Insight Grants

Featured Grant Opportunity: Be Healthy Schools Grant Program/BCBS of Alabama

This funding competition is available to school across the state of Alabama, serving grades K-6, who plan to implement school-based health and wellness programs. Public and private schools are eligible. Programs should emphasize increased levels of physical activity, nutrition education, and parental involvement during the school year. A total of $250,000 is available in 2016, and schools may apply for grants up to $10,000 each. Applications are currently being accepted online and the application period will close March 18, 2016. For more information, visit the BCBS Alabama website at https://www.bcbsal.org/web/be-healthy-school-grants.html or contact them at CommunityRelations@bcbsal.org.

 

By Jen Adams

Featured Grant Opportunity: The Highmark Foundation’s Creating a Healthy School Environment Grants

The Highmark Foundation is building lasting change in schools through their Creating a Healthy School Environment grant program.  The grants are available to schools in central and western Pennsylvania and in West Virginia who present programs within three categories in order to improve health and wellness in their schools: Building Sustainable and Lasting Changes in Schools; Advancing Excellence in School Nursing Awards; and Meeting Health Needs Through Supportive Services. Creating a Healthy School Environment grants fall under the Building Sustainable and Lasting Changes in Schools focus area. Priority Areas for the grant program are Bullying Prevention, Child Injury Prevention, Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, and Environmental Health. Applicants must select one and only one priority area on which to focus their funding requests.

In Pennsylvania, grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to 20 districts implementing programs that improve access to quality school-based health and wellness programs. Mini-grants up to $5,000 will also be awarded to 20 non-public (private, parochial and charter) schools in Pennsylvania. Schools in West Virginia are only eligible to apply for $5,000 mini-grants; awards will be granted to 15 schools.

Applications due Friday, March 18, 2016.  You can find more information at the Highmark website www.Highmarkfoundation.org or follow this link for complete program guidelines:  http://www.highmarkfoundation.org/pdf/2016 CreatingHealthySchoolEnvironmentGrant.pdf.

By Jen Adams

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: Healthy Kids-Healthy Schools Grants (State of Washington)

In Washington (state), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction recently released the Healthy Kids-Healthy Schools grants. These grants are specifically equipment and/or facilities upgrades for existing schools. Grants are available for Nutrition (kitchen, cafeteria, gardens, greenhouses), Physical Activity and Physical Education (indoor and outdoor equipment, covered play structures, playground equipment), and/or Access to and Appeal of Water (water bottle filling stations).

Applicants can apply for funding for one or more topic areas. Free/reduced lunch rate is one of the factors considered, so highest-need schools as defined by free/reduce lunch rate are likely to have some competitive advantage.

Award Amounts: Grants are available for up to $200,000 per district.

Application Deadline: Applications are due 2/19/2016.

For complete information visit the Healthy Kids-Healthy School grants page.

Some Upcoming Grant Opportunities: Fall 2015

Here are some featured upcoming grant opportunities:

Fuel Up To Play 60 Grants (All States)

Program Information: Up to $4,000 per year is available to qualified K-12 schools enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 to kick start healthy changes. Grants are for approved physical activity and healthy eating “plays.”

Deadline: November 4th, 2015

2015 National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grants (California)

Program Information: This grant will allow school food authorities (SFA) to purchase the equipment needed to serve healthier meals, meet the new nutritional standards with an emphasis on more fresh fruits and vegetables, improve food safety, and expand access. Awards will be up to $100,000

Deadline: November 2nd, 2015

Straight A Fund (Ohio)

Program Information: Applicants may select one of the following goals: (1.) Increased student achievement; (2.) A spending reduction in the five-year forecast or positive performance on other fiscal measures established by the Straight A Fund Governing Board; (3.) Greater share of resources directed into the classroom; and (4.) Use of a shared services delivery model that demonstrates increased efficiency and effectiveness, long-term sustainability and scaleability. Individual applicants my request up to $1 Million, and consortia may request up to $15 Million; although because only a total of $15 Million is available this year, requests for under $1 Million may receive preference/priority.

