'Healthcare Creativity' Grant Available

The is asking you for innovative ideas that promote healthly living and the foundation is willing to put $15,000 behind the best concept.

In an effort to live up to its mission of improving healthcare services in the Town of East Hampton, the foundation just launched a new "Healthcare Creativity" grant application initiative.

The idea can be centered around healthcare, preventative health services or educational programs, and it can come from a resident or a non-profit organization. If funding is required to explore and demonstrate the benefits of the idea, a $15,000 grant may be available through an application process.

Sheila Rogers, the director, said the foundation already gives away a considerable amount of money. In the past between $400,000 and $500,000 has been doled out to schools, non-profits, and physicals through a voucher program for those who cannot afford primary healthcare.

The grants committee came up with the idea to solicit ideas from the community. "They were interested in knowing what's out there," Rogers said. In the past money has been given to the , , and the .

The healthcare foundation was first formed in 1998 to address the need for comprehensive quality healthcare services on the East End. It build the in 2002 and established a in 2008.

The money will only be given to East Hampton residents or non-profits whose idea will benefit those in East Hampton, Rogers said.

The deadline is less than two months away. A preliminary application of a 250-word project summary, must be submitted by March 15. They will be reviewed by a grants committee composed of the foundation's Board of Trustees. Those selected for further consideration will then be required to file a complete application by May 15. The idea chosen will be announced on June 30.

Guidelines are available at the foundation's website or in a PDF under the photograph attached to this article.