"Corporate Responsibility Magazine" ranked Minnesota-based General Mills Corp. 12th on its 2011 list of Best Corporate Citizens. The food company's mission --- "nourishing lives" --- led to the 2002 creation of an initiative to address the nutritional and lifestyle deficiencies of the nation's youth. Known as Champions for Healthy Kids, this partnership with the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and the American Dietetic Association Foundation awards grants to community programs that improve "eating and physical activity patterns of young people, ages 2 to 18," according to Road Runners Club of America.
History
Nearly 5 million children throughout the U.S. participated in fitness and nutrition programs funded by more than $19.5 million in Champions for Healthy Kids grants from the General Mills Foundation since 2002. The foundation offers $500,000 in grants each year to grassroots programs that encourage youth to be physically active and eat balanced diets. According to the company's key findings, nearly 80 percent of the projects funded with this seed money from 2002 to 2005 continue to exist.
Eligibility
According to General Mills, not-for-profit organizations such as schools, Native American tribes, government agencies and health departments with 501(c)(3) or 509(a) status can submit program proposals for grant consideration. Proposals must feature both a fitness and nutritional component, demonstrate need, present creative and innovative activities, offer long-term potential and have a dietetics professional as an adviser.
Application
The online application process encourages applicants to review model programs and past grant recipients for ideas prior to developing their proposal. Registration is required to access the application form on the Champions for Healthy Kids website. In 2010, the foundation accepted applications from October 15 to December 15.
Considerations
Champions for Healthy Kids grants do not fund one-time events, according to General Mills. Unlike other programs supported by the company's foundation, Champions for Healthy Kids grant applicants need not share a location with a General Mills facility. The program is also open to non-profit Canadian organizations with valid U.S. employer identification numbers.
