INTERVIEW: Cooper Alan Launches New Foundation to Support Mental Health Awareness

Photo Credit: Curt Simshauser

Country star Cooper Alan is known for his high-energy performances and viral social media presence, but now, he’s channeling his passion into something even bigger. With the launch of The Cooper Alan Foundation, he’s setting out to make a lasting impact on mental health awareness and accessibility. Partnering with the HopeWay Foundation of Charlotte, Alan is kicking off this new endeavor with a special weekend event, featuring an intimate dinner, a writer’s round with Walker Hayes, and an outdoor concert—all dedicated to raising funds and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care.

All Country News sat down with Cooper to chat about his new endeavor. 

A Family Effort Rooted in Passion

When Alan set out to launch The Cooper Alan Foundation, he knew it had to be a family endeavor. From the very first phone call, Alan’s parents and wife Hallie, were deeply involved in shaping the foundation’s mission and purpose.

“It’s been really, really cool to work alongside my parents and Hallie and just for us all to be involved in something that we’re all passionate about,” Alan shared. “My parents are like my best friends, so it’s fun for them to be really involved in something I’m doing. I love it.”

This deeply personal connection is what makes the foundation so special, creating an initiative that is not only about giving back but also about shared values and family-driven purpose.

Why Put His Name on It?

For Alan, the decision to name the foundation after himself was a strategic one.

“I kind of figured naming it after myself would give it the best chance,” he admitted. “Not that I’m some big whatever, but at least this many people know my name. So it gave it a little bit more of a chance of name recognition.” It’s clear that Alan’s priority is not personal branding but ensuring that the foundation’s mission reaches as many people as possible.

Partnering with HopeWay Foundation

To kick off the foundation’s efforts, Alan hosted an exclusive weekend event supporting the HopeWay Foundation of Charlotte, an organization that provides top-tier mental health services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The connection to HopeWay is a longstanding one. “It was started by this awesome family, the Blues, Billy and Betsy Blue, in Charlotte,” Alan explained. “We’ve known them for a long time as family friends. Actually, one of my first gigs in high school was playing a HopeWay event at their family farm 15 years ago.”

Recognizing HopeWay as a gold standard in mental health care, Alan knew this was the perfect organization to support in the foundation’s inaugural year. “If you’re blown away by the website, you should see the facility and the work they do. It’s just a one-of-a-kind place, and I would put it up there with any place in the country.”

Collaborating with Walker Hayes

Alan’s Charlotte event featured a special writer’s round with country star Walker Hayes. When it came time to choose a collaborator, Hayes was Alan’s first call.

Photo Credit: Curt Simshauser

“He has always been such a good mentor and friend to me,” Alan said. “From the first show we did together in 2021, he couldn’t have been nicer. And most people in country music are really nice, but Walker takes it to the next level.”

Beyond their personal friendship, Alan sees Hayes as someone whose story and values align with the foundation’s goals. “Listening to his podcast, hearing him talk about his personal struggles, and just seeing the way he carries himself as a person, as a family man, as a musician—it’s really inspiring. We are so fortunate he said yes.”

Mental Health: A Personal and Universal Cause

With countless worthy causes to support, Alan was intentional about focusing on mental health.

“Mental health is something that is near and dear to me,” he revealed. “I’ve struggled with anxiety through the years, from college to being in Nashville. I’m very thankful for what I get to do, but it is a pretty anxiety-inducing thing.”

Alan spoke candidly about how therapy has been a game-changer in his life. 

“For a while, I thought therapy was just sitting there spilling your feelings, and people telling you, ‘Oh, it’s okay.’ But for me, therapy has been more about saying, ‘I understand you feel this way, but we need to do something about it. We need to figure out how to deal with this constructively.’”

He emphasized that mental health affects everything, including physical health. “It’s important for people to get that care and take the initiative to take care of their head.”

Aiming for Long-Term Impact

So what does Alan hope to achieve with The Cooper Alan Foundation?

“I think the foundation has two goals that work together,” he shared. “One is to raise funds for organizations that focus on mental health and give people the compassion and care they need. The second is to reduce stigma and increase the conversation around it.”

Alan recalled being inspired years ago by Olympic legend Michael Phelps speaking about mental health. “I remember hearing him talk about it and thinking, ‘This guy’s on top of the world. He’s the best to ever do it. And he struggles? Okay, maybe it’s okay for me to feel like I need to do something about what’s going on in my head.’”

With his new foundation, Alan hopes to provide that same moment of clarity for others. By using his platform, his music, and his passion for mental health advocacy, he’s ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.

Catch Cooper On Tour!

February 6, 2025–Hays, KS–Fox Theatre

February 7, 2025–Denver, CO–Grizzly Rose

February 8, 2025–Grand Junction, CO–Warehouse 2565

February 13, 2025–Anaheim, CA–House of Blues

February 14, 2025–San Diego, CA–House of Blues San Diego

February 15, 2025–Tempe, AZ–Marquee Theatre

February 20, 2025–Tulsa, OK–Cain’s Ballroom

February 21, 2025–Fort Worth, TX–Billy Bob’s

February 22, 2025–Little Rock, AR–The Hall

February 27, 2025–Columbus, OH–The Bluestone

February 28, 2025–Rootstown, OH–Dusty Armadillo

March 1, 2025–Rootstown, OH–Dusty Armadillo

March 14, 2025–West Peoria, IL–Crusens

March 15, 2025–Indianapolis, IN–8 Seconds Saloon

March 20, 2025–Lexington, KY–Manchester Music Hall

March 21, 2025–Grand Rapids, MI–The Intersection

March 22, 2025–Royal Oak, MI–Royal Oak Music Theatre

March 28, 2025–Minneapolis, MN–Varsity Theater Minneapolis

March 29, 2025–Rosemont, IL–Joe’s Live

April 10, 2025–North Myrtle Beach, SC–House of Blues

April 11, 2025–Port St, Lucie, FL—MIDFLORIDA Center

April 12, 2025–Holiday, FL–The Stockyard

April 17, 2025–Boise, ID–Knitting Factory Boise

April 18, 2025–Great Falls, MT–The Newberry

April 19, 2025–Billings, MT–Pub Station - Ballroom

April 20, 2025–Billings, MT–Pub Station - Ballroom

June 21, 2025–Strathmore, AB–Cowboy Concert

June 27, 2025–Mack, CO–Country Jam

June 28, 2025–North Platte, NE–NebraskaLand Days

July 12, 2025–Troy, MO–Lincoln County Fair

August 8, 2025–Malone, NY–Franklin Country Fair Grandstand Concert Series