If you've got a "healthy" idea, now is your opportunity to make a reality.
Health promotion grant applications are being accepted until October 15, 2010. 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.
"Applicants are asked to explain how their project will address Healthy Living in their community which is part of Sunrise's Population Health Promotion Plan," details Jim Wallace, Director of Public Health. "The healthy living strategy focuses on two key determinants of health which are healthy child development and creating physical environments that support healthy lifestyles."
Other 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.
Research projects, the purchase of non-health related equipment, professional development, food and accommodation costs, and investments in land or buildings are not eligible.
"It is very important that the application form is thoroughly completed so that we have the best possible information to assess the value of the projects," says Wallace.
"We are impressed each year by the creative ideas presented and the commitment of people to better their communities.
These projects help the health region meet our goal of improved population health."
Wallace adds, that while Sunrise would like to provide funding support for all worthy projects, there is just a total of $30,000 budgeted for community health grants.
Last year 31 of the 64 applications were successful and were provided all or part of their funding request. In 2009 successful applications supported projects in Bredenbury, Canora, Churchbridge, Dubuc, Esterhazy, Foam Lake, Gerald, Ituna, Kamsack, Melville, Preeceville, Springside, Sturgis, Togo, Veregin and Yorkton.
Application forms are available on the Sunrise Health Region website home page www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca under the "Connect to a Healthy Choice" menu. Information and applications can also be accessed by calling the Public Health Office in Yorkton 786-0600. The Population Health Promotion Plan is available for download on the "reports" section of the Sunrise Health Region website.
