nib foundation is encouraging charities focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Australians to apply for their annual Health Smart Grants.
Six grants of $40,000 each are available to support the delivery of programs that help equip youth and young adults with the information and tools they need to manage their health risks.
nib foundation executive officer, Amy Tribe, said the grants are an opportunity for charities to continue to promote and educate the community on the serious health benefits of leading healthier lifestyles.
“Research shows that almost half of Australians have at least one chronic health condition, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In addition, 20% have multiple chronic health conditions that often share the same multiple risk factors, like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise,” said Mrs Tribe.
“The good news is that many of these risk factors leading to chronic ill-health are preventable and there are plenty of great organisations out there who are working hard to help Australians better understand and manage these risks,” she added.
Health promotion charity, Live Life Get Active, and early intervention mental health organisation, The Banksia Project, are two organisations that have previously been supported through Health Smart Grants.
“Thanks to nib foundation’s $40,000 grant we’ve been able to expand our free online fitness, wellness and nutrition programs so that we can help more Australians prioritise their health at a time when COVID-19 continues to cause disruptions to the lives of many,” said Amanda King, CEO of Live Life Get Active.
“Despite the impacts of COVID-19, our partners, including Live Life Get Active and The Banksia Project has embraced technology to help deliver crucial physical and mental health programs across the country that can be accessed by Australians from the comfort of home,” said Mrs Tribe.
“It’s organisations like these that we are keen to hear from. Charities who are doing great work to deliver important health information, resources and strategies that are easily accessible and digestible for our younger population,” she added.
For the first time, nib foundation is also offering its Health Smart Grants across the Tasman.
“We’re also thrilled to be extending our support to our neighbours in New Zealand with three additional grants of $40,000 up for grabs for charities working hard to get on the front foot of Kiwi health and wellbeing,” said Mrs Tribe.
The successful charities in Australia will also be given the chance to have their funding doubled through nib foundation’s People’s Choice vote where two of the six charities will receive an extra $40,000 as decided by the public, nib members and shareholders.
Expressions of Interest applications are open to registered charities from 1 – 30 June. To submit an EOI, visit: nib.com.au/foundation/apply