1889 Foundation and Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance are now accepting applications for the Creative Health Impact Grant (CHIG) Awards for the 2019-2020 funding year! CHIG Awards support effective arts projects and programs related to health and wellness in Cambria and Somerset Counties (complete details below).

An example of a successful program is the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center’s Mindful Arts Initiative, as pictured here. Bottle Works partnered with Mindful Schools, an internationally known leader in bringing mindfulness to education, to serve students of Conemaugh Valley School District, Greater Johnstown School District, Pressley Ridge and the Alternative Community Resource Program (ACRP). The program has provided an outlet for behavioral, emotional, academic, and social growth and support while engaging students in the joy of arts.

Here are more details on the grant program’s requirements:

  • Grants will support effective arts projects and programs related to health and wellness that are offered by non-profit organizations. Funded programs must take place in Cambria and Somerset Counties.
  • Eligible entities will apply to the PRAA for grant funding, and applications will be evaluated based on a review by the 1889 Foundation Creative Health Impact Grants Committee. Awards will range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on quality and quantity of applications.
  • Both new and established programs and projects are eligible, and collaborations between organizations are encouraged.
  • Funded activities could include but are not limited to exhibitions, performances, festivals, arts classes, and other programs that relate to health and wellness. All activities must be open to the general public. Certain forms of activities, including capital expenditures, cash prizes, and hospitality expenses, are not eligible.
  • Applications from eligible entities will be evaluated based on the strength of the proposed project’s goals, its artistic component, and its potential to positively impact the health and wellness of the community. Additional considerations include the project’s management structure, budget and marketing plan.
  • Applicants wishing to apply for this grant funding must schedule a meeting (in person or by phone) with PRAA’s Executive Director to discuss the scope of the program or project.
  • Multiple applications from one organization will be accepted if each application is distinctly different from the other.

The timeline for the grants award process is as follows:

  • Applications must be postmarked no later than April 26, 2019. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June.
  • Grant funding will be awarded in July 2019, and funded activities must take place between
    July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.
  • A final report is required no later than 60 days after the project’s conclusion, documenting its impact and detailing how funds were used.

For complete information on the grant program, including detailed guidelines on how to apply and an application form, visit the PRAA website at www.praa.net or email Rebecca Catelinet at director [at] praa.net. A workshop will also be held for interested applicants on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Laurel View Village, Davidsville, PA.