Mission
Based in Canada and open to the world, the Graham Boeckh Foundation (GBF) is a catalyst for transformational changes that significantly improve the lives of people living with, or at risk of, mental illness.
GBF is a private foundation created by J. Anthony Boeckh and his family in 1990. Our goal is to transform the mental health system and the services provided by initiating, funding and facilitating a suite of strategic initiatives. These projects foster collaboration, break down silos within the mental health sector, and place patients and families at the centre of care.
We improve mental health outcomes by prioritizing three main areas:
40%
Mental illness’ share of the burden of disease in rich countries; far higher than cancer or cardiovascular disease.
75%
Mental illness’ share of the burden of disease for ages 15 to 29; by far their dominant health issue.
1/3
Fraction of those affected by mental illness who receive proper treatment in developed countries. (WHO)
History
Graham Boeckh grew up as a friendly and passionate boy; he was an accomplished athlete, outdoorsman and student whose life began to unravel as the symptoms of schizophrenia took hold. He died at the age of 22 from neuroleptic malignant syndrome due to complications from medication.
The health system failed Graham as it has countless others: poor access, misdiagnoses and improper care and supervision. That’s why our family is determined to improve how patients and families are treated.
1990
1996
1998
2009
2010
2012
2012
2013
2014
2015
2015
2017
2017
2018
2018
2020
2020
2020
2021
2021
2022
2022
2022
2023
2024
Honouring Graham
J. Anthony Boeckh and his family establish the Graham Boeckh Foundation (GBF) in honour of his son, Graham, who passed away due to schizophrenia-related complications.
Graham Boeckh Chair funded
Raymonde and Tony Boeckh establish a chair in schizophrenia research at McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. They worked together as co-chairs of the Board of Directors for many years and were the initial drivers of the Foundation. Raymonde, a tireless and passionate advocate for improving the lives of those suffering from mental illness, retired from the Board at the end of 2016, having made major contributions to the Foundation’s development.
Dr. Guy Rouleau named inaugural Graham Boeckh Chairholder
Dr. Rouleau brings his world-renowned expertise in molecular genetics to researching the genetic causes of schizophrenia.
International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders established
GBF and partners pioneered the International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders (IAMHRF) to increase the impact of research investments and promote collaboration in research funding. The IAMHRF’s membership includes many of the largest and most innovative mental health research funders across the world. GBF provided leadership for and was the administrative host of the IAMHRF until May 2024.
Dr. Samarthji Lal Annual Award for Mental Health Research established
GBF creates an award to honour the renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Lal, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Graham Boeckh Chair in Schizophrenia Studies. The annual award recognizes an outstanding Canadian psychiatric researcher, with a focus on major mental disorders.
James D. Hughes appointed President of GBF
Mr. Hughes brings his extensive knowledge and experience working in social services to the GBF team.
Pan-Canadian Research-to-Practice Initiative in Youth Mental Health launched
Transformational Research in Adolescent Mental Health (TRAM), a patient-oriented network, launches. GBF and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) collaborate to fund this unique public/private partnership with the objective of transforming the system of mental healthcare for young people.
Mental Health and Wellness Affinity Group created
GBF, with the help of Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC), establishes the Mental Health and Wellness Affinity Group (MHWAG). MHWAG is comprised of major Canadian-based philanthropic foundations that have come together to foster collective learning opportunities, knowledge exchange and collaborative funding initiatives.
Pan-Canadian network in youth mental health funded
ACCESS Open Minds, led by Dr. Ashok Malla, is chosen as the successful TRAM Network through a competitive process. The goal of the network is to transform youth mental healthcare in Canada.
Ian Boeckh appointed President of GBF
Ian Boeckh becomes President of the Foundation, building off his professional background in the area of economics and finance.
Foundry (BC Integrated Youth Services Initiative) is created
GBF co-develops and co-funds Foundry with the government of British Columbia and Dr. Steve Mathias. Foundry, the BC Integrated Youth Services Initiative, is aimed at transforming how young people access mental health and social services throughout the province.
Frayme is established
GBF helps to establish Frayme, an international knowledge translation platform for youth mental health funded through the Canadian Networks of Centres of Excellence International Knowledge Translation Platforms Program.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario launched
GBF co-creates and co-funds Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) with the Ontario government and other philanthropic foundations. YWHO is the Ontario Integrated Youth Services initiative.
