- Share
-
-
-
-
The National Council proudly partners with organizations that share its mission to build healthier, more resilient communities. One such partner, the KPMG U.S. Foundation, is helping expand access to mental health education and support nationwide. Through Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and the AI Impact Initiative, KPMG is driving innovative, people-centered solutions that strengthen community wellbeing. We spoke with Anita Whitehead, president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation, about its philanthropic priorities, commitment to mental health, and how technology and AI are transforming social impact.
What inspired KPMG to prioritize mental health in its philanthropic work?
“Our people-first mindset drives us to address the most pressing challenges facing the communities where our employees live and work. Through our corporate responsibility efforts and the KPMG U.S. Foundation, we’re working to increase awareness and reduce stigma. We’re also making mental health services more accessible and providing training and support for providers. Mental health sits at the intersection of our core values and our mission to create a world with greater access and opportunities for all.”
What about the National Council’s mission resonated with KPMG?
“The National Council for Mental Wellbeing stood out to us due to its remarkable scale and impact. It represents more than 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations that serve over 15 million children, adults and families. Additionally, its MHFA program demonstrates the kind of scalable, evidence-based solution that can create lasting change in communities nationwide.”
How does supporting MHFA further KPMG’s corporate responsibility goals?
“Supporting MHFA aligns with KPMG’s goals by fostering healthier, more resilient communities. MHFA teaches people how to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. It reduces stigma and increases access to care. This initiative strengthens our social-impact partnerships and advances our mission to create opportunities for all by addressing a critical barrier to wellbeing and economic participation.”
Why did KPMG focus on building MHFA Instructor capacity as a strategy to strengthen community mental health?
“By training more Instructors and First Aiders, the National Council can reach more communities and connect more people to mental health support when they need it. This strategy helps address the rising demand for mental health and substance use education and prevention across the U.S., while creating sustainable, long-term infrastructure. Training Instructors gives communities local champions who can deliver accessible mental health education for years to come. Our investment can create lasting change.”
How does our work align with the goals of KPMG’s AI Impact Initiative?
“The KPMG AI Impact Initiative aligns well with the National Council’s work. We share a commitment to expanding access to mental health support and meeting rising community needs. Through our collaboration, the National Council is using AI to enhance the delivery of MHFA training. We’re improving operational efficiency and content delivery so that more communities nationwide are equipped with scalable, data-informed mental health education. This allows the National Council to meet rising demand while ensuring quality and consistency.”
How do you see technology and AI helping nonprofits like ours better serve communities and advance mental wellbeing?
“AI and emerging technologies have huge potential to help mental health organizations do more with limited resources. As we’re seeing, AI can enhance administrative efficiency, improve data analysis for better decision-making and enable more personalized interventions at scale. For organizations like the National Council, AI can improve training delivery, identify gaps in service coverage and predict where resources are needed most. The key is maintaining a human-in-the-loop approach. AI should augment, not replace, the critical human connection at the heart of mental health care.”
At the National Council, we are guided by our vision that mental wellbeing — including recovery from substance use — is a reality for everyone, everywhere. Your support helps turn that vision into action. Give today and help more people access the care they deserve.
