Opportunity

• Maximum grant amount available: up to $5,000 (for up to fifteen communities).
• Access to resources and supports from BC Healthy Communities staff (see application guide for more details)

Eligibility

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• First Nations Bands
• First Nations Tribal Councils
• Métis Chartered Communities
• Regional Districts
• Municipalities

The following organizations are not eligible to apply:

• Individuals
• For-profit groups
• School Districts
• Hospital Foundations
• Community Groups
• Non-profit organizations
• Health Authorities

This opportunity could be for you if you:

• Represent a local government and / or Indigenous community;
• Have community partners who share your interest in improving the built and/or natural environment; and,
• You have a relationship with either your regional health authority (Northern Health, Interior Health, Island Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, or Fraser Health) or First Nations Health Authority. If you don’t have an existing relationship with FNHA or the health authority in your region, let us know, and we can help connect you.

This funding encourages multi-sectoral partnerships. We suggest that ineligible organizations contact eligible organizations to discuss collaborating on a project.

Eligible local governments who are working in partnership with their health authority and other sectors and who are interested in applying should read the application guidelines thoroughly.

Objectives

1. LEARN: Deepen learning and understanding of the linkages between health and the built and natural environments including the challenges, opportunities, assets and barriers in creating these environments; 
2. ENGAGE & COLLABORATE: Convene, engage and develop shared leadership and action between local governments, Indigenous communities, health authorities and other sectors that can influence the built and natural environments; 
3. TAKE ACTION: do a needs assessment, prepare plans or develop specific policies that enable local environments to better support community health and wellness.

Criteria

The Creating Healthy Places Grant supports projects that:

1. Build multi-sectoral action and leadership by local government, Indigenous communities, health authorities and other partners to address issues with the built and/or natural environment in your community or region.
2. Research and analyze the link between health and our environment and identify/adapt promising practices for improving health outcomes by enhancing your local environment.
3. Through research, planning and action, build shared understanding and action on the healthy built environment among stakeholders and partners. 
4. Build lasting healthy environments and foster the conditions for all community members to thrive and reach their full potential in your local context.

Timelines

1. May 16, 2018: Grant applications open
2. July 15, 2018: Application deadline
3. August 17, 2018: Notification of successful applicants
4. September 2018–September 2019: Project takes place
5. No later than October 31, 2019: Final report is required within 30 days of completing activities.

Links and Partnerships in Place

Identification of key partners and stakeholders is required and collaborative relationships must be in place with multiple organizations. Additional partners and collaborations may be further developed as part of the project.

Application

1. Read full application guide
2. Complete the online application located here.
3. Download the Budget Template here.