Deadline: December 1st, 2015

NYS Health Foundation 2016 Special Projects Fund (New York)

Program Information: The Special Projects Fund provides grants for projects outside of the Foundation’s two priority areas of (1) Building healthy communities and (2) Improving transparency and affordability to empower consumers. Projects serving vulnerable populations and that are expected to have large-scale or statewide impact tend to be more competitive.

Deadline: There are two cycles. The required online inquiry form deadlines are November 4th, 2015 and April 7th, 2016. Full application deadlines are December 29th, 2015 and Wednesday May 25th, 2016. Applications in which the Foundation is interested following review of the online inquiry form will be invited to submit full applications and sent information on how to do that at that time.

Colorado Health Foundation’s Out-of-School Time Physical Activity Grants (Colorado)

Program Information: This funding opportunity will support organizations to provide quality, structured physical activity in out-of-school time settings (including before school, after school and summer programs). Applicants must propose to add or expand physical activity in an existing out-of-school time program. Projects must focus on grades K-8 and serve a high proportion of students from high-need/low-income communities. The funder also requires proposed programs, “Provide a minimum of 90 minutes of structured physical activity per week, for no less than two days per week. Children must be engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) a minimum of 50 percent of the structured physical activity time.”

Deadlines: February 15th, 2016 and June 15th, 2016

Saucony Run for Good Grants (All States) 

Program Information: The Saucony Run for Good Foundation is committed to reversing obesity rates by offering children the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of running and a healthier lifestyle. Maximum award size is $10,000 to initiate, expand, or improve running programs for children and/or teens.
Deadlines: Deadlines are on February 1st and August 1st annually.

Grant Opportunity: Health Foundation of South Florida Healthy Eating Active Communities

The Health Foundation of South Florida is accepting applications now and Healthy Eating Active Communities is one of their four priority areas. These grants can be for one to two years with award sizes between $20,000 and $160,000 for the full project period. The funder advises most grants are between $50,000 and $120,000.

Preliminary proposals are required and are due by August 7, 2015 at 3pm Eastern. If the Foundation is interested in the project, a full proposal will be requested and due by September 15, 2015 for further consideration.

This Foundation serves Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties in Florida. For more information visit the Health Foundation of South Florida website.

Grant Opportunity: PHIT America Go! Grants

The grant competition for PHIT America Go! Grants is now open. This program funding is designed to “Jumpstart more movement at your elementary school with the Go! Grant.”

Projects Supported: Grants support more minutes on the move before, during, and after school through funds and gear for new classroom and playground programs.
Who Can Apply: Public or charter schools enrolled or willing to enroll in Let’s Move! Active Schools with little to no organized physical activity offered to students at present. Projects must serve students age 5-12. A list of complete project guidelines is available here.

Awards: Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Deadline: Applications are due June 1, 2015.

Please note that while some information sources refer to these grants as “mini PEP grants,” this grant program is NOT the Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant–or PEP grant–program. Go! Grants are an entirely separate opportunity being offered by PHIT America, NOT the US Department of Education.

To get the application and see complete program information including resources and tools, visit the grant page at the Kids in the Game website.

 

Grant Opportunity: The Colorado Health Foundation’s Out-of-School-Time Physical Activity Grant

Who is offering this grant? The Colorado Health Foundation

What is the purpose? Provide high quality, structured physical activity in out-of-school-time settings. Specifically, the foundation is interested in receiving proposals for: implementation or enhancement of quality, structured physical activity opportunities in out-of-school-time settings (school- or community-based programs).

What types of activities might be supported? Funds can be used to start new or to maintain/expand existing effective physical activity programs in established out of school time settings (out-of-school-time includes before school, after school, school breaks and summer programs). The Foundation will fund the following: Purchase of curriculum, Equipment for structured activity time, Staff development/training costs, Personnel costs for staff directly implementing the program, Sport specific activities if embedded in existing out-of-school time program, Evaluation costs.

Who can apply? Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public agencies that currently implement an out-of-school-time program targeting youth in kindergarten through eighth grade. Proposals to support establishment of entirely new out-of-school-time programs will not be funded. Applicants must demonstrate that they serve a high proportion of youth from low-income families; percentage of children eligible for free and reduced school meals, average family income or other indicators of low income will be considered to determine low-income status.

