Health grant time

Health promotion grant applications are now being accepted until October 18, 2013. Grants of up to $2,000 per project are offered annually through the Sunrise Health Region. The grants support non-profit agencies and community groups with projects that promote healthy living and well-being, or prevent illness and injury to residents in the health region.

Consideration will be given to projects that promote community health in the areas of:

Active living

Injury/Falls prevention

Healthy child development

Recreation activities

Cultural events and projects

Guidelines influencing successful grant application include the involvement by more than one group in the project, a demonstrated need for the initiative and that the project would not duplicate an existing program. The maximum eligible amount is $2,000 per grant request.

Research projects, the purchase of non-health related equipment, professional development, food and accommodation costs, and investments in land or buildings are not eligible.

"Supporting groups and organizations to create healthy communities is our objective," said Louise Belanger, Community Health Educator with Sunrise Health Region. "As one grant recipient said, we have awakened a "sleeping giant". People are enthusiastic and now understand the importance of exercise and to learning new skills, they want more. This is our long term goal to assist these groups to create sustainable community projects."

Last year 29 applications were successful and were provided all or part of their funding request. In 2012, successful applications supported projects in Cote First Nation - Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex, Calder, Canora, Churchbridge, Endeavour, Esterhazy, Foam Lake, Ituna, Key First Nation, Langenburg, Melville, Preeceville, Pelly, Rama, Runnymede, Saltcoats, Springside, Sturgis, Veregin, and Yorkton.

Applications forms are available on the Sunrise Health Region website home page www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca under the "Health Promotion Grant" menu. Information and applications can also be accessed by calling the Public Health Office in Yorkton 786-0600.