Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) is pleased to announce a community grant opportunity focusing on Building a Healthy Environment for All Pierce County Residents. These community grants are intended to support Pierce County non-profit organizations in their endeavors to create healthier and more inclusive opportunities for physical activity.

“PCPH has the opportunity to support projects that will have long-term impacts on health in our community. $100,000 of Public Health's ARPA funds were designated for Built Environment projects in the 2023 PCPH budget,” said Nutrition and Physical Activity Manager Brittany Mora.

Local non-profits within Pierce County can apply for up to $20,000 to support a project designed to make being physically active easier.

“The goal of this funding opportunity is to break down barriers and strive towards a Pierce County that has equal physical activity opportunities for residents of all backgrounds and lived experiences,” said Mora.

A minimum of five grants will be awarded.

Funding for the community grants comes from the $1.9 trillion package that President Joe Biden signed into law on March 11, 2021, known as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The purpose of this package was to provide relief in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help support communities in their COVID-19 recovery efforts. Of these funds, a total of $58.4 million was given to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). From there, the Wisconsin DHS designated a specific amount of money to each local and tribal health department. In general, local health departments can utilize this funding to either (1.) continue combating the COVID-19 pandemic, or (2.) promote community recovery. PCPH is using this funding for both efforts. 

Applications to request funding are due April 30, 2023. All applications will be evaluated and ranked by a selection committee composed of a Pierce County Board of Health member, a PCPH staff member, and representatives from the St. Croix Valley Foundation, Allina Health, a local school district, the University of Wisconsin Madison-Division of Extension, and a Public Health client. Grant winners will be notified in June 2023 and will have until Oct. 31, 2024, to complete their projects.

All Pierce County non-profit organizations, with both small and large funding requests, are encouraged to apply.

“We see the potential to do so much good in our communities. Some example projects could be: recreational libraries, park benches, cycling desks in a community space, playground equipment open to the public, outdoor fitness station, and trail improvements,” said Mora.

The application form to request funds is posted on the Pierce County Public Health website: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/piercewi/Document_center/Department/Public%20Health/WIC,%20Nutrition%20&%20Physical%20Activity/Application%20-%20BE%20Grants%202023%20-%20editable.pdf.

Questions regarding this grant opportunity or the application process can be directed to Brittany Mora at 715-273-6755 or brittany.mora@co.pierce.wi.us.        

Submitted by Pierce County Public Health