When is the application due? June 15, 2015.

How much can I request? Award range not specified; but past grant awards have ranged from $30,000-$300,000.

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

How long is the project period? They will consider proposals for up to two years of funding. Programs must be at least six weeks in length.

Is there anything else I should know? Associated Measurable Results: Applicants will be asked to indicate how their work will numerically: Increase number of children and adults who engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity.

  • Preference will be given to proposals serving children from families living on low incomes in the top 10 regions with high rates of childhood obesity (as defined by CDPHE’sHealth Statistics Regions). These regions have rates of childhood obesity ranging from 13.6 to 26.2 percent and include the following regions: Region 4 (El Paso County); Region 6 (Huerfano, Las Animas, Crowley, Otero, Bent, Kiowa, Prowers and Baca counties); Region 7 (Pueblo County); Region 9 (Dolores, Montezuma, San Juan, La Plata and Archuleta counties); Region 12 (Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, Grand, and Summit counties); Region 13 (Lake, Chaffee, Fremont and Custer counties); Region 14 (Adams County); Region 15 (Arapahoe County); Region 20 (Denver County); Region 21 (Jefferson County).
  • Program must dedicate at least 20 percent or at least 30 minutes of program time to structured physical activity for a part-day program (60 minutes for a full-day program), most days of the week. Children must be engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) a minimum of 50 percent of the structured physical activity time.

How can I find out more? Visit the Colorado Health Foundation’s website to view application guidelines and online application at http://www.coloradohealth.org/yellow.aspx?id=6803.

Grant Opportunity: Aetna GoLocal Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program Presents: Local Roots: Supporting Community Gardens, Urban Farms, and Farmers Markets

By Jen Adams

Who is offering this grant? The Aetna Foundation–their mission is to promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality healthcare for everyone, while supporting the communities they serve.

What is the purpose? Through this RFP, the foundation will fund the creation and expansion of community gardens, urban farms, and farmers markets in underserved neighborhoods so that fresh fruits and vegetables are locally available, accessible, and affordable.

What types of activities might be supported? Programs that aim to make fresh fruits and vegetables locally available, accessible, and affordable will be considered. Beyond the garden, farm or farmers market itself, projects must also include one or more of the following:

  • Nutrition education or cooking classes focused on the health benefits of fresh produce
  • Growth or distribution of produce that reflects the food traditions of the target area
  • Opportunities to learn job skills or entrepreneurship within the context of gardens, farms or farmers markets
  • Opportunities for community service or volunteer work with the project

Who can apply? To apply, you must be a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a state or local government agency. State government agencies, such as public universities, are eligible. Local government agencies eligible to apply include towns/cities or public schools. However, federal government agencies, such as national parks, are not eligible to apply.

How much is available? In 2015, the GoLocal Cultivating Healthy Communities Grants Program is expected to award a total of $1 million through this RFP.

When is the application due? Proposals will be accepted until May 6, 2015 (5 p.m. ET).

How much can I request? Grant awards will be a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 over two years. Projects will receive a maximum of $25,000 per year.

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

How long is the project period? Projects must be 12 – 24 months long and start after October 15, 2015.

When will the awards be made? By September 15, 2015.

Is there anything else I should know? Programs for matching funds for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits doubling programs and programs that focus only on food distribution will not be funded. We will consider programs that focus on food distribution only as part of a larger program.

In previous years, organizations had to serve specific geographic areas to be eligible to apply. That is NO LONGER the case. In 2015, the program was opened to organizations in all 50 states.

You can submit your application and supporting documents through the Aetna Foundation’s online grant application portal.

How can I find out more? Visit the Aetna Foundation’s website at: http://www.aetna-foundation.org/foundation/index.html. The Local Roots RFP and program details are available here: http://www.aetna-foundation.org/foundation/apply-for-a-grant/regional-grants/index.html. You can ask questions about the RFP by e-mail at aetnafoundation@aetna.com, with the subject line “Aetna Foundation Local Roots grant program inquiry.”

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.

 

Next Page »

Insight Grants