Program Overview
The Georgia Department of Public Health in partnership with Georgia SHAPE is providing grant funding and technical assistance to schools to improve student fitness based on the results of the FITNESSGRAM© assessment or to address the nutritional requirements of the HHFKA. The SHAPE School Grant Program offers two options:
Option 1 - Planning Grants - Amount: up to $3,000
Schools applying for planning grants are required to form or re-activate a health team or council (e.g., school wellness council); conduct a school health assessment using one of the two approved assessment tools; develop a physical activity and/or nutrition improvement plan that includes priorities based on the results of the school health assessment; participate in training and technical assistance sessions provided by this grant program;develop a strategy for implementing programs/activities that address the top three priorities identified in the improvement plan; and conduct an evaluation of the planning process.
Option 2 - Implementation Grants – Amount: up to $5,000
Schools applying for implementation grants are required to provide documentation that a health team or council (e.g., school wellness council) has been established and is currently active including a list of current membership; submit a copy of the completed, approved school health assessment; submit a summary of the findings of the school health assessment; submit a copy of the existing physical activity and nutrition improvement plan (the physical activity and nutrition plan should be based on the results of the completed school health assessment); participate in training and technical assistance sessions provided by this grant program; implement programs/activities that address at least one of the top three priority areas identified in the improvement plan; conduct an evaluation; and share successes and best practices.
In order to be eligible for implementation funding a school must have completed an approved school health assessment; have an existing health team or council; and have a physical activity and nutrition improvement plan currently in place. Failure to submit all documentation requested in this RFA will constitute an incomplete application and the application will not be reviewed.
By addressing FITNESSGRAM© results and HHFKA requirements, schools will also be building a solid foundation to apply for recognition from the USDA HealthierUS School Challenge program and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation program. As such, grantees are strongly encouraged to learn more about these recognition programs and identify the steps necessary to apply for these awards:
- USDA Healthier Schools Challenge: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/HealthierUS/
- Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program: http://www.healthiergeneration.org/about.aspx
(Note: At no cost to the grantee, independent subject matter experts will be available to provide training and technical assistance to funded Option 1 and Option 2 schools. Examples of technical assistance include: helping grantees conduct health assessments and identify priorities, providing reference tools, conducting peer learning and trainings, and assisting with evaluations. All grantees must agree to participate in or utilize training opportunities provided during the grant period.)
Eligibility
Any Georgia public school is eligible to apply. Only one application per school is permitted.
Schools applying for SHAPE funding through this grant opportunity must implement evidenced-based strategies and activities that advance policies and improve environments that support the adoption of healthy behaviors.
Award Information
Funding Agency: Funding for this project is provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health through the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.
Matching Funds: Matching funds are not required for this grant.
Funding:This award is based on cost reimbursement. All invoices for payment must be submitted using the appropriate invoice rate schedule document. Invoices may be submitted monthly or quarterly. Schools must agree to be the primary fiscal agent for funds awarded through this grant opportunity.
Capital purchases and improvements:Capital purchases and improvements will not be permitted.
Number of Awards: The exact number of awardees will depend upon the number and type of grants submitted. However, it is anticipated that up to 25 schools will be awarded funding for the 2013-2014 school year.
Funding Preferences: Preference will be given based on geographic location and diversity of school types (e.g., large, medium, and small size, elementary, middle, and high school). Preference will also be given to schools based on the number of students from disparate populations attending the school.
Final Programmatic Reports: A final report will be due with the final invoice submitted no later than August 29, 2014. The final report will describe progress on achieving deliverables and outcomes as stated in the application. The report must include the following items: summary of overall program; program highlights; and progress on achievement of deliverables.
Grantee Webinar: Click here for a recorded webinar designed to provide further information and answer questions prior to the application deadline.
Application Release Date: March 22, 2013
Application Due Date: Noon., April 29, 2013
Anticipated Award Date: Friday, May 22, 2013
Performance Period: September 2013 to August 2014
