Childhood Obesity Grants & Funding
With childhood obesity reaching epidemic levels, the future health of the nation is literally at stake. Kids must learn from an early age how to make healthy eating choices and get proper exercise to avoid becoming overweight or obese. Researchers must also study the causes and possible prevention of this health care crisis. Both approaches require money. Both public and private agencies provide grants and funding for anti-childhood obesity programs and research.
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National Institutes of Health
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This federal agency funds research on childhood obesity, including pilot studies, feasibility studies, small or self-contained projects, research methodology and new technology development. Applicants may request up to $50,000 annually for up to $100,000 for a two-year period. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher learning, nonprofits both with and without 501(c)3 status, state, county and municipal governments, for-profit organizations, independent school districts and community or faith-based organizations. Individuals with requisite experience and skills to conduct this research may also apply. No matching contributions are required.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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The New Jersey-based Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds childhood obesity programs nationwide. Funding is for specific program goals, and unsolicited proposals are not acceptable. However, the foundation does issue calls for proposals to generate ideas from those working in the field. The Active Living Research program supports proposals to increase physical activity among children and teenagers to prevent obesity and discourage sedentary behavior. Programs for minority and under-served children are given priority.
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Aetna Foundation
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Dedicated to health and wellness, the foundational wing of this large insurance company provides grants targeting research and programs for the rising rate of obesity among children and adults in the United States. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. Funding includes research using either quantitative or qualitative techniques, projects to improve health such as obesity education and prevention, and analysis and promotion of policies to improve obesity rates that can be replicated. The Aetna Foundation may also fund galas, health fairs and similar events aimed at fund-raising or education about childhood obesity.
USDA Team Nutrition Grants
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The United States Department of Agriculture offers "Team Nutrition Training Grants for Healthy School Meals." These grants to state agencies include training for food service personnel in serving healthy and nutritious meals to schoolchildren, the Five-a-Day program to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption by youngsters, providing mini-grants to school districts for promotion of physical activity and healthy eating, and training elementary school teachers to help students take the HealthierUS Challenge and other teacher workshops to encourage healthy eating habits and lifestyles in children.
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