The New Jersey Safe Routes to School Resource Center recently brought to our attention two funding opportunities that might be of interest to any communities or schools looking to improve the health of their children by increasing physical activity.
UnitedHealth HEROES Service-Learning Grants
UnitedHealthcare
Deadline: October 15, 2012
UnitedHealthcare, a major US health insurer, is collaborating with Youth Service America to invite schools and other community-based nonprofit organizations to Step into Service by applying for UnitedHealth HEROES grants. The purpose of this funding is to support youth-led service-learning projects that aim to combat childhood obesity through walking, running or hiking programs. Multiple grants of $1,000 are available to select applicants. Youth-led service-learning projects that include an activity element where young people can count their steps, such as walking, running or hiking, as well as a service component which provides direct service, enables advocacy on behalf of a cause, or features youth philanthropy, are eligible for application. Please contact Youth Service America for more information and to apply for this funding: http://www.ysa.org/HEROES
Local Giving Program
The Walmart Foundation
Deadline: December 1, 2012
The Wal-Mart Foundation supports programs and initiatives addressing education, workforce development, economic sustainability, and health and wellness. Health and Wellness examples include programs that support nutrition and active lifestyles, educating people of all ages about their health, preventing and managing chronic disease. Multiple awards ranging from $250-5,000 are available for select applicants. Nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, church or faith based organizations, and government entities are eligible to apply. Please contact The Walmart Foundation for more information and to apply for this funding: http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/local-giving
Interested in this funding, but don’t know where to start? Greater Mercer TMA can help. Greater Mercer TMA has partnered with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to implement the statewide SRTS program in schools throughout Mercer and Ocean counties. GMTMA is here to work with your school and town on a wide variety of SRTS programs. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federal, state and local effort to enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school. SRTS facilitates the planning, development and implementation of projects that improve safety and air quality, as well as reduce traffic and fuel consumption around schools. The goals of the SRTS program are to encourage more students to walk and bike to school where it is safe to do so and to improve the areas where it is not safe.
For additional information on SRTS programs, email Rebecca Hersh at rhersh@gmtma.org.