The Healthy, Active School Programming Grant stream provides financial support to schools for projects that initiate, enhance, and/or increase access to meaningful physical and health education programming and/or healthy school initiatives.
Funding opportunities include, but are not limited to, school projects and initiatives that support such topics as physical and health education programming, non-curricular physical activity programming, healthy eating, mental health, and substance use awareness and prevention. This stream aims to provide additional funding to ensure that quality physical and health education programs and healthy school initiatives are accessible and supported.
2023 Application Period
The application form opens on Monday, September 18, 2023 and closes on Friday, November 10, 2023.
Number of Funded Projects
There is no set number for how many funded projects will be supported each year. Each year, approximately $20,000 in PHE Empowerment Grants Funds will be distributed. All completed applications will be reviewed and evaluated, with the top ranked projects being selected for funding in order until all funds have been allocated. Healthy, Active School Programming Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500.
Who May Apply?
School community members are encouraged to apply for the PHE Empowerment Grants Program on behalf of their school. Applications from under-represented groups are encouraged.
Examples of eligible applicants include:
- In-service teachers
- School administrators and school board (e.g. principals, curriculum leads, superintendents, etc.)
- Student leaders (with staff sponsor)
- Guidance counsellors
Essential Considerations & Required Information
- Only one application per school/individual can be submitted.
- Applicant must have the ability and authority to implement the proposed initiative in the school identified in the application.
- Only fully completed applications will be reviewed. Applications received after November 10, 2023, will not be considered.
- Successful applicants can expect to be notified and receive funding by January 2024. Grant funding must be spent by June 30, 2024.
- Successful applicants must provide PHE Canada with an Impact and Recognition Report upon completion of the project, or prior to June 30, 2024, whichever comes first.
- PHE Canada may reach out to verify the provided information or request any additional information.
What can you spend the Healthy, Active School Grant funds on?
- Registration fees (e.g., expeditions, swimming pool access passes, recreation facility or gym passes, etc.)
- Instructor costs (e.g., Yoga instructor, mindfulness practitioner, nutritionist, wellness coach, private trainer, etc.)
- Purchase of equipment
- Rental of space
- Transportation to the rental venue/activity location
- Speaker fees (guest speakers, coaching, mentoring)
- Incidental project planning and meeting costs (e.g., meals/snacks, parking)
- Other expenses as deemed appropriate to advance/deliver the proposed project
What can’t you spend the grant funds on?
- Entertainment costs (e.g., gifts, celebrations, thank yous)
- Prize monies/awards
- Investments and fund developments
- Substitute teacher fees
- School administrative costs (e.g., rent, phone/internet access, office expenses, etc.)
Selection Criteria
The information provided in the application form and supporting documents must demonstrate that:
- There is a great need for this initiative and the applicant is in a key position to meet that need.
- The initiative will make a real difference in the community/field and positively impact the health and well-being of students and/or school staff, in particular those underserved and/or experiencing barriers, and this impact has the ability to be sustained into the future.
- The initiative is a new initiative, an enhancement to a current initiative, and/or increases access to a current program/service and is not replacement funding for an already funded initiative. The project is developed by/with the people it is intended to impact.
- The initiative presents a solid strategy for achieving its goals and has well-thought-out activities and timelines.
- The application presents a detailed, realistic, and cost-effective budget and the initiative is likely sustainable.
Selection Process
Each application will undergo a thorough evaluation process. An application that clearly articulates and aligns with the criteria specified above in the Selection Criteria significantly enhances its likelihood of being awarded a grant.
What can I expect if my application is accepted?
If you are a successful recipient of a PHE Empowerment Grant, a PHE Canada staff will notify the primary applicant via the email address provided. Once project details are confirmed/approved, PHE Canada will email you a template of the Impact and Recognition Report and mail your cheque. Recipients are to complete and return the Impact and Recognition Report upon completion of the initiative or June 30, 2024, whichever comes first.