For more than 60 years, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has worked to reduce the toll of heart disease and stroke and tangibly improve the health of all Canadians. We’re transforming how society thinks about, prevents, manages and lives with heart disease and stroke. Helping people become more physically active is an important way to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The way our physical space – our built environment – is designed influences the physical activity choices Nova Scotians make. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a recognized leader in linking community planning to improved health. As part of this work, Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ is pleased to announce the 2016 Walkability Grants to help organizations, groups and individuals take steps to increase walking participation.

About the Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ Walkability Grants

Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ is offering Walkability Grants to help organizations, groups or individuals take steps to increase walking participation. With a total of $6000 available for distribution, grants of $250 to $2,000 will be awarded to successful applicants.  Funds will be distributed by May 2016 and completed spending is required by August 31, 2016.  A final report is required by September 30, 2016.  Successful applicants will receive a package of Walkabout™ promotional items to enhance their project.

Categories of Grants

• Infrastructure: Improved accessibility or physical improvements to existing walking infrastructure to encourage Nova Scotians to walk more (e.g. signage, aesthetic features, safety, cost, scheduling)
• Marketing: Innovative marketing and encouragement strategies (new media, community based social marketing, incentive programs, etc.) that link with Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ and encourage Nova Scotians to walk more
• Advocacy: Communication or other activities addressing a local issue (e.g. lack of crosswalks) or projects that would promote walkability (e.g. engaging with decision makers to advance policy change or changes in infrastructure, to create long-term change for better walkability)

Eligibility

Those eligible to apply for this funding include organizations, groups of individuals or communities. Those who have previously received a Walkability Grant may re-apply.

Criteria

Priority will be given to proposals that:

• Clearly and effectively link with goals of Heart&Stroke Walkabout™
• Are action and results oriented, with an achievable work plan
• Communicate a clear purpose and activities that are reasonable and can be evaluated for their effectiveness
• Build public support and involvement
• Engage local or regional leaders and decision makers (e.g. informing municipal councillors of your plans)
• Build on existing community support or physical activity strategies (e.g. Municipal Physical Activity Leadership strategies; school or municipal active transportation plans)

Applications are accepted until 4:30pm on Friday, April 29, 2016

Please click here to download an application form

Inquiries can be directed to the Heart&Stroke Walkabout™ Team via email at [email protected] or by calling 902.423.7530 (Option 5)