The 72 Fund established the Donovan-Chien Family Professorship in the Field of Psychology at Harvard Medical School to further scholarship in the areas of obsessive-compulsive disorder, digital mental health, global mental health, anxiety, and depression. In addition, the professorship will advance the design of training programs and patient care outreach worldwide with the goal of maximizing reach.

Funding for Music Therapy Impact

The 72 Fund support for the Esperanza Academy’s Music Therapy Program sustains 64 students and our alumni community to experience and grow through the program. Because of this partnership, Esperanza can fund a full-time music therapist, provide over 25 students with 1:1 support, and provide every student with a weekly class as part of their curriculum. Music therapy is a potent catalyst for holistic well-being. It engages brain areas involved in emotional regulation, motivation, cognition, and motor function. Interventions designed and implemented by our board-certified music therapist help our students process emotions, be fully present in the classroom, and develop healthy relationships in the school community. Music therapy is particularly effective for Esperanza girls and their families because it integrates cultural practices and aligns with community values.

The 72 Fund Wellness Center

Esperanza Academy is an independent, all-girls, tuition-free school that believes deeply in the curative nature of the creative process and the healing potential of art, music, and movement. The 72 Fund Wellness Center will offer complimentary art, music, and movement therapies to help students, families, and alumni. Programming will help students work through things in their lives and develop into well-rounded learners and leaders. The support from The 72 Fund will allow for creative expression to expand our students’ social and emotional intelligence, allowing them to communicate their feelings and boost their confidence to interact with the world around them. Music, art, and movement are crucial components of a child’s development, and The 72 Fund will continue to enhance our comprehensive approach to wellness, which can dramatically improve both health and education outcomes for young people. The partnership will support moving to a new location, allowing Esperanza to increase wraparound support of graduates, add a lower school to our middle school, and increase creative therapies that boost the community’s resiliency.

An early commitment by The 72 Fund helped the Kingsley Montessori School raise the funds needed to purchase a permanent home.

Heart Strings was developed by UNICEF USA and sponsored by The 72 Fund as a family-friendly experience that provided a glimpse into the lives of children worldwide, fostering a unique opportunity for youth to learn from and be inspired by their peers. Through an immersive exhibition, participants explored UNICEF’s impact on children’s lives by interacting with multimedia and lighting effects and participating in the creation of inspiring music. Heart Strings traveled to four cities across the United States in 2024, shining a light on the world’s children and transcending borders, cultures, and languages to create a deeply moving and engaging experience for all ages. The 72 Fund’s support of the exhibit provided free access to Heart Strings for all youth ages 17 and under. 

The 72 Fund has helped advance youth leadership and participation in conversations around global development issues by supporting UNICEF’s International Council Partnership on Youth-Led Action. This innovative partnership aims to accelerate the work of young people making change and build the systems and structures for long-term youth change-making at the country, regional and global levels, including the development of an international youth council and promotion of youth participation at global conferences.

Humanitarian Aid

The 72 Fund has helped support UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts in various regions of the world:

UKRAINE

Rapidly deliver lifesaving emergency services in Ukraine after the onset of war in February 2022 and establish UNICEF-UNHCR “Blue Dot” Refugee Support Centers in neighboring countries to assist vulnerable children and families who were on the move and leaving everything behind.

POLAND

Facilitate tailored support for refugee families in Poland who fled the escalation of war in Ukraine, including access to mental health services and quality education to overcome trauma, renew a sense of stability and establish a pathway to recovery.

SYRIA & TÜRKIYE

Provide timely emergency support in Syria and Türkiye following the February 2023 earthquakes, such as safe water, hygiene kits and vaccines to children and their families, many of whom were already affected by years of protracted crisis and pre-existing humanitarian needs.

Elevating Young Humanitarians