by JONATHAN DYCK, NORTHERN HEALTH MEDIA
Do you have an idea for a project that promotes staying healthy? Northern Health is looking for community partners with ideas for projects that will improve the health of those living, working, learning, and playing in northern B.C. Applications are now being accepted from across the region for IMAGINE Community Grants.
“We know that building healthy communities is an effective approach to addressing chronic disease and injury risk factors, and improving the health of the entire population,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “With this in mind, these grants help support projects that address priorities like healthy eating, being physically active, and quitting smoking.”
Now in its seventh year, the IMAGINE granting program provides funding to community organizations, service agencies, First Nations organizations, schools, municipalities, regional districts, and other partners with projects that make northern communities healthier. For the 2016 granting cycle, Northern Health is looking for project applications that will support our efforts to prevent chronic disease and injury, and improve overall well-being in Northern communities.
“Providing seed money to communities through the IMAGINE grants allows Northern Health to engage with our populations to promote health and wellness, while allowing the communities to identify their individual needs for better health,” said Dr. Sandra Allison, Northern Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer. “It is inspiring to see how the positive impact of these small grants can be magnified through the partnerships created and community investment at the grassroots level.”
IMAGINE Community Grants fund community projects that work to prevent chronic disease and injury or promote health in the following areas:
• Healthy eating and food security
• Physical activity and active living
• Injury prevention
• Tobacco-free communities
• Positive mental health
• Prevention of substance harms
• Healthy early childhood development
• Healthy aging
Preference will be given to projects that encourage different groups to work together, address something that is missing in communities, help those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable, develop skills and resources in the community, and have a good chance of living on in the community after the funding ends.
Community groups and partners can apply for IMAGINE funding of up to $5,000. Grant information and applications are available on Northern Health’s Imagine Grants website. Information can also be obtained via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 1-855-645-6555 or 250-645-6407.
Applications are being accepted from January 25, 2016, to February 29, 2016. Successful applicants will be notified in March and a list of successful applicants will be posted on the IMAGINE Community Grants website at that time.
The IMAGINE grants will provide two opportunities to obtain funding in 2016, with another cycle in early fall.
