Judy Ivan Healthy Communities Endowment seeks Manchester applicants

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System is calling for applicants from Manchester as well as other communities in the Saline area for the Judy Ivan Healthy Communities Endowment. Applications are due Friday, March 31, 2017.

The Endowment’s philosophy is to assist community groups within the Saline service area with financial resources for projects or initiatives that will make a positive difference in the health status of the community. The fund has approximately $23,000 in total grant money available this year.

Generally, the Endowment makes grants to local community groups and schools in Clinton, Dundee, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline communities. The Endowment Committee is particularly interested in new and innovative initiatives, and partnerships among community agencies.

“The Endowment, established in honor of longtime St. Joe’s clinical leader Judy Ivan, presents an ongoing opportunity for St. Joe’s to partner with non-profit organizations in the Saline area to fund projects that contribute to healthy communities,” said Fran Petonic, vice president of development, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. “We appreciate the generosity of the donors who made this fund possible, and the effort of those who put these resources to work in our communities.”

The Endowment supports innovative health and wellness projects and initiatives in the community. Eligible projects that fall within these categories include health and welfare, education, and prevention programs. Funds may be requested for health education materials, supplies, equipment, speakers, project staff, health events and other expenses to provide interventions and education.

Projects or interventions sponsored by local community health coalitions or school-based health initiatives that are undertaken in partnership with each other and/or other groups within the community are encouraged and will be given priority status for available funds.

The Endowment was established in 2002 thanks to a generous gift made in honor of Judy Ivan, a nurse at the Saline hospital, who displayed tremendous passion for the health of the community. Fifteen years later, nearly $400,000 in grants has been provided to more than 100 programs that promote health in the Saline community.

For more information or to obtain an application, please contact Karen Campbell at 734-712-2890 or Karen.Campbell@stjoeshealth.org.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.