From the kid-run food security project Hope Blooms based in north-end Halifax, to therapeutic horseback riding camps for children and adults with disabilities in the Annapolis Valley, wellness funds support community projects across the province that help Nova Scotians lead healthier lives.
If you know of a new and innovative non-profit initiative that would benefit from Nova Scotia Health Authority and Department of Health and Wellness financial assistance, now is the time to apply for wellness funds through your local community health board (CHB).
The wellness fund typically awards anywhere from $250 to $3,000 for eligible projects, with other examples ranging from a youth theatre group in Queens County to cooking classes for seniors in Cape Breton, among many others.
“Wellness funds are open to non-profit community groups undertaking projects that address our community health plan priorities, said Caitlyn Ayn of the Halifax Community Health Board. “We accept applications from projects that address the social determinants of health, so that we can promote health for the whole community.”
Said Fearghus MacDonald, chair of the Antigonish Town and County Community Health Board, “The social determinants of health include healthy child development, education and literacy, poverty and food security, social support networks, coping skills, improved personal health and more. We look forward to receiving and reviewing this year’s wellness fund applications.”
There are 37 CHBs across the province. You can apply to more than one CHB if your project occurs in more than one CHB area; however, a separate application is required. It is possible that not all projects submitted will receive funds, as CHBs frequently receive more applications than available funds, but all eligible groups are encouraged to apply.
Applications and additional information are available on the CHB website at www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/wellness-funds, The deadline for applications is midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019.
