1.  Funding is based on financial guidance, policies, and regulations as set by MDH.  All applications will be reviewed by Rice County SHIP staff and the CLT.  All applications must incorporate a Policy, System, or Environmental change (PSE).  Those identified as unsustainable “programs” cannot be funded.

2.  24 mini-grants available up to $1,500 each.  2 “competitive” awards up to $2,000 each. ◦ To be considered, you must submit 2 applications. ◦ Reserved for Policy Change applications only.  Due by 4:30pm, Sept. 3 rd to Natalie (email).  Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis.  All expenses must be incurred by May 1, 2011. Unused mini-grant funds will get allocated to other SHIP projects.

3.  Accountability Requirements, you must: ◦ Follow standard accounting procedures. ◦ Charge the grant only for expenses written in the approved application budget (revisions are acceptable, but need prior approval). ◦ Maintain records to support expenditures. ◦ Track in-kind and match contributions to the project. ◦ Submit a mini-grantee evaluation report (to be made available in the drop box).

4.  Expenses that need prior approval: ◦ Communication pieces (paid and earned media) ◦ Promotional items ◦ Developing and implementing surveys ◦ Focus group questions ◦ Equipment purchases ◦ Educational materials ◦ Incentives ◦ Out-of-state travel

5.  Is it an Allowable/Unallowable Use of Funds? ◦ Does the request support or lead to PSE change? ◦ Does the item or expense reach a significant proportion of your target population? ◦ Is the request sustainable? ◦ Is the item or request reasonable, cost efficient, and necessary? ◦ Is it a good use of public health funds?

6. When in doubt, check it out! Call me if you have a ?  Unallowable Expenses ◦ Administrative or indirect costs over 15% ◦ Capital improvements or alterations ◦ Prior expenses ◦ Direct patient care ◦ Direct assistance to individuals ◦ Entertainment, parties, or alcohol  Unallowable Expenses ◦ Gifts for staff ◦ Staff meals ◦ Personal use goods/services ◦ Supplanting funds from other sources ◦ Donations, bad debts, fines, interest, lobbying, research, political campaigns

7.  Allowable Use of Funds  Administrative ◦ Up to 15% of project expenses  Advertising/Promotion ◦ Promotion of recreational opportunities and facilities, policy changes, educational opportunities  Communications ◦ Telephone/Internet expenses  Conferences/Events ◦ Travel and conference fees  Allowable Use of Funds  Construction Projects ◦ Staff time for planning a project that will promote healthy lifestyles ◦ Permanent signage for a park, bike trail, or fitness center (except installation expenses)  Curriculum/Materials ◦ Evidence-based, must promote PSE change ◦ Training materials need prior MDH approval

8.  Equipment (exercise, office, gardening, etc.) ◦ Must be clearly tied to PSE and must promote access to PA or nutritious foods ◦ Detailed plan for maintenance of equip. ◦ Use will be promoted directly to those at-risk. ◦ Appropriate safety gear should accompany the equipment and not purchased by SHIP.  Examples: ◦ Stability balls to use in lieu of desk chairs ◦ Signage for a walking trail ◦ Bikes or inline skates for use by low-income ◦ Bike racks ◦ Fencing for a community garden ◦ Software to track behavior changes, print nutrition labels ◦ Garden hoop houses ◦ Snack carts for healthy snacks ◦ Equipment rental

9.  Evaluation (surveys) ◦ Materials and incentives (must get prior approval)  Facilities ◦ Rental costs for an event, meeting, or training  Focus Groups ◦ Up to $50 per person including incentive, food, and beverage  Food/Meals ◦ Food for resale including healthy vending ◦ Food demonstration projects  Food/Meals – cont. ◦ Taste testing for inclusion in new worksite menus  Incentives ◦ Not to exceed $50 per person. Used to determine effectiveness of PSE change strategy.  Staff time, printing, supplies, materials, travel, training, contractual services (need prior approval)

10. Natalie Ginter, MS SHIP Coordinator nginter@co.rice.mn.us Phone 507-332-5921 direct  Overview ◦ Up to $1,500 per worksite is available ◦ 2 additional grants for Policy-change projects (up to $2,000 each) ◦ Must include PSE and be sustainable ◦ Follows MDH funding guidelines ◦ Due by email to Natalie on Sept. 3 rd ◦ Expenses before May 1 reimbursed ◦ Evaluation is required