Northern Health is once again calling for community partners with ideas for community projects to apply for the current round of IMAGINE grants.
The grants are awarded to projects that will improve the health of those “living, working, learning and playing in Northern B.C.”
Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins said the grants provide funding to community organizations, service agencies, Indigenous organizations, schools, municipalities, regional districts, and other partners with projects that support Northerners in their efforts to stay healthy.
“Preference is given to projects that encourage different community groups to work together, address something that’s missing in the community, help those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable, develop skills and resources in the community and that have a plan to live on after the funding ends,” said Collins.
Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 of funding for their project which should aim to prevent chronic disease and injury or promote health in one or more of 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
* and healthy school action.
Since 2009, the IMAGINE Grants have provided funding to over 900 projects across Northern BC.
Past projects have included community gardens, sporting equipment for community lending, education sessions and workshops to support skills development in communities and community walking trail enhancements.
Last year’s recipients of funding in Kitimat were the students from Kitimat City High who used the money to construct a walking trail in the gully adjacent to the school.
For more information, including the application guide and form, call 250-645-6348, or click on this link.
The application deadline for this cycle is Friday, April 10, 2020.