Grant Funding Available for Health and Wellness Initiatives

Health and Community Services
January 24, 2013

Community groups and not-for-profit organizations throughout the province are encouraged to apply for funding through one of the Provincial Government’s four 2012-13 health and wellness grant programs.

“Our government has allocated $900,000 for these grant initiatives,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “These grants will help to strengthen and expand community-based programs and services that improve the health and wellness of the people of the province.”

The Department of Health and Community Services has simplified the grant application process by including all of its grant programs on one application form. Applicants may apply for funding under one of the following grant programs:

• Provincial Wellness Grant Program ($5,000 to $25,000 grants)
• Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grant Program ($5,000 to $25,000 grants)
• Provincial Cancer Prevention and Awareness Grant Program ($5,000 to $25,000 grants)
• Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grant Program
  • Seniors organizations ($5,000 to $10,000 grants)
  • Communities ($10,000 grants)

The application form is available on the Department of Health and Community Services’ website at www.gov.nl.ca/health/grantsfunding/index.html. The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday, February 19, 2013.

“Community organizations offer a variety of worthwhile programs throughout the province,” said Minister Sullivan. “This year’s grants will help further the work they carry out in Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m pleased the application process has been streamlined to ensure consistency and applicants will benefit from this improved system.”

As a key component of the Provincial Wellness Plan, the Provincial Wellness Grants Program is intended to promote community involvement in healthy, active lifestyles. Grants will support projects with an emphasis on one of the wellness priority areas: healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco control, injury prevention, mental health promotion, environmental health, and child and youth development.

The Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grants Program complements the Provincial Wellness Grants Program. The projects funded through this program encourage older people to stay active and engaged in their communities.

The Cancer Prevention and Awareness Grants Program is an initiative of the Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework. The program was created to fund projects that encourage cancer prevention. The focus this year is on ultraviolet radiation (i.e. tanning beds/sun protection).

Funding under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program helps create and support age-friendly communities throughout the province. Through this program, communities identify priority areas and develop action plans to become more age-friendly. Organizations can then offer important services and programs that enhance a community’s ability to respond and serve seniors and improving the overall experience of seniors.

More information about the health and wellness grants is available by calling one of the following numbers:

• Provincial Wellness Grants and the Provincial Cancer Prevention and Awareness Grants: 729-3428.
• Healthy Aging Seniors Wellness Grants and the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants: 729-4856 or 1-888-494-2266 (toll-free).

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca

2013 01 24

NT5