Starting May 31, 2019, we’ve been accepting applications for the seventh year of our Healthy Communities Grant Program, which has supported more than two dozen projects across the province with funding totalling $1.3 million.
Organizations interested in applying for grant funding can apply by completing the application form and submitting it to Alberta Blue Cross® by August 31. Grants will be awarded (and all applicants notified) in December.
Recognizing the challenges communities face in creating amenities to promote active living, Alberta Blue Cross® responded by launching their Healthy Communities Grant Program in 2013. Over the last six years, our program has given funds to support amenities including bike and skateboard parks, outdoor gyms, sports courts, and of course, new and replacement playgrounds.
“The Healthy Communities Grant Program supports projects that reflect our mandate of giving back to the community while promoting the health and wellness of all Albertans,” says Brian Geislinger, vice-president of Corporate Relations with Alberta Blue Cross®.
Each year, we award $50,000 grants with one for Edmonton, one for Calgary, one for secondary cities and one for rural communities with a focus on ensuring grants are equitably distributed on a regional basis. In 2017, we expanded the program by adding a ‘special merit’ grant, and this year we further expanded the program by adding a grant specifically for projects in Indigenous communities. Funding for the program comes from the ABC Benefits Corporation Foundation.
Greetings ,
While we were in the local playground with our grandson, my wife asked why they didn’t have a outdoor gym for the adults , not only would this give parents a chance to improve there fitness , it would also inspire children to do exercise like there parents, i would like to see an outdoor gym incorporated into all new playground through out the province, of course if you wanted a place to start i live in Medicine Hat near Saamis Rotary park and there would be lots of room to incorporate a gym ,
Thanks and keep up the good work
Hi Dave,
We really appreciate the feedback!
The Healthy Communities Grant Program has in the past sponsored several outdoor gyms. The program is community-driven so the community decides what to build, not Alberta Blue Cross. If there were an organization in Medicine Hat that put in an application for a project like this, it would certainly receive due consideration.
Thanks again for the comment