Salem City Mini-Grants Funding Guidelines & Eligible Activities
What is the Live Healthy Salem County Coalition?
The Live Healthy Salem County Coalition is made up of nonprofits and agencies that serve Salem County. We work to inspire residents to lead healthy, productive lives by enhancing opportunities that support wellness as a way of life. For the past four years we have reviewed strengths and weaknesses affecting health in the county. We used the information and statistics collected to develop a plan that we call the “Blueprint for Action”. It is focused on three important areas: Substance abuse, mental health, and chronic disease. The Coalition is hoping to make changes to the systems and environments around us so that making healthier choices is easier.
What is the purpose of these mini-grants?
We have spent the fall of 2019 checking in with residents of Salem City. Through a series of listening sessions, we collected information about how residents feel about substance abuse, mental health and chronic disease as they see them where they live, work, play and pray. The purpose of these funds is to increase the ability of existing agencies and groups of residents in Salem City to make adjustments in the systems and services that impact health so that they work for more people.
Six mini-grants will be awarded for three broad topic areas. The maximum amount that will be awarded to any proposal is $3,000. Applicants must select the topic area their project plans to address.
- Food
security/Nutrition (2 awards)
- For example:Working with a local business to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables by securing refrigeration or other equipment necessary; providing a shuttle service to grocery stores; projects that increase understanding of nutrition and build culinary skills
- Mental health/Substance
Abuse/Stress Reduction (2 awards)
- For example: Activities for youth and adults that promote social support and interaction across generations; opportunities for youth and adults to decrease stress through physical activity/movement or creative outlets etc.; activities designed to decrease isolation among a particular group of residents in Salem City (like seniors, veterans, new mothers etc.)
- Innovative Community Projects (2 awards, 1 youth
driven, see below)
- Residents identified the need for projects that promote communication among residents and between residents and agencies, build community, and support healthy behaviors. For example: Community bulletin boards; activity hubs/spaces where community members can drop in for socializing; increased access to arts and culture (in Salem City or through bus trips); Community celebrations such as parades and street fairs
- At least one innovative community project award will be given to a project that is driven by youth. Youth should have the idea for the project, write the proposal and be responsible for its success. Youth project applicants require an adult signature.
Examples of potential projects are provided to give you an idea of what we are looking for. The opportunity is not limited to only these examples. If you have an idea but aren’t sure if it is a good fit, contact Annie Rojas (609-560-6649, annierojas@yahoo.com).
Who is eligible to apply?
- Only organizations with a 501(c)3 may apply for funding. Groups of residents, individuals, or for-profit entities/businesses can partner with a 501(c)3 serving as a fiscal agent to submit a proposal.
- Funds are available only for new/expanding projects or to change a system that supports a current project. No funds will be awarded that replace or supplant other funds.
- Preference will be given to projects that serve a larger number of residents
- All projects must serve the Salem City community
- Maximum request for funds is $3,000 however, less may be awarded.
- No funds will be awarded for private events.
Live Healthy Salem County is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Application Process & Procedures
Step 1: Meet with your organization/church/neighbors to brainstorm your project idea.
Step 2: Complete application including necessary signatures to complete application. If you have questions call or email Annie Rojas (annierojas@yahoo.com, 609-560-6649)
Step 3: Submit the completed application via email (livehealthysalemco@gmail.com) or mail/hand deliver to: The Salem Health and Wellness Foundation 91-A South Virginia Avenue, Carneys Point, NJ 08069. If you are mailing your application, call Judy (856-299-4460) or Annie Rojas (609-560-6649) to let us know to look out for it. You may also complete an application at https://livehealthysalemcounty.org . Applications must be received by February 28, 2020.
Step 4: Applicants may be asked to meet with Live Healthy Salem County Coalition members to make adjustments and finalize project proposal prior to award (See timeline above, March 13-19, 2020)
Step 5: Awards are announced, and projects begin.
If completing this application online, please download the Project Budget to complete and upload at the end of the application.
If you would like to complete the form and submit via mail or hand delivery, you can download the full application here.