Insight Grants

Featured Grant Opportunity: Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Grants

Organizations with the goal of improving the health and wellness of children and their families through nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, or supporting safe environments, are invited to apply online for a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Grants are offered in the following states with the following application periods: Illinois (TBA), Montana (April 1-May 31, 2016), New Mexico (August 1-September 9, 2016), Oklahoma (May 2-September 2, 2016), and Texas (March 1-April 1, 2016). Links to program details and contact information for each state can be accessed here: http://www.hcsc.com/grants.html. Award ranges vary by state, and that information is often not available until the specific state’s application window opens. Your requested amount must reflect the scope of your outcomes and impact. For complete information and examples of funded projects, visit www.hcsc.com/grants.html.

By Jen Adams

Grant Opportunity: HEROES Grant Program (IN, IL, KY)

Who is offering this grant? Welborn Baptist Foundation, Inc.

What is the purpose? The HEROES (Healthy Energetic, Ready, Outstanding, Enthusiastic Schools) initiative supports schools in select counties in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky in making healthy changes to eating and physical activity habits by implementing the CDC’s research-based and proven Coordinated School Health (CSH) model. The aim of this program is comprehensive school wellness improvement.

What types of activities might be supported? HEROES funding supports implementation of the Coordinated School Health (CSH) components pertinent to healthy weight. Five of the eight of the CSH components pertain to healthy weight, and activities that support these areas will be eligible for funding. The components are: Health Education, Physical Education, Nutrition Education, Health Promotion for Staff, and Family and Community Involvement.

Who can apply? In 2015, the competition is open to elementary and middle schools with food services located in the following states and counties (only):

  • Indiana: Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties
  • Kentucky: Henderson County
  • Illinois: Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties

Applications for high schools may be accepted in 2016—watch for more information at a later date.

Individual schools rather than districts are encouraged to apply. Past experience with this program has revealed to the funder that bottom-up efforts are more successful than top-down efforts.

When is the application due? The deadline is April 30, 2015 at 12 pm.

How much can I request? Schools are eligible to receive up to $17,750 in Year 1, up to $17,450 in Year 2, and up to $25,200 in Year 3. Please note that funder provides limits for each budget category and several line items that must be included in the budget to ensure a high-quality project aligned with its mission and priorities that is likely to succeed based on past experience.

Do I have to offer a match of any kind? No.

How long is the project period? Three years. *The expectation of WBF, Inc. is that the school will permanently continue its commitment by sustaining the wellness coordinator position, maintaining an active wellness council, and preserving the aims of the HEROES initiative.

Is there anything else I should know? Completion of School Health Index is required but can occur prior to application or after an award has been made. If the school has already completed the School Health Index, the results of that assessment (score card) should be attached to your application.

All applicants must also attach letters of support from the following entities stating how their positions will assist in the implementation of healthy school policy and environmental change: Superintendent, School Principal, School Food Service Manager, School PTO/PTA/Booster Organization President, Physical Education Department Head, School Athletic Director (if applicable).

The funder is looking for schools truly committed to and ready for comprehensive positive changes and improvement related to school, student, and staff wellness, and the program’s rules, requirements, and budget stipulations reflect this. This grant is ideal for schools with strong support from the administration and commitment from staff for school wellness changes. It is probably not the best fit for a school just looking to address one area of school wellness or only to obtain equipment.

How can I find out more? Visit the official program site and read the RFP. If you have questions regarding the application, you may contact: Rhonda Meade rmeade@welbornfdn.org Welborn Baptist Foundation, Inc. 812-437-7803 (cell: 812-881-7523). Please note Ms. Meade encourages interested schools to set up a meeting in person or via phone to discuss their current and planned programs and resources prior to applying to help the school ensure they are in a strong position to apply for this program at this time.

 

Grant Opportunity: 2015 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Grants (IL, MT, NM, OK, TX)

The Health Care Service Corporation is offering Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Grants in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Organizations that share the goal of improving the health and wellness of children and their families through nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, or supporting safe environments, are invited to apply. This is an exciting opportunity for organizations in these 5 states.

To apply, organizations must have a 501(c)(3) designation. If your organization has similar tax-exempt status and is interested in applying, the Foundation states, “Submit your tax status documentation with your funding request and we will review and determine if we are able to consider based upon the documentation you provide.”

There are no specific amounts listed for awards. Applicants should present responsible budgets that can reasonably support the projects proposed.

You can view past winners and projects on the Health Care Service Corporation grants page.

Grants will be accepted during the following periods in each eligible state:

Illinois –March 2 – March 30, 2015

Montana – April 1 – May 31, 2015

New Mexico – August 3 – September 9, 2015

Oklahoma – June 1 – September 11, 2015

Texas – March 16 – April 17, 2015

For more information and to access applications, visit the Health Care Service Corporation grants page.

Insight Grants