Healthy Communities Fund Launch – New Funding Deadline Approaching March 26th!!

MEMORANDUM

TO: MHP Partners and Stakeholders

FROM: Bob Stark
Deputy Minister (A)

DATE: February 26, 2010

SUBJECT: 2010-2011 Healthy Communities Fund Launch

I am pleased to provide information on the 2010-2011 Healthy Communities Fund (HCF). Through this program, the Ministry will support efforts to improve partnerships between organizations that can deliver integrated programs and projects which improve the health of Ontarians. Please visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp for information on the HCF program.Last year we introduced a two-phase process for provincial-level applications. The feedback was very positive. As a result, I am pleased to inform you that we will follow a similar process for 2010-2011. Phase 1 will involve the submission of a “Statement of Interest (SOI)” which must be submitted by March 26, 2010 at 12pm noon. All submissions will be reviewed for eligibility and alignment with the Ministry’s mandate. Projects that are selected to move to Phase 2 will be contacted and invited to submit a fully developed application. Organizations interested in delivering a provincial-level project should contact a Program Coordinator in the Sport, Recreation & Community Programs Branch prior to preparing an SOI. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure that your project idea fits with HCF granting priorities and to meet the Phase 1 deadline. Contact information for Ministry Program Coordinators can be found on the Ministry’s website at www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp.

Specific information regarding the focus and eligibility requirements of HCF can be found in the guidelines provided. Additional electronic versions of the HCF guidelines and application form are available for download on our website, as well as a listing of previously funded projects from 2009-2010. Please visit www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/fund.asp.

The HCF is an investment in the long-term future of Ontario communities and I look forward to working with you to build a healthier province. I hope you will find this information useful and I encourage your organization to apply for funding.

Bob Stark
Deputy Minister (A)