Risk Management Pools Wellness Grant Application

• Grant application (with instructions): Word document | PDF

Executive Summary

Through the approval of the Risk Management Services Board of Trustees, the Pools are offering a Wellness Grant Program that offers members access to start up funds for programs they are interested in implementing for their employees. The grants are available to any member who has participated in any of the Risk Management Pools for at least 12 months. As part of the preparation to submit a grant request, members define the problem they desire to solve/impact by implementing a wellness program. The problem identification should be evident by a thorough analysis of the type and cause of claims either collectively for the entire organization or by department. Once the central issue or problem is identified, measurable solutions, methods used to monitor the program effectiveness, a budget, a timeline with the steps to be taken for implementation should frame the member’s program proposal. Issues identified during the analysis should also address how employee communication will occur to heighten their awareness about the issue. Members are to define their anticipated results for the wellness program(s) they propose to implement which should include a reduction in claims, absenteeism, increasing productivity, and heightened worker morale.

The amount of money that a member can receive depends upon the number of employees enrolled in the County Health Plan. The money designated for this grant program is on a first respond, first approved basis and is only for members starting a wellness program. If a member opts to develop a wellness program for a specific department, the grant awarded will be based on the number of Pool employees in that designated department(s) only. A member initiates the process by completing the enclosed application and forwards it to the Customer Service Supervisor, who presents the application responses to the grant review committee. This committee meets quarterly to review grant requests and notifies the candidate in writing approximately one week after the committee has rendered its decision.

Eligibility for the Safety and Wellness Grant Program

The following criteria shall apply to any member wishing to apply for a grant:

1. Any member of the Group Health Pool is eligible to apply.
2. The county who receives a wellness grant must begin the program within 90 days of receiving the grant money.
3. County entities are eligible to apply for the wellness grant program.
4. Members may submit a proposal for the Wellness Grant Program at any time during the fiscal year. Grants will run a 12-month cycle.
5. Submissions are only for new programs. No ongoing programs will be considered.
6. As a condition for receiving a grant, all applicants must have a smoking cessation program, or include plan for one in the application.
7. All applications will be reviewed by the NCACC Risk Management Grant Committee. The Health Education Coordinator will monitor and audit grant compliance.