SHIP Nutrition Mini-Grant Instructions

7/31/2019 SHIP Nutrition Mini-Grant Instructions

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SHIPCOMMUNITY HEALTHYFOOD ENVIRONMENT

MINI-GRANT SITEAPPLICATION

Statewide Health

Improvement Progr

(SHIP) Cottonwoo

Jackson-Faribault

Martin & Watonwa

Counties


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Table of Contents

Grant Information...........................................................................2

Grant Information..........................................................................................2

Strategy-Specific Information........................................................................2

Eligible Applicants.........................................................................................4

Funding Available..........................................................................................5

Applicant Responsibilities..............................................................................6

CJFMW SHIP Staff Responsibilities..................................................................7

Contact Information ......................................................................................7

Applicant Review Process & Deadline............................................................8

Grant Application............................................................................9

Applicant Information..................................................................................10

Evaluation Statement..................................................................................10

Strategy Selection.......................................................................................11

Intent...........................................................................................................12

Background Information..............................................................................12Project Description.......................................................................................12

Project Action Plan.......................................................................................13

Project Budget & Narrative..........................................................................15

2 | P a g eStatewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP)

Cottonwood, Jackson, Faribault, Martin & Watonwan Counties


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Grant Information

A. Grant Information

The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) of Cottonwood, Jackson,Faribault, Martin and Watonwan (CJFMW) Counties have grant fundingopportunities for communities, schools, worksites and health careorganizations. These grant opportunities will allow applicants to implementpolicy, systems and environmental changes to reduce chronic diseasesassociated with obesity (physical activity and nutrition) and tobaccouse/exposure. This funding will allow organizations to become involved withthe SHIP initiatives and work within their own communities or counties toimprove the health of the community.

SHIP is looking to communities (organizations, service groups, volunteers,

community leaders, etc.), health care organizations, childcare organizations,worksites (privately owned and 501(c)3), and schools (private and public) tosupport, promote, implement, and evaluate health interventions that lead tosustainable improvements in health by creating changes in policies,systems, and environments where individuals live, work,play, and seekhealth care services.

SHIP legislation requires that interventions be evidence-based and focused onpolicy, systems and environmental changes that support healthy behaviors.

Policy interventions may be laws, ordinances, resolutions, mandates,

regulations, or rules (both formal andinformal). Examples are laws andregulations that restrict smoking in public buildingsand organizational rulesthat provide time off during work hours for physical activity.

Systems interventions are changes that impact all elements of anorganization, institution, or system; they may include a policy orenvironmental change strategy. Two examples include a school districtimplementing healthy lunch menu options in all school cafeterias in the districtand a health plan implementing a health reminder intervention system wide.

Environmental interventions involve physical or material changes to the

economic, social, or physical environment. Examples are incorporatingsidewalks, walking paths, and recreation areas into community developmentdesign; and a high school making healthy snacks and beverages available inall of its vending machines.

B. Strategy Specific Information




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Implement policies and practices that create a community healthy food

environment by building on existing local and/or regional partnerships and

connections between institutions, businesses, and local growers to convene a

council (named Community Food Partnership) designed to assess the

communitys need for improved food literacy and access to healthier food

choices (through farm to fork, healthier food outlets and nutrition labeling).

More detailed information on the nutrition strategy is available for review at:Community Healthy Food Environment (PDF: 120KB/24 pages)

C. Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include private businesses, faith institutions, non-profitorganizations, government agencies and all other entities interested in movingthe food system forward in our communities. Examples of potentialorganizations include: community organizations, churches, farmers markets,corner stores, food shelves, restaurants and other healthier food outlets towork on the Farm to Fork, Establishing/Creating Healthier Food Outlets orNutrition Labeling.

D. Funding Available

CJFMW SHIP has allocated $20,000 towards awarding mini-grants of amountsUP TO $5,000 will be awarded through the Food Policy Council to local

organizations, restaurants, communities (churches, food shelves, etc) to workon specific sub-strategies related to the Community Nutrition strategy. Grantfunding is provided on a reimbursement basis meaning organizations willpay for services and be reimbursed by SHIP in a timely manner for all SHIPallowable services and expenses.

Funds for the $5,000 mini-grant awards will be awarded to organizationswithin the five counties for the following items (based on assessment resultsand council recommendations) Farm to Fork, creating healthier food outlets,and/or nutrition labeling in restaurants. Items that can be included in thesefunds include:

Promotional and marketing materials (including vouchers to promoteFarmers Markets)

Equipment for EBT access at Farmers Markets.

Starting a Farmers Market (in a community, at a worksite or hospital,etc.)

Starting a virtual farmers market (i.e. developing a website for growers tosell or swap produce outside of a traditional farmers market). Website


http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship/implementation/communities/communityhealthyfoodenv093011.pdfhttp://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/ship/implementation/communities/communityhealthyfoodenv093011.pdf


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development, marketing and staff costs allowed- but must be sustainedbeyond grant).

Healthy Corner stores- Fruit and Vegetable Displays, one-time fundingtowards ordering produce from distributer, marketing and promotion ofnew items.

