Capitalize for Kids – Project Application

Thank you for your interest in applying for pro-bono consulting support from Capitalize for Kids (C4K) to improve child and youth mental health services in your community. To learn more about Capitalize for Kids and the types of projects we support, please refer to the FAQ below. On the next page, you will find the beginning of the project application.

1. Is my organization eligible to apply for services?

Non-profit organizations and registered charities based in Canada that provide services or programming in the Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) sector are eligible to apply.

Please note that for-profit entities are not eligible at this time.

2. How can Capitalize for Kids help my organization?

As Canada’s only team of expert management consultants tackling complex problems exclusively in the CYMH sector, Capitalize for Kids works with mental health agencies to create a more efficient, accessible system, so counsellors and therapists can focus on what matters most – the kids.

Since its inception in 2014, Capitalize for Kids has worked with over 70 CYMH agencies across 19 cities and regions in Canada, allowing them to collectively support over 1 million children and youth – and for us, that’s just the beginning.

C4K has an internal team of expert management consultants with a diverse set of experiences in various sectors including health, mental health, consulting, government, finance, and much more. We also have a network of subject matter experts we work closely with including, child psychiatrists, social workers, researchers, needs-based planning experts, and other.

C4K also partners with other management consulting firms who contribute resources to lead specific projects on a pro bono basis, selected based on expertise and capacity. These consulting partners are leaders in their respective fields and include:

3. What type of projects do Capitalize of Kids typically work on?

Capitalize for Kids has provided consulting services and funding to more than 75 community mental health service providers. Projects have four priority focuses:

To provide a few specific examples of recent and current C4K projects:

4. How does Capitalize for Kids select projects for pro bono services?

At Capitalize for Kids, we strive to create measurable and sustainable impact in the Child and Youth Mental Health sector.

Based on best practices and research on other quality improvement and impact measurement frameworks in the health and mental health care sectors, the Capitalize for Kids Impact Framework has been developed to prioritize and measure impact through the following domains:

Projects will be selected based on the project’s potential to impact, advance, or contribute to long-term improvements in domains of the Capitalize for Kids Impact Framework. In addition to expected impact, applications will be assessed on project feasibility and sustainability, resource capacity, and strategic alignment.

5. Does my application need to impact all five domains of the Impact Framework?

No– but Capitalize for Kids will prioritize projects that demonstrate potential for significant impact across each domain. However, we recognize that not all projects will equally impact all domains so projects will also be assessed on the magnitude of impact they are expected to create in any domain. Therefore, impact in all domains is not necessary to be eligible for pro bono services.

6. What does a typical project engagement look like?

While each project is unique based on the needs of the organization, they will typically follow a similar flow as outlined below:
Kickoff & Goal Setting: By working with your team to clarify the project scope, define success, and align on shared goals, we collaboratively ensure we’re focused on what matters most to your organization and the young people you serve.

7. What is my organization’s role and expectation during the consulting project?

Your organization will be expected to designate relevant team members to allocate time to working with and/or supporting the Capitalize for Kids team to successfully deliver the project. The time and level of effort for your team will be determined as part of the assessment and will vary depending on the project. Involvement may include participation in working groups or interviews, providing data and feedback, or facilitating implementation activities that should be led internally by staff (e.g., training).

8. Is my organization limited to applying to one project idea at a time?

No, you are not limited to only one application. C4K has completed multiple projects with the same organizations in the past and will continue to do so if there is alignment and impact. Please complete a separate application for each project idea.

9. Who should complete and submit the application?

The application should ideally be submitted by someone in a leadership role with a good understanding of the organization’s strategic priorities and operations (e.g., Executive Director, Program Director, or equivalent). Typically, this person will also serve as either the project sponsor or lead.

Before submitting the application, it is important to ensure there is organizational buy-in/approval to complete the project from your Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer.

10. Is there a charge for Capitalize for Kids services?

No, Capitalize for Kids offers pro bono consulting services for no charge through a team of internal consultants and external support from pro-bono consulting partners.

11. How is Capitalize for Kids funded to deliver pro bono consulting?

At Capitalize for Kids, our innovative funding model bridges philanthropy and social innovation to elevate the CYMH system in Canada.

We’re supported by our premier flagship events, which unite leaders from finance, business, and philanthropy to invest in better outcomes for kids. These events not only generate critical funds but also spark dialogue, build partnerships, and amplify our mission. Our work is further strengthened by a network of generous donors, passionate supporters, and purpose-driven corporate partners who share our vision for a more effective mental health system.

What sets our model apart is how we reinvest these resources: through pro bono consulting services delivered by our expert team to community child and youth mental health agencies. We focus on high-leverage opportunities—places where strategic improvements can unlock capacity, streamline operations, and ultimately help more children and youth get the timely, quality care they deserve.

12. Do your pro bono consulting services come with any funding for the solution?

On a case-by-case basis –

Capitalize for Kids has occasionally provided short-term, needs-based funding to support the implementation of solutions developed through our pro bono consulting engagements (e.g., user licenses for a pilot period).

Funding needs and any dependencies should be detailed in the initial application. Funding availability and amount will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on the project scope, potential for sustained impact, specific resource needs and feasibility, and availability of funding. Organizations are responsible for long-term sustainment of solutions. There should be no expectation to receive funding if you are selected for our pro bono services.

13. Who can I contact if I have questions before applying?

If you have questions about your organization’s eligibility, project idea, or the application process, please contact ryan@capitalizeforkids.com