09 Jun PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being Seeks Applicants for Second Round of Focusing Action for Positive Change Grant Program
Charlottetown, PEI – The PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being has officially launched its second round of the Focusing Action for Positive Change Grant Program. The Grant Program takes an upstream approach to advancing the resiliency of Islanders across the province, funding projects and initiatives that focus on supporting and strengthening mental well-being.
“The response from applicants during our first round of the Program was incredibly enthusiastic. As we move into this second round, we look forward to receiving even more forward-thinking applications,” said Karen Cumberland, Executive Director for the Alliance.
This second round of the Grant Program will split the four funding streams into two cycles, one in the summer and one in the winter. The summer cycle, running from June 9 until September 14, will take applications for two specific streams: Innovation Grants and Creating Connections Grants.
Innovation Grants focus on developing new and creative approaches that help build resilience among those living in PEI. Creating Connections Grants focus on assisting the development of new partnerships or strengthening existing ones across sectors (including, but not limited to, not-for-profit, health, social services, justice, education, faith institutions, the community, municipalities, business and academia). This will foster collective action, which is needed to address the shared vision of resilient Island communities and individuals.
“The Innovation Grants allow us to fund upstream, outside of the box ideas while the Creating Connections Grants help generate collaboration, partnership and knowledge sharing. There are many potential applicants that have a deep understanding of their communities’ needs and what projects and initiatives can improve and support mental well-being. When that understanding is met with the science of resilience, the opportunity for positive impact only increases,” said Cumberland.
Funded projects must focus on at least one of three evidence-based factors shown to strengthen resilience and mental well-being:
• Supporting responsive relationships
• Strengthening core life skills
• Reducing sources of toxic stress and its harmful buildup
The Alliance will host a virtual Summer Cycle Virtual Coaching Workshop in July. The workshop will explain the Alliance’s knowledge base and answer questions about the application process. Coaching sessions will also be offered to applicants for support in ensuring projects and initiatives align with the Program’s objectives.