Health Promotion Mini-Grants

The Cambridge Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Hideo Sasaki Foundation, offers the Health Promotion Mini-Grant Program to support local initiatives in Cambridge that encourage healthy eating and physical activity. These mini-grants are part of a competitive funding opportunity designed to empower community-driven projects that improve the health and wellness of Cambridge residents. The program reflects a broader initiative by the Cambridge Public Health Department and its partners, including the Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council and Cambridge Public Schools, to promote sustainable health behaviors and environments across the city. Grants of $1,000 are available to eligible organizations with up to 10 awards anticipated in the 2026 cycle. Projects must focus on promoting physical activity, healthy eating, or both. Applicants are encouraged to either develop new practices or build upon existing ones. The program supports a range of entities including community organizations, non-profits, schools, businesses, and other institutions serving the Cambridge area. Notably, applicants must have a fiscal agent that is a registered non-profit organization, and individuals are not eligible to apply. Multiple applications from a single organization are allowed if they represent distinct projects submitted by different staff members. Awardees are expected to designate a staff person to lead the project and must keep the Cambridge Public Health Department informed of any changes in leadership. Additionally, recipients are required to engage in program evaluation by completing surveys and must submit a progress update by September 18, 2026, with the final report and project photos due by November 13, 2026. All funded projects must be completed by October 31, 2026. The application process is facilitated through a Google Form accessible on the department’s website. Selection criteria emphasize the project's potential to establish or promote healthy behaviors, overall quality and clarity of the proposal, evidence of collaboration, and community engagement. Projects that show potential for long-term sustainability are prioritized. Organizations may reapply in future cycles, particularly if presenting new initiatives or extending past successful efforts, up to three consecutive years. The program also allows for collaborative applications: two or more partnering organizations working on overlapping healthy eating or physical activity projects may jointly apply for two grants. Such applications must clearly demonstrate the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed effort and include formal commitments, such as Memoranda of Understanding, from all participating partners. In addition to funding, the Cambridge Public Health Department may provide technical assistance to grantees upon request. Examples of eligible projects include implementing healthy food guidelines, introducing activity breaks in institutional settings, urban agriculture initiatives, or creative efforts to promote physical activity such as walking or biking campaigns. Interested applicants can direct questions to Brigitte DeVeau at [email protected].

Proposals should demonstrate sustainability, community engagement, and timely submission.