Healthy Living Grant Frequently Asked Questions
Created in 2002, this program provides healthy lifestyles seed grants for grassroots public health programs.
The AMA Foundation wanted to clarify to its stakeholders that the Fund for Better Health is an unrestricted fund to which one can donate, that supports general public health initiatives of the Foundation. The Healthy Living Grant Program is a specific Foundation program that supports healthy lifestyles initiatives and grants.
In 2012, projects that address Prescription Medication Safety are eligible to apply for a grant. The target audience of the project must be an underserved and/or at-risk population between the ages of 2-21.
Applications are available on the Foundation's Web site in mid-May. Applications are due mid-July. Grant recipients are announced in early September.
In 2012, approximately 25 grants will be awarded. The grant amount maximum is $8000.
Yes, the Foundation can give grants to non-501 (c)(3) organizations, but the Foundation retains the burden of proving to the IRS that the activity served a charitable purpose and not an associational, fraternal, social or other purpose. No such burden exists when the grantee is another 501 (c)(3) organization. The mere fact that it is a 501 (c)(3) relieves the AMA Foundation of further monitoring obligations.
To ensure that all of the Healthy Living grants are used for charitable purposes, the Foundation requires a budget from the grantee before making the grant, an agreement that the grant will be used solely for the purposes outlined in the grant application, and a follow-up report confirming that the funds were spent in accordance with the budget or showing any deviation. The grant agreement will reflect that in all documents or publicity for the project, the AMA Foundation will be given credit as a funding source.
The AMA Foundation wants to focus Healthy Living grants on grassroots efforts in neighborhoods across America. A seed grant can have a large impact on organizations with smaller operating budgets, and can serve as a catalyst for a project that might not otherwise happen. Additionally, the Foundation would like the organization to be in existence for at least a year to illustrate that the organization can successfully operate and sustain itself. The Foundation supports projects that involve a collaboration with medical organization, to not only recognize that the medical community is a vital part of the solution to our nation’s most pressing health care issues, but also to recognize that partnerships are a way to maximize resources, reduce duplicative efforts and work together to solve these problems.
Yes. The AMA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization requiring all of our grant programs, such as the Healthy Living Grant Program, to be available to all members of the eligible class of applicants (i.e., organizations and individuals). The AMA Foundation cannot discriminate against non-AMA or non-AMA Alliance members because it would be an unlawful private benefit as opposed to a public philanthropic benefit consistent with the corporate purposes of the AMA Foundation.
None of the funds awarded are to pay for staff salary or overhead, such as general operating expenses like rent, utilities, etc. The funds can not be used for capital construction or improvements. Funds can not be used for prescription drug take back/disposal programs are not eligible. Food/beverage expenses can not exceed $1000.
