In partnership with Project AWARE, Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA), will be offering funds and technical assistance to support local parks departments and community organizations in supporting youth mental health in outdoor park spaces.
Donor Name: Indiana Department of Health (IDOH)
State: Indiana
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/10/2023
Size of the Grant: Up to $10,000
Grant Duration: 4 months
Details:
This four-month opportunity will provide funding to local parks departments, not-for-profits, and community groups that work in parks or other outdoor spaces to receive staff training on mental health and/or create youth programming in outdoor spaces that positively impact mental health and physical activity.
Project AWARE Indiana is committed to changing the Frequency surrounding mental health awareness and education among youth and adolescents across the state. Project AWARE is the result of funding awarded to the Indiana Department of Education by the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). With research indicating that time spent outdoors benefits youth mental health, Project AWARE Goes to the Park was created with the intention of increasing the amount of time young Hoosiers are spending in nature.
Funding Information
Applicants are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in funding for each funding stream. Applicants may apply for both funding streams (up to $20,000 total), but must display capacity to complete both activities in a short period of time.
Grant Period
This four-month funding opportunity beginning approximately June 1, 2023, and ending September 29, 2023,
Eligible Activities
Create opportunities for youth to engage in outdoor spaces in a way that positively impacts youth mental health and physical activity. Two funding streams are available as a part of this grant: youth programming and professional development. Youth programming would involve directly engaging with youth through creative programming that intentionally makes the connection between engaging in nature, youth mental health benefits, and increased physical activity. Professional development would involve providing training to youth-facing staff and/or partners on topics of youth mental health to improve capacity to prevent and respond to youth mental health crises.
Example projects that can be funded through this grant include, but are not limited to:
- Funding Stream 1:
- Youth Programming (programs must have an explicit mental health focus and include a physical activity component; also see funding restrictions on next page)
- Implement various types of ecotherapy programs for children and youth, such as nature walks, adventure activities, or therapeutic gardening.
- Create Story Trails incorporating a story related to mental health, student wellbeing, mindfulness, etc. and lead guided walks with groups of children. Tip: Consult with a local or school librarian to select, or even write a story.
- Organize a large, one-time event aimed at bringing youth and their families to a park or outdoor space to introduce them to the mental health benefits of nature-related activities.
- Implement a nature backpack program in which children can check out a backpack to carry around a park with nature exploration contents (e.g., binoculars) and a mental health activity guide.
- Funding Stream 2:
- Professional Development o Provide Youth Mental Health First Aid training to youth-facing staff and partners.
- Provide Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) training to youth-facing staff and partners.
- Provide Nature & Forest Therapy training to one or two youth-facing staff members.
Eligibility Criteria
Local parks departments and not-for-profit organizations or community groups located in Indiana are eligible to apply.
For more information, visit IDOH.
