Northern Health looking to fund health initiatives with IMAGINE grants

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Northern Health has announced that they are accepting the next cycle of applications for IMAGINE Community Grants.

Going on seven years, IMAGINE provides funding to community organizations, service agencies, First Nations organizations, schools, municipalities, regional districts, and other partners with projects that make northern communities healthier.

Health Minister Terry Lake says building healthy communities is an effective approach to improving the health of the entire population.

“With this in mind, these grants help support projects that address priorities like healthy eating, being physically active, and quitting smoking,” he added.

Community groups and partners can apply for up to $5,000 in funding. For the 2016 granting cycle, Northern Health is looking for project applications that will support our efforts to prevent chronic disease and injury, and improve overall well-being in Northern communities.

“Providing seed money to communities through the IMAGINE grants allows Northern Health to engage with our populations to promote health and wellness, while allowing the communities to identify their individual needs for better health,” said Dr. Sandra Allison, Northern Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer.

She calls it inspiring to see how the positive impact of these small grants can be magnified through the partnerships created and community investment at the grassroots level.

Successful applicants will be notified in early March, and will receive their funding by Mar. 31, 2016. The grants will provide two opportunities to receive funding this year, with another cycle in the fall.

Applications are being accepted until Feb. 29, 2016.