MISSION
The mission of the Oliver Foundation is to create effective partnerships, provide resources, and program practices that focus on a balanced, healthy lifestyle. These endeavors assist Texans in achieving a high level of wellness that begins in childhood and leads throughout life.

The Foundation's focus is to elevate quality of life by building specific and timely healthy initiatives. Efforts are directed towards physical activity and healthy eating solutions for children and families.

GRANTS
The goal of the Oliver Foundation grants is to encourage children, families and communities in Texas to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of children, ages 2-12.

Grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations, agencies and schools that demonstrate the greatest need and likelihood of sustainable impact on children's nutrition and activity levels through innovative programs.

WHO QUALIFIES - Any educational organization which:

• Is qualified as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (eg., a private nonprofit school) or is affiliated with the State of Texas or a political subdivision of the State of Texas (eg., public school or public school district):
• Has a record of outstanding service in effectively and efficiently delivering programs and services that improve the lives of children, both short and long-term; and
• Will ensure that 100% of grant monies received from the Oliver Foundation are used for the exclusive benefit of children.

DEADLINES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Healthy Community category

• Two or more grants totaling $5000, with a maximum award of $2500 per grant, will be awarded
• Deadlines for receipt of Healthy Community Grant applications: March 1 and September 1 of each year.
• Finalists will be notified by April 1 or October 1 and will be asked to sign a memorandum of understanding that delineates the requirements for the grant.
• Funds will be made available 30 days after all requirements have been met.
• For the Healthy Communities Grant there are two submission time periods. Please continue to visit our website for the next request for submission date.

Healthy School Environment category

• One or more grants totaling $5000 will be awarded
• Must be a program based in an elementary school located in Harris County, Texas
• Successful grant recipient must develop a campus based team with representation from all grade levels to coordinate the Healthy School Environment Initiative
• Successful grant recipient must grant an Oliver Foundation facilitator two meetings per semester with their campus team
• Deadline for receipt of Healthy School Environment Grant applications: March 1
• Because the foundation wants to support as many programs in the Harris County area as possible, smaller requests are encouraged
• Please do not send more information than requested
• Programs must be based in Harris County, Texas
• All deadlines will be strictly observed
• Incomplete/incorrect applications will not be considered
• Due to volume of applications, the Foundation does not provide oral or written explanation for denied proposals
• Finalists will be notified by April 1, and will be asked to sign a memorandum of understanding that delineates the requirements for the grant. The principal, the district superintendent and the school board chairperson will sign this document.
• Funds will be made available for the following school year.

EVALUATION PROCESS
Successful grant recipients must be willing to provide progress reports during the program. Detailed evaluation methods must be included in the proposal.

FUNDING LIMITATIONS

Funding will not be provided to support the following:

• Contributions to capital campaigns
• Organizations that practice discrimination by race, color, creed, sex, age or national origin
• Operating deficits or retirement of debt
• Endowment programs
• Construction projects or real estate acquisitions
• Political projects of any kind
• Vehicles, such as vans or buses
• Emergency medical services equipment

PROJECTS ARE SELECTED BASED ON:

• Focus on prevention of childhood obesity, especially those that focus on one or more of the following seven healthy messages:
  
     Choose 5-A-Day servings of Fruits & Vegetables
     Have more water & less sugary beverages
     Opt for Healthy Snacks
     Increase active play & decrease screen time
     Choose 3-A-Day servings of low-fat dairy products
     Enjoy a healthy breakfast
     Serve a smart portion size
  
  
• Should include at least one nutrition behavioral objective and at least one physical activity behavioral objective
• Meeting a clear, identifiable need
• Creativity
• Operational strength of the applicant organization, including project leadership
• The program must engage qualified personnel
• The greatest likelihood of sustainable impact on the children they are impacting, (5-12 yrs old)
• Applicant must agree to complete and submit a Midcourse Progress Report and a Final Evaluation Form if awarded a grant
• Ranking when compared to other applications received during the funding cycle

Oliver Foundation Healthy Community Grant Application (.doc)

Oliver Foundation Healthy School Environment Grant (.doc)