Grants available for groups pushing fitness

Staff Reports
February 23, 2008

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Groups that are encouraging physical activity for youth this summer have the opportunity to apply for additional funding.

Steps to a Healthier Weld County announced Friday that it is awarding mini grants to help fund projects that focus on physical activity for children ages 9-13.

Steps is a countywide initiative sponsored by the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. The mini grants are being offered through Steps' VERB Summer Scorecard project for the first time this year. About $2,000 will be awarded with the average award expected to be $100. The maximum award will be $500.

The VERB Summer Scorecard project is in its third year in Weld. The program targets "tweens," which are children ages 9-13, with a message that encourages at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

To qualify for the grant, an organization must use the funds in Weld before Aug. 14, must focus on activities for at least five tweens and must correlate with the VERB philosophy. Applications are due by 5 p.m. March 31. Applications and guidelines are online at www.stepstoahealthierweld.com or by calling or e-mailing Amy Charlson at acharlson@co.weld.co.us or (970) 304-6470, Ext. 2350. Applications also are available at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley.