May 4, 2015 – St. John’s, NL: Eastern Health encourages non-profit and community-based groups to apply for funding under its Community Development Fund for 2015. The fund, valued at $50,000, was established in 2007 by Eastern Health’s Board of Trustees to support the organization’s vision of Healthy People, Healthier Communities.

“The Community Development Fund provides a financial means for community-based groups to either jump-start or accomplish their goals,” said Michael O’Keefe, Chair, Board of Trustees, Eastern Health. “In addition, supporting these initiatives provides Eastern Health with opportunities to build partnerships that promote health and wellness in our communities, and bring to life our vision of Healthy People, Healthy Communities.

Up to $10,000 is available for non-profit community-based groups and organizations for a single project. Priority will be given to groups that contribute to a healthier community by:

• building a sense of community,
• strengthening social support networks,
• developing community connections,
• addressing a priority need,
• creating supportive environments, and
• strengthening community action.

Since the first grants were awarded in 2008, over $340,000 has been invested in 45 community groups and organizations.

“Grass root, community-based groups are at the heart of our communities,” said Alice Kennedy, Vice President responsible for Population Health with Eastern Health. “The Community Development Fund has given Eastern Health the opportunity to connect with some of the most innovative and committed groups and organizations in our province, when it comes to health-related initiatives.”

In previous years, the Community Development Fund supported projects that represent a wide range of health-related needs in our communities from creating spaces and opportunities for recreation and community gatherings, to programs that engage youth in sexual and mental health issues, to inter-generational initiatives that develop skills and connect community members young and old.

The Community Development Fund aligns closely with Eastern Health’s Strategic Plan for 2014-17, which emphasizes a population health approach to support better health outcomes for the communities it serves.

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 5, 2015. The Community Development Fund application and guidelines are available on Eastern Health’s website at www.easternhealth.ca/YourHealth.  Interested groups can also call (709) 466-6302 for more information.