Don’t let lack of funds stand in your way! Here are some methods that schools have used to fund our programs. All of these are explained further below:
School and Community Funds
Grants
Reduced Price Options
Local Sponsors
Healthy Fundraising Ideas
School and Community Funds
Check with your principal, vice-principal, superintendent, school board, school food service director, health educator, nurse, or curriculum specialist to locate funds for nutrition and health education programs. Here are some school and community funding sources that schools often use:
Grants
The following organizations offer grants and/or list funding opportunities that are related to health and nutrition. Your school or organization may or may not qualify for these but we are listing them as a starting place for grant research. Note: this is not a comprehensive list.
These organizations are especially relevant for child nutrition and obesity prevention programs:
Aetna Regional Community Health Grants Program
Through the Regional Community Grants Program and the Healthy Community Outreach Program, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation will award grants for philanthropic initiatives focused on health care issues. Apply online.
Love Your Veggies™ Grants - Hidden Valley®
Grants are available for elementary schools to use for nutrition education and training, as well as to purchase produce and related needs. Apply online.
Team Nutrition - USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Team Nutrition Training Grants for Healthy School Meals provide funding to establish and enhance efforts related to improving school nutrition and school wellness.
School Nutrition Association
Lists grant opportunities related to school nutrition.
Shaping America's Youth
Provides links to organizations that provide funds for initiatives that may encompass child health issues.
The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools
Lists available grants dealing with their focus of strengthening the well-being of children and youth through health programs in schools.
Allen Foundation
Awards grants to encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits.
Will consider requests from K-12 public, parochial or private schools. Apply online.
US Dept of Education - Carol M. White Physical Education Program
Provides funding for the development and implementation of physical activity programs, which may include instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition. Considers requests from local educational agencies and community-based organizations for K-12 students.
General Mills Foundation
Awards 50 grants each year of $10,000 each to community-based groups that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle.
More grant funding possibilities:
Grants.gov
Find and apply for federal government grants on this site from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
School Grants
One-stop site for preK-12 school grants. Lists a variety of grant opportunities available to public and private nonprofit schools in the U.S., and provides grant writing tips.
Women Helping Others (WHO) Foundation
Provides funding for critical health and education projects that give women and children the knowledge and tools they need to improve their lives.
Grants for Arts Education
Supports model programs and projects that provide in-depth knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts to children and youth in schools and communities.
Education World
Learn about current education grants, discover additional grant sources, and find grant-writing tips and resources.
Center for Weight and Health, UC Berkeley
Links to funding opportunities for weight and health related activities.
GrantsAlert.com
Information on education funding opportunities that will help teachers and schools.
Grant Wrangler
Free grants listing service for K-12 schools. Search for grants by keywords or subscribe to their e-newsletter.
Grant Gopher
Offers help to find available grants, including free and fee-based services.
Funds Net Services Online
A fundraising and grants directory.
Lowe's® Toolbox for Education Grants
Lowe’s will donate $5 million to public schools and public school parent teacher groups - at more than 1,000 different public schools per school year.
Target® Store Grants
Target funds arts programs that bring the arts to schools or make it affordable for youth and families to participate in cultural experiences, such as school touring programs, field trips to the theater or symphony, or artists' residencies and workshops in schools. Programs that make the arts accessible to school children are of particular interest.
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Reduced Price Options
We are committed to bringing our special brand of nutrition education to your children. Here are some ways to lower your costs:
- Help build a mini-tour in your area by contacting neighboring schools or working with your school district.
- Host a rehearsal show.
- Sign up for our "Blue Plate Special"! Receive a discounted program when we have a last-minute opening in your area.
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Local Sponsors
Many local businesses or organizations are very interested in sponsoring our live shows because of the opportunity to make a dramatic and positive impact in their communities, directly reach large numbers of children and families with their message, and receive great publicity for their efforts. Our shows regularly attract wonderful media coverage, including positive recognition of sponsors!
We can provide you with our “Community Health Hero” packet, which contains materials you can use to encourage local businesses or organizations to sponsor these programs.
The following types of businesses and organizations might be especially interested in sponsorship opportunities:
- Banks
- Supermarkets
- Natural food stores
- HMOs/health care providers
- Hospitals
- Health insurance companies
- Restaurants
- Kiwanis, Junior League, and other civic organizations
- Churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations
- Youth clubs
- Child-focused businesses such as dance studios, fitness centers, toy and clothing stores, etc.
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Healthy Fundraising Ideas
School fundraising can be easy, fun, healthy, and profitable. Check out these ideas:
- Greenraising:
A very easy way to sell earth-friendly products as a fundraiser for your school or non-profit. Buyers can shop online or with a catalog.
Do You Have Funding Ideas?
Please let us know how you've funded
programs
so we can spread the word!
Contact us with questions
1-800-FOODPLAY (1-800-366-3742)
Email us
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