Eat Smart Move More South Carolina (ESMMSC) is partnering with the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church on the Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE) Project. This partnership will allow up to 10 Young People’s Division (YPD) Youth Teams to work on projects in their churches or communities that will increase access to healthy foods or physical activity.

ESMMSC will fund HYPE Project mini-grants in amounts up to $1,000 beginning in February 2019. The mini-grants will be used to fund healthy eating and active living projects that support policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes.

Learn More About PSE Change          

Download the RFP          Download the Sample Application

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

All applicants must be an active YPD in the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church. All grant applicants MUST be willing to work on projects related to healthy eating and/or active living and projects that promote or support a PSE change.

All AME churches in the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church are encouraged to apply and will be considered regardless of their level of engagement with youth and health-related activities.

Below are examples of past HYPE projects:

Laurens County: Created safer routes to school by advocating for flashing light sign and improved crosswalk. Revitalized an abandoned ballfield.

Orangeburg County: Made improvements to local parks and advocated for tobacco-free policy for public places, including parks.

Kershaw County: Worked with local parks and recreation concessions manager to offer healthy snacks and beverages during games.

Anderson County: Hosted a park clean-up. Added ADA-compliant sidewalk and ADA-compliant play equipment.

Other Information

Please note that there are currently other local funding opportunities for communities in South Carolina to consider:

For more information about this grant opportunity, please contact one of the following:

Key Dates