To achieve the Healthy Active Communities vision of North Carolinians of all ages having access to the key components of healthy living, the BCBSNC Foundation invests in projects and initiatives that achieve the results of increasing physical activity and increasing access to healthy food.

Equipment-only grant cycles provide an opportunity for organizations to access the tools they need to start, enhance or expand their work towards helping their communities achieve the health gains of increased physical activity and access to healthy food.

Equipment-only grants are small (up to $5000) one-time, one-year grants. In 2012, there will be two separate grant cycles for Equipment, one focusing specifically on equipment that increases access to healthy food and one focusing specifically on equipment that increases physical activity. Sign up to be notified of upcoming opportunities.

Healthy Eating Equipment Grant Cycle

Please note - we will be notifying applicants of the grant application results the week of April 2.

We are seeking to invest in projects that result in increasing access to healthy food. Our investments will be prioritized into the areas of Early Childhood, Schools, Faith, Community, and Seniors. Eligible target populations must either be located in a rural county or be a high-risk low income population in an urban county.

Examples of equipment that may be purchased as a part of a Healthy Eating Equipment Grant include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Commercial refrigerators or freezers
• Kitchen equipment (pots, pans, slicers, sectionizers, etc.)
• Materials to start a garden (gardening tools, landscape timbers, irrigation, storage, seeds, etc.)
• Food transport (vans, trucks, etc.)

Physical Activity Equipment Grant Cycle

Application will be available online starting September 24. Proposals will be due by October 26.

We are seeking to invest in projects that result in increasing physical activity. Our investments will be prioritized into the areas of Early Childhood, Schools, Faith, Community, and Seniors. Eligible target populations must either be located in a rural county or be a high-risk low income population in an urban county.

Examples of equipment that may be purchased as a part of a Physical Activity Equipment Grant include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Portable exercise equipment: Pedometers, resistance bands, jump ropes, free weights, kettlebells, exercise balls, aerobic steps, Wii stations
• Fixed exercise equipment: Treadmill, elliptical, stationary bicycle, step machine, rowing machine
• Playground Equipment
• Portable Play Equipment: Balls, parachutes, bikes/trikes
• Materials to develop a trail/enhance an outdoor play environment

To apply, please familiarize yourself with the Healthy Active Communities Focus Area description. The online application will open September 4.