Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health and Transition Support with the Outer Circle Foundation

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Zach Young, we sit down with Matt Payne, co-founder of the Outer Circle Foundation. Matt shares his powerful journey from a U.S. Air Force combat controller and retired law enforcement chief to launching a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military veterans and first responders. He delves into the Foundation's critical mission focused on PTSD awareness, suicide prevention, and career transition support, explaining how his own experiences with loss and his deep faith inspired him to create a tangible solution for those who have served.Matt provides a candid look at the realities of starting and running a nonprofit, from the initial hurdles of securing 501(c)(3) status to the strategic growth that has expanded their impact. He discusses the Foundation's evolution, including its pivot to assist Afghan allies during the 2021 crisis and its return to its core mission. The conversation also covers their goals for breaking the stigma around mental health as a workplace injury for first responders and how building the right partnerships and board is key to scaling their vital work.