Grants of up to $10,000 to New York nonprofit organizations in eligible regions for projects that improve the health of local residents. Funding is intended for programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating, and reduce hypertension and tobacco use. The goal of the grant program is to build an equitable and sustainable culture of health in the Greater Utica Area. Awards may be used for new initiatives that are unique and innovative, or for the expansion or continuation of already successful projects or initiatives.

The Foundation is seeking innovative programs that address social determinants of health and work to increase the consumption of healthy foods, increase the number of individuals who meet the recommended amount of physical activity, reduce tobacco use and increase access to blood pressure screenings and education that can be tied to health outcomes in the underserved populations:

• Healthy eating: Improving access to and consumption of healthy foods
• Physical activity: Increasing % of youth and adults that meet physical activity guidelines
• Tobacco use: Eliminate tobacco and e-cigarette use and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Blood pressure: Reduce hypertension and improve blood pressure control rates in underserved populations

Priority will be given to proposals that promote systemic change through strong, outcome-focused initiatives (including, but not limited to, community collaborations, environmental and programmatic interventions and policy advocacy) that target communities most burdened by a limited access to healthy food, limited access to physical activity, increased tobacco usage and high blood pressure rates.