Missouri will receive at least $10 million a year for 10 years from Meta — with the potential to grow to $15 million — to address the mental and social harms youth have experienced through Facebook and Instagram. For the Missouri Fund IRL Coalition, this isn’t a surprise ending. It’s the result of years of work by national and state Fund IRL coalition members. 
A Long Time Coming
The Missouri Fund IRL Coalition, led by the Missouri AfterSchool Network, has focused on laying the groundwork so that if Missouri received settlement funds from social media companies, those dollars would go to the youth who were harmed. The coalition is affiliated with the national Fund IRL campaign, an initiative of the Children’s Funding Project. The national settlement language directly reflects the recommendations that Fund IRL has championed throughout the legal process.
The Missouri Fund IRL Coalition thanks Attorney General Hanaway and her office for joining the Meta lawsuit and encourages her to ensure that the funds go to benefit Missouri youth.
What the Coalition Has Pushed For
MO Fund IRL’s mission is simple: make sure social media settlement funds directly benefit the school-age youth who were harmed. Addictive platforms have taken time away from the enriching, in-real-life experiences that positive youth development programs provide. 
Fund IRL has pushed for funding across three areas:
- In Real Life Alternatives — positive youth development programs, before- and after-school and summer learning and enrichment programs, outdoor education, sports, arts, and faith- and community-based programs
- Safe Digital Engagement — age-appropriate digital citizenship initiatives
- Mental Health Services and Supports — training for youth-serving professionals, educators, and peers to improve early detection, screening, and referrals for care
Positive youth development works as both an antidote and a prevention tool. Positive relationships with peers and adults help heal the harm incurred by youth. And kids engaged in something fun, relevant, and meaningful are spending time IRL instead of on their phones. Missouri Fund IRL Coalition’s membership reflects a broad range of advocates, including education, mental health, and out-of-school time providers such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, 4-H, school clubs, and community-based organizations across the state.
What’s Next: Phase II
With the settlement secured, the coalition is moving into Phase II — working with the AG’s Office to make sure this investment translates into real impact for Missouri’s youth.
Join the update meeting. Thursday, September 3 at 10 a.m., the coalition will share an update on the settlement and what Phase II looks like. Register here.
Can’t make it? Sign up for the Missouri Fund IRL newsletter to stay connected to future coalition updates.