Staffing costs & travel expenses for meetings and trainings Nutrition analysis software for menu labeling and cost of developing new

menus and promotion

Equipment for processing and procuring foods (prior approval required byMinnesota Dept of Health)

Taste testing foods as part of promotional activities

Other items as approved by SHIP Staff.

Other innovative ideas approved through SHIP!

Funds may not be used to purchase equipment (such as snowshoes or opengym equipment without prior approval from SHIP staff), alcohol, gifts for staff,

staff meals (except during approved travel), or parties, research, direct patientmedical services or care, treatment of disease or disability, capitalimprovements or alterations, cash, assistance paid directly to individuals tomeet their personal or family needs, costs incurred prior to the grant award, orany cost not directly related to the SHIP grant.

10% MatchGrantees are required to identify a 10% in-kind or monetary match. This caninclude supplies and materials, meeting spaces, staff time etc.

Supplantation

In accordance with the SHIP statute, grantees must use SHIP funds to developnew activities, expand or modify current activities that work to reduce tobaccouse and exposure and prevent obesity, and/or replace discontinued funds fromthe state, the federal government, or another third party previously used toreduce tobacco use and exposure and prevent obesity. Grantees may notvoluntarily opt to use SHIP funds to replace federal, state, local, or tribalfunding they currently use to reduce tobacco use and exposure or preventobesity.

EvaluationApplications will not be required to budget funds for evaluation of work. This

will be done by CJFMW SHIP and contracted evaluators The Improve Group.Applications should, however, plan to use SHIP funds for costs related to

completing assessments. The Improve Group will be available to provide

assistance with assessment throughout the entire grant cycle.

E. Applicant Responsibilities




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During the Application ProcessComplete all elements of the application which include:

Applicant Information: Please complete all information.

Strategy Selection: Please check appropriate boxes and complete

questions.

Intent: Please complete the questions.

Background Information: Please complete the questions

Project Description: Please complete the questions

Project Action Plan: Please complete the action plan. You may also refer to

the Guide for Implementation with more detailed information for developing

your action plan. We realize your action plan may change over the course of

your work and after completing assessments .

Project Budget: Please complete the project budget. More information isavailable on page 3 regarding allowable uses of funds

REMINDER: SHIP staff help is available to help you brainstorm or completeyour application at no cost. SHIP staff will, however, not complete theapplication for you. If youre interested please contact Chera Sevcik by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 507-236-5376.

Complete and submit application electronically to [email protected] by5:00p.m. on August 17, 2012. Applicants will be notified of their grant award

by September 17

th

, with a grantee start date no later than October 1, 2012.

After the Grants are awardedAfter the grants are awards, applicants are responsible to:

Work with assigned CJFMW SHIP staff to finalize the budget, plannedactivities, and start date. As a result of the contractual agreement,CJFMW will assign you a staff person to direct questions, concerns andrequest additional technical assistance or help.

Perform the activities approved as part of the grant contractualagreement. If grant deliverables are not completed satisfactorily,

CJFMW SHIP has the authority to withhold and/or recover SHIP funds.

Designate project, fiscal, and administrative staff with the appropriatetraining and experience to implement all SHIP activities and to fulfillaccounting, and administrative functions.

Submit quarterly invoices to assigned CJFMW SHIP Staff person.Grantees will be reimbursed for actual documented expenditures.


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Act in a fiscally-responsible manner, including following standardaccounting procedures, charging the SHIP grant only for the activitiesstated in the grant agreement, spending grant funds responsibly,properly accounting for how grant funds are spent, maintaining financial

records to support expenditures billed to the grant, and meeting auditrequirements.

Ensure that a local match equaling at least ten percent of the totalfunding award is provided and documented.

Report to FMW SHIP other funding sources, including grants from othersources, that are directed towards tobacco and obesity, and haveaccounting systems in place to track SHIP-funded activities separatelyfrom activities funded through other sources.

Comply with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act as itapplies to all data created, gathered, generated, or acquired under thegrant agreement.

Complete and participate in evaluation activities.

Participate in all SHIP-sponsored technical assistance calls andtrainings as well as SHIP staff request for information or updates.

Participate in SHIP-endorsed evaluation activities upon request.

Provide grant summary information to CJFMW SHIP upon request forincorporation into Minnesota Department of Health reports.

Allow CJFMW SHIP, Minnesota Department of Health and other SHIPgrantees to use any products produced with SHIP funds.

F. CJFMW SHIP Staff Responsibilities

During the Application ProcessThroughout the application period, CJFMW SHIP staff will provide technicalassistance to potential applicants on the preparation of successful SHIP grant

applications. This includes 1 in person meeting (if requested by applicant) andsupport via phone and e-mail SHIP Staff will not complete the application foryou, but are willing to help in writing or brainstorming.

