Q’s and A’s

1. When will applications/ funds be available for this Healthy Communities program? 
2. What will the eligibility criteria for funding be?
3. How are organizations supposed to find opportunities for partnership or collaboration?
4. My organization focuses on a single risk factor. Can I still access funds through the Healthy Communities Fund?
5. Who is eligible to apply for the planning stream?
6. Will public health units be eligible to apply to the Healthy Communities Fund?
7. Will disease-specific programs such as Stroke/Osteoporosis initiatives be funded through the Healthy Communities Fund?
8. Is the Healthy Communities Fund based on the international Healthy Communities Movement that incorporates social, economic and environmental factors?
9. Will organizations working at the provincial level be eligible to get funding?
10. Who will evaluate proposals?
11. How can organizations apply for funding through the Healthy Communities Fund and what is the deadline to apply?
12. When are applications due?

Question: When will applications/ funds be available for this Healthy Communities program? 

Answer: The Healthy Communities Fund website is already up and running and organizations can now download an application to apply for funding.

Question: What will the eligibility criteria for funding be?

Answer: Organizations that are eligible to apply for funding include; incorporated not-for-profit organizations, First Nations and other incorporated Aboriginal organizations, Ontario Municipalities, Conservation Authorities, Ontario Colleges and Universities, Local Service Boards, Public Health Units, and Community Health Centres.

Eligible health promotion initiatives include: physical activity, sport and recreation; healthy eating; mental health promotion; tobacco use and exposure; substance and alcohol misuse; and injury prevention.  The fund will require increased partnerships among local organizations, resulting in greater leveraging of resources and more comprehensive health promotion programs that provide Ontarians with better access to priority health promotion programs and services.  

Question: How are organizations supposed to find opportunities for partnership or collaboration?

Answer: Each community in Ontario has a wealth of organizations willing to collaborate for greater impact. Our Regional staff will work with organizations to connect them to potential partners.

Question: My organization focuses on a single risk factor. Can I still access funds through the Healthy Communities Fund?

Answer: Yes. But you will have to look for ways to address more than a single risk factor and are encouraged to link with other organizations to do so. Regional Consultants and Ministry staff are good resources to help you make those linkages.

Question: Who is eligible to apply for the planning stream?

Answer: For 2009-10, Heart Health Networks will be the only eligible applicants for the planning stream. In the second year of the Healthy Communities Fund, other applicants may be eligible.

In 2009-10, the Ministry will fund some intervention specific planning projects through the local stream (e.g. planning for a specific program like smoke-free sports). These projects will be encouraged to link with local heart health groups.

Question: Will public health units be eligible to apply to the Healthy Communities Fund?

Answer: Yes, public health units will be eligible to apply. However, all applicants are required to apply for funds in a partnership.  Collaborative projects – where two or more organizations committed to working in partnership to achieve common goals within the community – are required. 

Question: Will disease-specific programs such as Stroke/Osteoporosis initiatives be funded through the Healthy Communities Fund?

Answer: MHP is moving away from programming that focuses on specific diseases, instead, taking an integrated approach to preventing chronic diseases. Initiatives under the HCF will target, among other things, the risk factors which lead to chronic diseases, such as poor diet and inactivity, rather than targeting specific diseases.

Question: Is the Healthy Communities Fund based on the international Healthy Communities Movement that incorporates social, economic and environmental factors?

Answer: Like the Healthy Communities Movement, MHP’s healthy communities approach is aimed at improving the quality of life in communities. We recognize that international movements support multi-sectoral collaborations to deal with social issues, strengthen local economies and improve the environment – the latter two are areas where MHP has less expertise.

As MHP considers models for aligning provincial, regional and local planning and community mobilization to a health promotion agenda, we will be looking to the Healthy Communities Coalition for ideas on ways to build a network of networks to help coordinate various community efforts.

While economic development and environmental sustainability are not the primary focus of the Healthy Communities Fund, we recognize the role played by the determinants of health and welcome initiatives that build partnerships across sectors to improve health.

Question: Will organizations working at the provincial level be eligible to get funding?

Answer: Yes, organizations working provincially are eligible. Proposals will have to address strategic interests of the Ministry and, be connected to local partners and initiatives.

Question: Who will evaluate proposals?

Answer: Ministry staff will evaluate proposals.  All projects will be approved by the Minister of Health Promotion.

Question: How can organizations apply for funding through the Healthy Communities Fund and what is the deadline to apply?

Answer: Eligible organizations should visit the Ministry of Health Promotion’s website for guidelines, application forms and details for how to apply.

Question: When are applications due?

Answer: Applicants who wish to apply to the local stream and be considered for this intake of the Healthy Communities Fund must submit a signed hard copy of their application by July 31, 2009 at 12:00 noon. Applications received after this date will be considered, pending availability of funds. 

Applicants who wish to apply to the provincial stream and be considered for this intake of the Healthy Communities Fund must submit a statement of interest by July 2, 2009 at 12:00 noon.  Applications received after this date will be considered, pending availability of funds.