May 3, 2019
Des Moines, IA — The Wellmark Foundation is now accepting applications for its small Matching Assets to Community Health (MATCH) grants. Applications are due June 7. The small MATCH grants are for up to $25,000 and must be matched at 50 percent with cash or in-kind contributions. At least one-half of the matching support must be in cash.
"The Wellmark Foundation wants to provide all Iowans and South Dakotans with the opportunity to live their healthiest and best life," said Becky Wampler, executive director for The Wellmark Foundation. "That is why our goal is to be a catalyst in bringing groups together to positively impact health within a community. This can be done by creating safe and healthy environments that encourage physical activity and access to and consumption of nutritious foods now, and for generations to come."
Examples of sustainable grants — projects that continue after The Wellmark Foundation grant funding ends — include:
- Improving access to locally sourced foods — establishing or improving infrastructure of farmers' markets and establishing or improving community gardens.
- Supporting connections between local food systems and health — advancing efforts of food policy councils.
- Improving nutrition in school settings — farm-to-school programs, healthy vending and lunchroom redesign to encourage consumption of healthy foods.
- Advancing active transportation concepts — Safe Routes to School projects, walking school buses and adding bicycle parking.
- Providing safe, accessible venues for physical activity in a community.
Applications for the small MATCH grants must be submitted by June 7. View previous Wellmark Foundation MATCH grant recipients.