After the Grants are AwardedAfter the SHIP grants are awarded, CJFMW SHIP Staff will:




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o Assign a SHIP Staff person to work directly with each mini-grant siteto provide technical assistance including: assistance with developingaction plans, convening meetings, development of communicationand promotional materials, assistance with assessment and eventplanning, assistance with budget management.

o Provide technical assistance and training for grant recipients tosupport implementation of SHIP interventions, including planning,evaluation, communication, financial management, and otheressential performance issues.

o Develop SHIP evaluation and reporting requirements for all granteesto measure their performance and demonstrate improved healthoutcomes.

o Develop financial reporting requirements for all grantees to ensureon-going accountability for SHIP funding.

o Complete all reporting requirements on CJFMW SHIP activities to theMinnesota Department of Health. This includes biennial reports on

grant recipients, activities that were conducted using grant funds,evaluation data, and outcome measures.

o Participate in and/or sponsor conferences and workshops to informand educate others regarding the experiences and lessons learnedfrom SHIP, and collaborate with appropriate partners to share theresults of SHIP with the state and national public health communityand policy makers.

o Coordinate SHIP activities with other efforts at the city, county, state,and national levels to avoid duplication of effort and to promoteconsistency.

G. Contact Information

All questions regarding this RFP may be submitted by [email protected] inquiries may be directed to Chera Sevcik at 507.236.5376 between 8a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

H. Application Review Process

Applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected] by5:00p.m on Monday, August 17, 2012.

All applications that meet the deadline will be reviewed for completeness andcompliance with eligibility and submission requirements. Completeapplications that meet the requirements will be reviewed and scored relativeto the application review criteria below. Reviewers will include the newlyformed Food Policy Council in South Central (Cottonwood-Jackson, Faribault,Martin & Watonwan Counties) and the SHIP Community Leadership Team. Toavoid conflicts of interest, Food Policy Council and Community Leadership


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Team members will not review applications if they have a direct relationshipwith the applicants.

Cottonwood, Jackson, Faribault, Martin & Watonwan Counties SHIP committeesreserves the right to request additional information or documentation to

support and validate information submitted in applications.

The Food Policy Council will review and rank the applications. They will maketheir recommendations to the Community Leadership Team who will provide afinal review and ranking of applicants. In addition to reviewer scores andrecommendations, the Community Leadership Team will consider geographicdistribution, applicant readiness for implementation, the degree to which at-risk/high-risk populations are addressed, the number of targeted interventionsites (multiple counties, communities, schools, worksites and health careorganizations) and the degree to which the applicant proposes acomprehensive set of interventions across settings and risk factors. The

Community Leadership Team will determine the final grant awardees.Decisions on grant awards made by the Community Leadership Team will befinal; there will be no appeal process.

Grant award decisions will be made by September 17, 2012. Applicants will benotified by e-mail whether their applications were funded. CJFMW SHIPreserves the right to negotiate changes to the proposed budgets and/oractivities.

Grant agreements will be executed with those organizations that are awardedgrant funds. The effective date of grant work will be upon signing contracts,

but no later than October 1, 2012. Initial grant agreements will end on June 30,2013. Grant agreements may be extended for an additional two-year timeperiod, conditional upon satisfactory performance and available funding. Nowork on grant activities can begin until a fully-executed grant agreement is inplace.

Application Rating Scale

Applications will be scored based on the following criteria:

Prior Experience (15 points)

The applicant has shown evidence of successful prior experience working onissues related to improving access to healthy foods and/or improvingcommunity nutrition. The applicant has shown evidence of successful prior experience working onpolicy, systems, and environmental change in any public health area.




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Readiness (40 points) The applicant has completed a work plan that is reasonable and realistic. The applicant has designated appropriate activities that flow logically fromone step to the next and that will lead to the applicants successful completionof grant activities.

The applicant has specified an amount of work that can be done in thedesignated time frame. The applicant has specified an amount of work that can be done with thedesignated resources. The applicant has included sufficient detail and the work plan is likely to leadto successful completion of SHIP Planning and/or Implementation. The Action Plans flow logically from one step to the next. The Action Plans include sufficient detail for implementation. The Action Plans include a sufficient progression of Action Steps and movethe interventions along far enough such that an impact will be achieved (e.g.,the Action

Plan does not end with forming a coalition or doing an intervention-specificassessment). The Action Plans include milestones designed to assess progress towardscompletion of grant activities.

At-Risk/High-Risk Populations (10 points) The applicant has identified at-risk/high-risk populations within its servicearea and described the needs of these populations. The applicant has considered and addressed the interest and input of at-risk/high-risk populations in intervention planning. The applicant has planned to implement SHIP interventions in such a way

that they address at-risk/high-risk populations.

Staff Capacity (10 points) The applicant has shown evidence that it has or can acquire the staffcapacity to carry out SHIP activities and interventions. The applicant has existing staff or is planning to recruit and hire staff thathas expertise in the areas necessary to carry out SHIP activities andinterventions.

Budget (10 points) The requested level of funding is appropriate for the proposed activities.

The budget includes a clear and reasonable description of the proposedallocation of funds. The proposed expenditures are clearly related to the proposed activities. The applicant has identified a local match of at least ten percent of the totalfunding requested.



SHIP Nutrition Mini-Grant Instructions

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Transcript of SHIP Nutrition Mini-Grant Instructions