Investment Priorities
Photos courtesy of UNICEF (above and below right); and Esperanza School (below middle)
MENTAL HEALTH
EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT
HUMANITARIAN AID
Mental Health
The 72 Fund’s interest in mental health stems from Megan’s personal experience living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Through her experience, Megan gained insights into the pervasive and complex ways that OCD can affect people’s day-to-day lives and saw first-hand the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for treating the condition. Megan is particularly concerned with the impact that war, natural disasters, and other forms of upheaval have on children and is exploring ways technology could be deployed to help young people facing trauma.
Megan seeks to shed greater light on the complex web of conditions that lead to mental illness; to lessen the stigma associated with mental health conditions; and to promote innovative therapies, including art and music therapy, to help young people thrive.
“The 72 fund focuses on new initiatives in global mental health, supports cutting edge research, provides state of the art education, and offers much needed emergency relief. It sponsors big ideas that will reduce human suffering, employs groundbreaking methods, and it’s impact will be felt worldwide.”
Additional Resources
Educational Advancement
The 72 Fund believes that all children deserve access to a great education. The 72 Fund has invested in a range of educational programs at various levels. These include local Boston and international K–12 initiatives as well as a psychology professorship at Harvard Medical School. In addition to investing in academics, The 72 Fund seeks to instill a spirit of kindness and giving in the next generation by creating school-based programs that encourage young changemakers to think beyond themselves.
“We know that constant stress from living with poverty damages bodies at a cellular level. But we also know that music heals, movement restores, and art inspires. Transformative support from The 72 Fund is helping Esperanza Academy take a comprehensive approach to wellness that will dramatically improve health and education outcomes for our middle school girls. Creative therapies expand our students’ social and emotional expression, allowing them to communicate their feelings and boost their confidence to interact with the world around them. Our work to address the interconnected challenges of poverty is comprehensive and nuanced, but we feel seen by this partnership with The 72 Fund. Together, this meaningful investment in thoughtful spaces to process, learn, and practice facets of a healthy lifestyle will support the well-being of our students and graduates now and throughout their lives.”
Humanitarian Aid
When an earthquake strikes, a war breaks out, or families are forced to migrate from their homes, children are among the most vulnerable. Through its work with Unicef and other humanitarian organizations, The 72 Fund seeks to provide resources to alleviate the harm caused to children’s mental and physical well-being. Beyond providing much-needed resources, Megan, who spent many years working around the world, often rolls up her sleeves to support programs that serve children and to advocate for the organizations that provide critical services and essential supplies to regions in crisis.
“Megan founded the 72 Fund in honor of her late father. It’s safe to say she’s making him proud.
The 72 Fund has made a meaningful, tangible difference for children and families around the world. The Fund has supported UNICEF’s responses earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and the war in Ukraine where UNICEF reached nearly 3 million children and caregivers in Ukraine and border countries like Poland with mental health and psychosocial support. Collaboration with organizations like The 72 Fund means UNICEF can reach more children, families and communities with lifesaving supplies and support when they need it most.
UNICEF is able to respond quickly to these crises because of supporters like Megan, whose innovative leadership, dedication and fierce benevolence fuel the power of the 72 Fund to help meet the critical needs of children globally.”