The Emergency Bridge Fund provides rapid, stabilizing assistance for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric or life disruption. It is designed to prevent gaps in treatment, safety, or basic needs during moments when even a small amount of support can determine whether someone remains safe, housed, and able to continue care. This fund fills the critical window between crisis and longer-term solutions: offering practical, compassionate relief while a person regains footing and awaits review for a potential Rumi Mind Scholarship.
Scope
The Bridge Fund offers a one-time, grant (currently at $1,000) to cover essential living needs such as rent, food, transportation, utilities, or temporary safety-related expenses. It does not cover clinical services or treatment costs. Funds exist solely to help stabilize the individual during acute vulnerability or transition.
Duration
Support is provided as a single disbursement per incident. Applicants may be considered again in the future if a new, unrelated crisis arises, though repeat funding is not guaranteed. The goal is rapid stabilization, not ongoing or monthly support.
Eligibility
Applicants must be referred or attested by a treating mental-health provider who can confirm the presence of an acute need and active engagement in treatment. Eligible individuals demonstrate financial hardship that threatens housing, safety, continuity of care, or essential functioning. As the bridge fund for the program's flagship scholarship, applicants for this fund need to be good candidates for the scholarship,
Selection Process
After provider referral, the Foundation conducts a brief review to verify eligibility and urgency. Decisions are made quickly by the Board or delegated Program Committee. When needed, the Foundation may request a short follow-up call or additional clarification to confirm appropriate fit and immediacy of need.
Next Steps
Recipients are generally then guided toward the Rumi Mind Scholarship for longer-term stabilization and mentorship. Receiving Bridge Fund support neither obligates nor guarantees movement into the scholarship pathway, but it can act as a bridge for applicants whose crisis relief reveals a need for sustained support.
How to Apply
THE APPLICATION WINDOW IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. However you or your provider can use the form below to be added to the list to be informed when the next round of applications open up.
The first step in applying for the bridge fund is a referral from your treating provider. Your clinician should email a brief referral letter to referral@rm.foundation, confirming your engagement in treatment and recommending you for consideration.
Once the referral is received, the Foundation will contact both you and your provider with the next steps, which may include completing an application, submitting a personal statement, and providing brief documentation of financial circumstances. Our team will guide you through each part of the process and ensure you have the support needed to complete your application.