Who may apply?
The grants are intended for not-for-profit organizations, particularly those with limited resources, for programs/projects that will have a broad, community-wide impact. We encourage collaboration between non-profits, or between non-profit and for-profit entities; however, grants will only be awarded to a non-profit organization.
Geographic Location
Projects must be implemented in one of the 11 states covered by our Midwest Affiliate region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin.
What types of projects will we fund?
Projects should demonstrate how they will help the American Heart Association achieve its 2020 Impact Goal to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%. Projects must broadly serve the community, and should focus on one or more of “Life’s Simple 7” outlined on www.mylifecheck.org or align with one of AHA’s strategic focus areas: advocacy; CPR & first aid; quality and systems improvement; or health equity. Projects must be open to the public (not designed for internal audiences). We encourage innovative approaches and the use of social media as a communications tool.
How big are the grants?
The maximum grant amount is $5,000. The funding requested from the American Heart Association must represent at least 25% of total project costs. The affiliate Health Strategies Committee reserves the right to award less than the amount requested.
What types of expenses are allowed?
Grants are designed to cover project expenses: educational materials, promotional activities, consumable supplies, speakers, facilities, etc. We cover materials/equipment that participants take with them, not capital equipment that remains on-site. For example, we will cover soccer balls, jump ropes, etc. that participants use in a program and take home with them. However, we will not fund such items as permanent exercise equipment, computers, shelving, desks, nor will we cover the costs associated with construction of recreation space (basketball courts, community parks). We also do not cover overhead/administrative expenses.
How many grants will we fund?
Our budget is $100,000. Historically we have funded between 25-30 projects each year, some at lesser amounts than the $5,000 maximum.
Applications are closed.
What is the review process?
There will be two levels of review: the first-round review will be conducted by a task force of volunteers or board members in the local market, who will submit their finalists to the Health Strategies Committee of the Midwest Affiliate board of directors.
This committee will evaluate the finalists and make funding decisions at their June 7, 2013 meeting. All applicants will be notified by mid-June and funding will begin July 1, 2013.
Questions?
Please contact Tina Steinway at 312-476-6685 or Liz Andrews at 312-476-6604 with any questions.
List of 2012-2013 Community Action Grants Awarded
-
Summary of 2011-2012 Community Action Grants Awarded
