Wasilla, AK— Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is seeking applications from eligible non-profit organizations for its Healthy Impact grant program, which twice annually awards grants over $15,000 to fund programs that improve the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough. The application period for the current cycle of Healthy Impact grants is as follows:

Project Pitch: December 2, 2013 until 4 pm on January 10, 2014
Full Application: January 20, 2014 until 4 pm on February 28, 2014

MSHF uses a two-part application process for Healthy Impact grants. The first phase of the process is the Project Pitch phase. The Project Pitch is completed online at www.healthymatsu.org and includes information about the organization that is applying and a description of the proposed project. The Foundation reviews all pitches and then invites projects that most closely align with the Foundation’s funding goals to move forward to the full application phase.

Potential applicants are encouraged to review the “Grant Guidelines” section of the Foundation’s website for information on the grant process. MSHF supports organizations and activities that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes rather than symptoms; build upon community strengths; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. MSHF is particularly interested in supporting organizations that:

Expand access to health and wellness care, especially for people from low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in the targeting and delivery of services to reduce health disparities.
• Foster communication, cooperation, and coordination among service providers.
• Build programs and services that are sustainable.
• Have a strong and engaged board, staff and/or volunteer leadership.
• Have a board of directors reflecting Mat-Su representation.

Although Healthy Impact grant requests must be in excess of $15,000, smaller grant amounts are considered continuously under the Foundation’s Target Wellness grant program. As with Healthy Impact grants, Target Wellness grants are applied for online at www.healthymatsu.org.

About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital and protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution through board oversight. The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.