April 1, 2008

Introduction to our organization

Union River Healthy Communities is a community health-promotion program, and a service of Downeast Health Services. Funding for this "Healthy Maine Partnership" is through the Maine Center for Disease Control, and comes from the Master Tobacco Settlement, not tax dollars. Our service area includes Ellsworth and surrounding towns of the Union River Watershed, as well as the Schoodic region: Amherst, Aurora, Dedham, Eastbrook, Ellsworth, Franklin, Gouldsboro, Great Pond Plantation, Hancock, Mariaville, Osborn, Otis, Sorrento, Steuben, Sullivan, Waltham and Winter Harbor.

Our primary goal is to reduce chronic disease through community health education and capacity-building; in particular to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, reduce substance abuse and increase physical activity. We use "grass roots" organizing to empower citizens and improve community health. A coalition of local citizens serves as our advisory board and principal means of convening residents on a variety of topics. The group created the Ellsworth Community Health Plan, using a year-long process of dialogue with residents and organizations.

Goals of the project

Each year, URHC provides small grants to community organizations that are engaged in projects consistent with the goals of the Health Plan, which can be downloaded from our website. In 2008, we are interested in funding projects that reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition and increase physical activity.

Grant Selection and Reporting

One-time grants of $200 - $1000 will be selected by July 1, and funded by August 30, 2008. Deadline for submissions is midnight, June 1, 2008.

For recipients, one progress report (including a letter describing progress and a report of funds expended) is due by February 1, 2009. We encourage you to send us copies of press releases or feedback from participants so that we may showcase your project.

Who may apply

Non-profit organizations within the service area listed above may apply for grants. If the organization is not 501(c)(3) exempt, they must have a fiscal agent with this status. An example of potential grantees includes:

• Non-profit organizations
• Schools
• Faith-based organizations
• Community service clubs and organizations
• Groups that support positive, healthy behaviors
• Youth Groups

Decision making

Grantees will be selected by representatives of the Union River Healthy Communities Advisory Board.

Format

Please use the application forms below.

Click icon to download and fill the Word document version in and send it back to us via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (preferred)

or click on the PDF icon to open, print and send in via regular postal mail to:

Union River Healthy Communities

52 Christian Ridge Road

Ellsworth, ME, 04605

Recipients of Union River Healthy Communities Mini-Grants

2004:

• Bucksport High School Student Wellness Team - Granted $593.15 for display cases to show materials promoting tobacco prevention, substance abuse prevention and nutrition.
• Down East Family YMCA - Granted $1,000 to help develop a community skate park.
• Faith in Action Community Action - Granted $1,000 to help recruit, train and use youth volunteers to work with FIA elderly clientele.
• Schoodic Healthy Communities - Granted $700 to help promote the ASK (Schoodic Active Kids) program which provides physical activities and jobs for kids throughout the summer.

2005:

• Bucksport School Department - Granted $1,000 for a 3 day adventure activities program for 17 Leadership & Resiliency Program students.
• DTA Center for Learning and Growing - Granted $1,000 for AquaCranial & AquaBaby Clinics.
• Downeast Triad - Granted $500 for pro grams to improve safety for the elderly.
• Eastern Agency on Aging - Granted $600 for an exercise program for seniors called a "Matter of Balance."
• Ellsworth High School - Granted $1,000 for the Healthy Peer Relationships group to present the play, "The Yellow Dress."
• Maine Coast Pediatrics - Granted $2,000 to help start a "Multidisciplinary Healthy Weight Clinic" for children.
• Volunteers for Hancock Jail Residents - $500 for library books, post release resources list and health information, education and support program.
• Washington Hancock Community Agency - Granted$1,000 for a dental hygiene education program taught through family child care providers.
• Woodlawn Museum Community Gardens- Granted $1,100 to build raised beds, teach gardening and plan food donation.

2006:

• Ellsworth High School - Granted $750 to help pay for the Healthy Peer Relationships group to present the play, "The Yellow Dress."
• Ellsworth School Department - Granted $1,000 to buy pedometers for the Bryant E. Moore school's existing Mileage Club program.
• Maternal and Child Health Program, DEHS - Granted $500 to buy DVD players for visiting nurses to show educational DVD's.
• The Mariaville Grange - Granted $1,000 for a Youth Corps Program, helping kids stay active with jobs and earn money for the summer.