Community Enhancement Grants

This project is intended to increase the capacity of community organizations to implement sustainable physical activity and healthy eating opportunities for underserved children and youth in Wake County. As part of this grant, a total of six Healthy Places, Active Spaces grants were planned to be awarded to deserving applicants-three planning grants at $75,000 and three implementation grants at $85,000 for a three year period.

Planning Grants will be focused on evaluating internal collaboration and organizational capacity, assessing the physical activity and nutrition enviornments and developing an action plan to implement changes in the first funding period. It is expected that a specific policy or environmental change will be implemented by the completion of the second funding period and that additional partners will be engaged in project activities in the third funding period. Organizations applying for Implementation Grants must demonstrate readiness to implement a plan based on an assessment of the existing physical activity and healthy eating environments. Implementation Grants will focus on implementing a specific policy or environmental change in the first funding period. Efforts to impact the broader community and engage additional partners are expected in the second and third funding periods.

Approximately 40 organizations submitted their Letter of Intent and an informational meeting for all these organizations was offered as well as technical assistance calls with applicants were provided to help strengthen their applications. A total of 26 organizations submitted their full proposals in February 2011. An extensive review team comprised of staff from the Physical Activity & Nutrition Branch helped with the grant review and selection process of applications.

The following eight organizations have been selected for the grant awards:

• Nessie Foundation (Parrish Manor), Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, and Zebulon Parks and Recreation were awarded implementation grants at the full amount.
• Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church received a planning grant at the full amount.
• Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Triangle, Boys & Girls Club of Wake County, Life Enrichment Center, and Riley Hill Family Life Center were awarded with a planning grant at a modified amount.

All grantees have a variety of projects that they will complete during the three year grant period in Wake County.