Updates from the Anxiety & Depression Initiative and new insights from Movement & Mental Health.
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| | A Note from the President |
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Summer is a reminder that movement does not have to be complicated. An evening walk, time outdoors, or participation in a community activity can support mental well-being and connection.
Physical activity is one of the most practical and accessible ways to support mental health. That's why we remain committed to funding and promoting programs that help people build healthier, more connected lives through movement. The ADI’s 2026 Get Out and Get Active Grant cycle is now in the Full Proposal phase. A select group of organizations is currently developing detailed proposals for projects that use physical activity to support mental health. We look forward to learning more about their ideas and the communities they intend to serve.
Every grant we award and every conversation we encourage helps raise awareness of the important connection between physical activity and mental health.
Thank you for following our work and supporting the ADI’s mission. |
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— Matthew Miller
President & CEO
The Anxiety and Depression Initiative, Inc. |
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| | Why Group Activities Can Reduce Isolation and Loneliness |
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Loneliness is not always about being physically alone. Group activities that include movement can create a low-pressure way to connect with others, build familiarity, and feel part of something shared. Even small, repeated moments of participation can help make connection feel possible again. |
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| | Why Movement Feels Hard When Mental Health Is Struggling |
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When anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or burnout affect energy and motivation, even small amounts of movement can feel overwhelming. This article explains why that happens and offers a more compassionate approach built around realistic, manageable steps.
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| | What Counts as Physical Activity? More Than You Think |
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Physical activity is not limited to workouts, gyms, or organized exercise. Walking, stretching, gardening, dancing, household tasks, and other everyday forms of movement can all count. This article explores how a broader, more welcoming view of movement can make its mental health benefits feel more accessible.
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| | We appreciate you being a part of our community and want to make sure that you are kept informed about news that is important to the ADI and it's mission |
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| | Selected Organizations Invited to Submit Full Proposals |
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The 2026 Get Out and Get Active Grant cycle has entered its next phase. After reviewing the submitted Concept Notes, the ADI invited a select group of organizations to develop Full Proposals. These applicants are now working to provide more detail about their proposed projects, implementation plans, budgets, and anticipated community impact. Full Proposals are due in August, after which the ADI will continue its review and finalist selection process. Click Here to Find Out More ➔ |
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2025 Grant Recipient Launches Paddleboarding Therapy Program |
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Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Inc., the ADI’s 2025 Get Out and Get Active Grant recipient, is preparing to launch a stand-up paddleboarding therapy group for youth in Illinois. Grant funding is helping purchase paddleboards and safety equipment for the program, which will use movement and outdoor activity to support mindfulness, confidence, emotional regulation, teamwork, and resilience.
The program is expected to begin in August and reflects the ADI’s commitment to community-based approaches that connect physical activity and mental health. Click Here to Find Out More ➔ |
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Help Us Strengthen the ADI Advisory Board |
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The ADI is continuing to seek thoughtful, mission-aligned individuals to serve on our Advisory Board. Advisory Board members share their knowledge, perspective, and professional experience to help strengthen our grantmaking, education, outreach, and long-term development. We are especially interested in connecting with people who have experience in mental health, physical activity, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, communications, fundraising, community programs, or related fields. This is an opportunity to contribute to the ADI’s mission without taking on the governance responsibilities of a trustee. Interested individuals can learn more and complete the interest form on our website. Click Here to Find Out More ➔ |
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| | Share this newsletter with those that might find our mission interesting and encourage them to join our email list. The louder we shout the greater the change. |
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2026 Grant Cycle is Underway |
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We are currently working with a select group of organizations in the development of full proposals for the 2026 grant cycle. Get signed up for our newsletter to keep informed about next year's cycle. |
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| | All donations big or small, go a long way to help support our mission to promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. |
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If someone shared this newsletter with you and you have not already joined our email list, please do so today! |
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| | Copyright © 2026 The Anxiety & Depression Initiative, Inc.
The Anxiety & Depression Initiative promotes physical activity as an accessible and practical pathway to improved mental health.
Check Out Our Website at: www.TheADI.org
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