon. Senior staff listed on its fiscal year 2025 filing include Laura Horne, Chief Program Officer, and Estrella Levy, Chief Operating Officer.