Help Us Build
a Safety Net

Why we need your support now

In April, an Executive Order directed federal agencies to fast-track research and pathways for psychedelic therapies, and the Food and Drug Administration is now reviewing psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) for treatment-resistant depression, with approval expected by the end of this year or early next. This is a potentially exciting advance amidst a mental-health crisis. 

Along with public interest, however, FDA approval could increase curiosity and a sense of safety that may leapfrog understanding of risk and respect for these incredibly powerful substances. Use likely will continue to increase, the vast majority beyond the parameters of the narrow and tightly controlled, approved treatment. 

Many people have positive, even life-changing, experiences with psychedelics. But roughly 9-percent of people experience extended difficulties like anxiety or derealization; about 7-percent have thoughts or attempts of hurting oneself or another; and nearly 3-percent – the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of people – seek post-trip emergency or medical care. And use is highest among young adults, who also appear most prone to adverse events. 

Safety scaffolding, from trained first responders to honest decision-making support and public education, hasn't kept pace.

That's the gap we're working to close.

Sources: RAND (2026); Simonsson et al., Journal of Affective Disorders (2023); American College Health Association (2021).

Why we do this work

Our family founded the William G. Nash Foundation to honor the life and legacy of Will Nash, a bright, creative and adventurous college senior and budding entrepreneur.

In Will's memory, we work to keep young people safe by supporting harm reduction efforts and psychedelic safety, and we back student entrepreneurs building ventures with social impact, just as Will did.

The William G. Nash Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals: family, friends and supporters who believe in this work. We have no paid staff, and in 2025, more than 98 cents of every dollar we spent went directly to our programs.

Your support will help us continue this work.

Ways to give >

Looking ahead to 2027

Currently, psychedelic use is growing faster than its support systems.

The beginnings of a psychedelic safety-net are forming but more is needed. With your support, here are examples of the work we want to help grow:

Help us continue this work

We're inviting you to help the William G. Nash Foundation weave a safety net to support the health and wellbeing of young people, not only on college campuses, but everywhere.

There are many ways to give. Whether it's a one-time gift, an employer match, a gift of stock, or a grant from your donor-advised fund or IRA, every gift helps keep young people safe.

Ways to give >

You can view recent examples of the foundation’s work here.