Manchester applicants sought for Judy Ivan Healthy Communities Endowment grants

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 grants. Applications are due by Friday, March 30, 2018.

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 $25,000 in total grant money available this year.

“Established in honor of longtime St. Joe’s clinical leader Judy Ivan, this endowment presents an ongoing opportunity for our hospital system to partner with local non-profit organizations to promote healthy living in and around Saline,” said Fran Petonic, regional vice president of development of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. “In Judy’s memory and with the generous support of our donors, we are putting these resources to work in the communities we serve.”

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

Eligible projects 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 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 to apply 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. Sixteen years later, more than $400,000 in grants have been provided to more than 100 programs that promote health in the greater Saline community.

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

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by Sara Swanson

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