During 2009-10, the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln will make nearly $1.5 million available to improve community health in Lincoln and to achieve CHE's vision of "making Lincoln the healthiest community in the nation." The amount available from CHE in 2009-10 is a 50% increase from total funding in 2008-09.

Ed Wimes, Chair of the CHE Board of Trustees, says of this year's funding announcement, "CHE is pleased to offer added opportunity to inspire creative and bold ideas and to support projects that contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals in our wonderful city. We look forward to assisting many organizations continue their great work."

The following three funding categories have been established for eligible organizations:

Targeted Initiatives

Up to $850,000 has been designated for targeted initiatives in the following areas:
Integration of behavioral health and primary care services at the People's Health Center;
Implementation of a two-year, public/private initiative to create a healthier, more active Lincoln; and
Implementation of recommendations from the Mayor's Task Force on the Healthcare Safety Net.

Open Funding
Up to $200,000 is available from CHE as part of an open application process. Any non-profit, 501(c)3 organization may request for programs or projects that further the health, safety, or welfare of Lincoln area residents. This includes funding for capital construction, facility renovation, and equipment.

SPARK! Funding
Up to $100,000 is available from CHE's SPARK! Fund for one-time, non-renewable grants of up to $10,000 each. Funds are intended to ignite new ideas and to help develop bold and innovative projects that have the potential to make Lincoln a healthier community.

Applications for targeted initiatives may be by invitation only. Stage I applications for funding to begin July 1, 2010 are due by 5 p.m., January 15, 2010.

In addition to new funding, CHE approved nearly $350,000 for ongoing grant obligations, including support of building projects for the Child Advocacy Center and Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach; Community Compass, a data collection project related to drug use in Lincoln; Project SOAR, an outreach program to homeless and near-homeless persons who are disabled; and Project ALL, a leadership program that identifies and encourages ethnic/minority individuals to serve on non-profit boards and governmental commissions.

Courtesy: Community Health Endowment of Lincoln