Why Do You Suport Mental Health America?

Mental Health America recently surveyed its donors to better understand why individuals support the organization. The survey gathered information on the issues that matter to donors as well as their personal, biographical and philanthropic history. A random sample of 784 individuals, including current and former Mental Health America board and committee members and longtime and new donors, were included in the mail survey.

About two-thirds of respondents (64%) identify themselves as family members of someone with a mental health or substance use condition and a third (33%) reported a personal experience with such a condition. The majority (82%) identify themselves as advocates; about a fifth (21%) are involved with their local MHA affiliate. Most individuals connected with their local affiliate support the affiliate financially and 35% serve as board members.

One surprising finding, given the Electronic Age, is that although 93% of donors own a computer, the majority (74%) have never visited www.mentalhealthamerica.net. Less surprising are the mental health conditions ranked as most important:

1. Depression (73%)
2. Bipolar Disorder (57%)
3. Anxiety Disorders (50%)
4. Schizophrenia (43%)
5. Stress (43%)

When asked to list the three mental health issues of greatest importance, 78% identify “access to treatment” as the number one concern, followed by “educating the public and stigma reduction” at 23% and “closing the gap between mental and physical health” at 20%.

Demographic data was particularly interesting. Donors are mostly older, with a median age of 66. 91% are Caucasians, 60% are female, 74% have children and 64% are married or living as married. Mental Health America donors are also highly educated – 75% have a four-year degree or higher, as compared to 27% of the general population, and 45% have a master’s or doctorate degree.

Philanthropically, Mental Health America donors rank well above the national average: 52% donate at least $2,501 annually to charities and 31% donate $5,001 or more, compared to the average American household, which donates $1,620 annually. MHA donors also consider several things when making a donation to a health charity: a proven track record of effective advocacy (96%), a clear strategy for effecting change (90%), low administrative costs (86%) and support for research (80%).

The Board of Directors and staff of Mental Health America thank all those who took the time to complete this survey. It provided valuable insight into the people who make our work possible. For complete survey results, email giftoffice@mentalhealthamerica.net or call 703-838-7533.