The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), in partnership with the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, announced the availability of up to $4 million through the Model Communities grant program.  This is one initiative from the $16 million award that CCDPH received through the federal government’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program (see our blog entry from March 25, 2010, for more information on the program).

The goal of the Model Communities funding opportunity is to increase the accessibility of healthy foods, make unhealthy foods less available, and to create safe places to be physically active.  Grants will be awarded to local governments, community organizations, and school districts/local education agencies who are interested in changing policy to make it easier for suburban Cook County residents and families to live healthy, active lives.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the CCDPH website.  Important dates to keep in mind are:

• Early November Request for proposal (RFP) released on CCDPH website www.cookcountypublichealth.org
• November 16 and 18 RFP Information Session
• November 22 Letter of intent due
• December 10 Proposals due

NOTE: Model Communities Request for Proposal is now out and an RFP packet is available.  Visit the CCDPH website for more information and to download proposal forms.