Aire ouverte launched
GBF partners with the Québec government to help develop and fund Aire ouverte, the network of Integrated Youth Services for the province of Québec. Aire ouverte offers resources, services and supports for young people aged 12 to 25.
IAMHRF grows into an established, membership-based network
The International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders, which was founded and managed by GBF, formalises its governance structure and adopts a membership-based model. Over 20 governmental, philanthropic, charitable and industry research funders join the network and collaborate on key projects through working groups.
GBF and Bell Let’s Talk unveil a $10 million partnership
GBF and Bell Let’s Talk announce a partnership to invest $10 million to advance and develop Integrated Youth Services (IYS) across Canada. The partnership’s first donation will support Aire ouverte, Québec’s network of IYS.
IAMHRF launches Common Measures initiative to harmonize mental health data
Partnering with the National Institute of Mental Health and Wellcome Trust, the International Alliance of Mental Health Research Funders facilitates a historic agreement between research funders and publishers to adopt an initial set of common scales for measuring mental health symptoms and functioning. Other participating organizations include Grand Challenges Canada, UKRI - Medical Research Council, MQ Mental health research, The Lancet Psychiatry, JAMA Psychiatry, One Mind and Movember. The IAMHRF was founded and managed by GBF.
Huddle Manitoba launched
GBF, through the Bell-GBF partnership, co-develops and co-funds Huddle Manitoba with the Manitoba government. This Integrated Youth Services initiative will establish new youth hubs across the province. The project is also funded by other philanthropic organizations, including United Way Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Foundation, RBC and the Moffat Family Fund, and Shared Health.
Graham Boeckh Foundation receives SIRS Award
GBF is honoured to have been chosen as the recipient of the 2021 President’s Award from the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS). This award is in recognition of the Foundation’s dedication and support for research that will improve the lives of people with mental illness. GBF is grateful to SIRS and the Society’s President, Dame Til Wykes. The Award page can be accessed here.
All In for New Brunswick’s Children and Youth
GBF, through the Bell-GBF partnership, joins the New Brunswick government and the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB region, to co-create and co-fund the Regional Strategic Coordinator Project in Kent County and Miramichi. The Regional Strategic Coordinators will help to organize community-based services to ensure children and youth aged 13-21 facing mental health and addiction challenges can get the supports they need to realize their full potential. The project will help ensure integration of the community sector with the Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) teams.
IYS-Net launched
GBF and CIHR have partnered to develop Integrated Youth Services Network of Networks (IYS-Net), which is a large, pan-Canadian initiative to support the development of IYS initiatives as learning health systems. IYS-Net will fund capacity for provincial and territorial IYS initiatives to undertake research, innovation, and knowledge mobilization, underpinned by investment in data infrastructure and pan-Canadian collaboration.
Partnership to develop Aire ouverte as a learning health system
A $4.7 million, 5-year partnership between the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and GBF, in collaboration with the Quebec learning health system support unit, has been launched to develop Aire ouverte as a learning health system. The initiative will generate data and knowledge, support a culture of continuous improvement, and, more broadly, conduct research on the health and well-being of young people.
Saskatchewan commits to IYS
The Government of Saskatchewan commits $3.4M to an IYS initiative and announces that John Howard Society will lead the development and implementation of a provincial network. At least three integrated youth hubs will be established. GBF has been working closely with the Saskatchewan government for several years to develop this initiative and looks forward to continuing to work with the government and other stakeholders, including philanthropic partners, to ensure the success of the project. Click here to learn more about the IYS initiative in Saskatchewan.
Nova Scotia commits to IYS
The Government of NS announces a $3.2 million investment in a provincial IYS initiative. The project, which is housed at IWK in Halifax, will create eight youth hubs over the course of four years, each providing a range of services to youth and young adults. GBF is working closely with stakeholders in NS, including IWK and our philanthropic partners, to support the development of the initiative.
NB commits to IYS
The Government of NB announces a $4M commitment to a provincial IYS initiative which will support the development and implementation of a network of six youth wellness hubs across the province. Each hub will provide youth and young adults aged 12-24 access to a number of health and social services. The initiative is housed and led by the Canadian Mental Health Association of NB and co-funded by GBF and other philanthropic partners.
