We strive to increase access to healthy foods and physical activity by providing technical assistance and opportunities to communities around the state. We believe that lasting change can happen at the community level through partnerships, evidence-based strategies, and small amounts of funding.
Between 2018 and 2020, ESMMSC will fund Let’s Go! 3.0 mini-grants in amounts up to $5,000 beginning in the summer of 2018. There will be two grant cycles per year with deadlines in January and July. The mini-grants will be used to fund healthy eating and active living projects that support policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes. This mini-grant opportunity is made possible through a grant provided to ESMMSC by the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
In addition to providing funding opportunities across the state, ESMMSC is invested in increasing the capacity and sustainability of coalitions and community organizations. Our staff is available to give consultations on potential projects. Please contact Kelsey Allen at Kelsey@eatsmartmovemoresc.org if you are interested in speaking with a staff person about your project.
Download the RFP Download the Sample Application Download the Budget Template
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
All applicants must be a current 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (as classified by the IRS), municipality, or school serving South Carolina communities. If your organization is not a 501c3, municipality or school you will need to provide the information for the fiscal agent that you have selected.
All grant proposals MUST be related to healthy eating and/or active living and promote or support a PSE change.
In addition, strong grant proposals will address at least one of the following:
- Improving collaboration by creating new partnerships
- Addressing health disparities in your community. Learn More About Health Disparities
- Increasing capacity through leveraging funds from additional partners
Below are some examples of projects that could be funded through Let’s Go 3.0:
Improvements for schools pursuing an open community use policy
Bike racks and/or crosswalks to support a complete streets effort
Establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at a farmers’ market (e.g., Let’s Go! to the Farmers’ Market campaign)
Supporting a local HYPE project
Hosting an Open Streets event related to a Complete Streets Policy in your city or town
ESMMSC is subject to the funding guidelines set by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your project is fundable, please contact Kelsey Allen at Kelsey@eatsmartmovemoresc.org.
Other Information
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for additional details about the grant process.
Please note that there are currently other local funding opportunities for communities in South Carolina to consider:
- School grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation
- For information on Open Community Use signage for school districts that have adopted the SC School Boards Association’s Open Community Use of School Recreational Areas model policy, please contact Erica Ayers at ayersee@dhec.sc.gov .
Key Dates
Submit an Application
The next grant cycle will open in January 2020.