The Rapides Foundation is accepting proposals for grants that encourage and improve physical activity and healthy eating among residents in Central Louisiana. These Community Implementation Grants are for nonprofit organizations, government entities and faith-based community groups located in Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn parishes.

A limited number of grants up to $25,000 each will be awarded. The grant funds must be used to create, improve or repair physical-activity settings, such as walking trails, playgrounds or exercise stations, or for healthy food settings, such as farmers markets or community gardens. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. April 2.

View the Request for Proposal.

If you have questions about this grant opportunity, please contact Program Officer Trayce Snow at 318.443.3394 or trayce@rapidesfoundation.org.

Over $550,000 was awarded to 24 Community Implementation grantees in 2011. The Foundation awarded these grants in the fall:
1. Central Louisiana Community Foundation – to develop and construct a community garden at Fort Randolph State Park.
2. Community Food Pantry of Winn – to provide food preparation demonstrations and classes for clients of the food pantry.
3. Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority – to make improvements to the Hynson Bayou Walking Trail, including a pedestrian bridge, lighting, benches.
4. LSU Agricultural Center – to establish community gardens for the Hispanic population in Lecompte, Forest Hill and Glenmora.
5. New Prospect Baptist Church – to construct a walking trail with assorted playground equipment.
6. Phoenix Magnet Elementary School – to make safety enhancements to the existing walking trail and add fitness equipment.
7. Rapides Senior Citizens Centers – to educate seniors in Central Louisiana on the benefits of exercise and challenge them to compete in the Senior Olympics.
8. St. Mary’s Residential Training School – to develop an organic garden as both a source of fresh produce and as a training opportunity for vocational residents at the school. The produce will be sold at local farmers markets.
9. The Health Enrichment Network – to involve adolescents and their families to increase physical activity in Oakdale and the surrounding areas with the Family Fitness Fun program.
10. Town of Ball – to pay for improvements to the town walking trail and add playground equipment for the local park.
11. Village of Natchez – to improve the existing Natchez Pecan Park by adding a walking trail with exercise stations, playground equipment and a basketball court.
12. Winn Community Health Center – to provide nutrition education and counseling for people with chronic diseases who are overweight, obese or diabetic. Print