Health promotion grant applications are being accepted until October 19, 2012. Grants of up to $2,000 per project are offered annually through the Sunrise Health Region. The grants support non-profit agencies and community groups with projects that promote healthy living and wellbeing, or prevent illness and injury to residents in the health region.

Consideration will be given to projects that promote community health in the areas of:

• Active living

• Injury/Falls prevention

• Healthy child development

• Recreation activities

• Cultural events and projects

• Tobacco Reduction projects

Guidelines influencing successful grant application include the involvement by more than one group in the project, a demonstrated need for the initiative and that the project would not duplicate an existing program. The maximum eligible amount is $2000.00 per grant request.

Research projects, the purchase of non-health related equipment, professional development, food and accommodation costs, and investments in land or buildings are not eligible.

“Our objective is to offer the community support for sustainable projects,” said Louise Belanger, Community Health Educator with Sunrise Health Region. “By providing support to initiate these projects we are assisting communities and groups to keep the projects going long-term.”

Last year 28 applications were successful and were provided all or part of their funding request.

In 2012 successful applications supported projects in Bredenbury, Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex, Canora, Churchbridge,, Endeavour, Esterhazy, Foam Lake, Good Spirit Lake, Hyas, Ituna, Langenburgh, NacNutt, Melville, Preeceville, Pelly, Saltcoats, Stockholm, Togo, Verigin and Yorkton.

Applications forms are available on the Sunrise Health Region website home page www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca under the “Health Promotion Grant” menu. Information and applications can also be accessed by calling the Public Health Office in Yorkton 786-0600.