Reimagining Health grants open

Health promotion foundation VicHealth has announced $2.5 million in new funding to support local organisations to address the immediate health and wellbeing concerns of Victorians hardest hit by the impact coronavirus pandemic.

Applications for VicHealth’s Reimagining Health grants opened last week, with funding amounts of $3,000, $10,000 or $50,000 available for organisations whose ideas can support their communities to create meaningful social connections, get active and get access to healthy, affordable food.
VicHealth chief executive officer, Dr Sandro Demaio, said in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, it was vital to work quickly to protect the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
“Victorians spoke, and we listened. Many communities were already fighting an uphill battle before the pandemic hit and are now facing greater challenges when it comes to putting healthy food on the table, keeping active and staying connected to others in their community.
“We’re putting the call out to a diverse range of organisations, such as sporting clubs and leagues, community gardens, arts organisations, local groups and youth services, to act fast and apply for $2.5 million in grants.
“We want successful organisations to get the support they need to do what they do so well – make a difference in their communities, as soon as possible. We’ve made it easier to apply, with quicker turnarounds to notification.
“Our grants will support new or existing ideas and help amplify projects already in place, in order to reach more members of the Victorian community and help them improve their health and wellbeing on our path to recovery.”
Grant applications have been simplified and the assessment process sped up, so organisations who apply now could learn the outcome of their application within weeks.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman encouraged local organisations such as sporting clubs, community gardens, arts organisations, community groups and youth services to apply for funding and help people living in Geelong and the Surf Coast.
“We know there are hardworking organisations that could use this funding to make a significant impact on the health of people living in our community in the next 12 months and beyond,” he said.
Local organisations are encouraged to apply for the grants through the VicHealth website as soon as possible for the opportunity to be funded early. For further information or to apply, head to vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/reimagining-health-grants.
Applications close on October 27.