4.e 2 SHIP 4 Comprehensive Plan Guidelines
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Comprehensive Planning Partner Project Application Guidelines-2016
I. Background
Living Healthy in Washington County (LHWC) is pleased to announce an
opportunity for cities to apply for 2016 Health in Comprehensive Planning Partner
Project funding. These funds are made available through the Statewide Health
Improvement Program (SHIP), which strives to help Minnesotans lead longer,
healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of tobacco use and
exposure, poor nutrition and physical inactivity. The active living and healthy eating
portion of Washington County’s SHIP grant focuses on using Policy, Systems and
Environmental changes to increase opportunities for physical activity and
consuming healthy foods.
Cities have a unique role in keeping people healthy. As cities embark on their
comprehensive plan updates, there is an opportunity to evaluate and enhance
elements in these long range plans that can positively impact health. SHIP funds will
be awarded to selected cities to enhance their community engagement efforts as it
relates to health. In addition, funds are available to assess healthy food access and
active living of their current comprehensive plans and policies, and develop
recommendations to enhance these elements in their next plan update.
To be eligible for funding, cities must be located wholly within Washington County.
Additional consideration will be given to applications that include engagement of
target populations of seniors, diverse groups and low income populations, along
with cities that are currently included within the Health Impact Assessment (HIA)
on Gateway Corridor (Gold Line) station area planning.
LHWC staff will provide technical assistance throughout these projects. In addition,
staff will connect selected applicants with regional experts on active living and
healthy food access. Selected applicants will also be required to attend a training
related to health in comprehensive planning, to take place in summer 2016.
II. Funds and Project Timeline
Funding is competitive and award amounts may vary, however, the total for any
project cannot exceed $15,000. Living Healthy Washington County reserves the
right to adjust funding totals. Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent match
of the total funding requested. Only one project per agency is allowed, for the 2016
funding cycle. Living Healthy Washington County anticipates funding at least four
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cities. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on May 2, 2016. Funds will be available
starting May 2016 through October 31st, 2016. There may be ability to roll funds
forward past October 31st, depending on the project. Approved funds are provided
on a reimbursement basis. Purchases made prior to signed contract date will not be
reimbursed.
Activity Due Date
Application Due 4:00 pm, May 2, 2016
Funds Awarded
Funds will be made available to partners on the date
of the signed & approved agreement with the County.
Mid-Term Report Due July 31, 2016
Final Report Due November 10, 2016
III. Project Criteria and Focus Areas
Applicants must address at least one of the following as part of their partner project.
LHWC encourages applicants to consider all three areas under this funding cycle.
For all three areas, applicants may utilize funds for internal staff time or for a
planning consultant that is assisting with their comprehensive plan update.
Community Engagement (up to $5,000): Develop and implement
enhanced community engagement, related to your comprehensive plan
update, with an emphasis on healthy food access and active living. The
engagement should emphasize, where possible, participation from target
populations of seniors, diverse groups and low income populations*.
Examples of this work could include development of the enhanced
engagement plan, targeted community meetings, key informant interviews,
focus groups, and walkability workshops. Key deliverables include
engagement plan, number of community members reached, and a summary
of what was heard through the outreach process.
Healthy Food Access (up to $5,000): Conduct a baseline assessment of
healthy food access. Baseline assessment could include review of existing
comprehensive plan, identifying gaps in your city’s current food access (e.g.
locations of fresh food markets, SNAP/WIC eligible stores, farmers markets),
as well as review of current policies on urban/rural gardening and farming.
Key deliverables would include summary of current status of healthy food
access, and recommendations for enhancing healthy food access in
forthcoming plan update.
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Active Living (up to $5,000): Conduct a baseline assessment of active living
opportunities in your community. Assessment activities could include review
of current comprehensive plan and relevant city polices, identifying gaps in
access or service. Key deliverables would include summary status of active
living and development of recommendations for enhancing these elements in
forthcoming plan update. (For Gateway cities, work related to this activity
should be in addition to assessment completed through the HIA).
*Applicants may also be awarded ‘engagement stipends,’ which could be provided to
disparate populations, in order to encourage their participation or attendance at
engagement activities.
IV. Funding Requirements
Cities located wholly within Washington County.
Projects must be geared toward sustainable policy, systems, or
environmental changes (see Section V. for “Definitions and Examples”)
Projects must include at least one focus area as described in Section III.
A designated project lead must meet with LHWC staff to finalize the action
plan, timelines, budget, evaluation plan, and a county agreement.
Proof of 1.5 million liability insurance is required.
Applicants must provide a 10 percent match of the total funding requested.
The project lead must be able to carry out general business practices for
accounting, record keeping, timely invoicing and reporting. The project lead
may assign someone from the organization these duties and responsibilities
if necessary.
Evaluation and reporting is required and will be due on July 31st and
November 10th. Assistance will be provided as needed.
All communication pieces (print ads, newsletters, websites, blogs, news
releases, letters to the editor, public service announcements, news
conference materials, promotional items, handouts, signs, sponsorships, etc.)
must be reviewed by LHWC staff, include required grant language and be
approved by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) before printing,
publication or distribution.
SHIP funds must be spent by October 31st, 2016. Progress on 2016 work
plans and reports will influence funding opportunities for 2016-2017.
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EXAMPLES OF ALLOWABLE & UNALLOWABLE USES of SHIP Funds
*Please note this is not an exhaustive list of funding expenses
Allowable Unallowable
Print, posters and display materials
Creation and production of promotional
materials (Graphic Design)
Costs for initial distribution of trail maps
Reasonable costs for photocopying, postage
and office supplies
Mapping and spatial analysis
Focus groups/key informant interviews*
Community surveys
Community events
Consultant time for analysis/assessment of
healthy eating or active living policies
Food for community planning meetings (limit
per person)
*Engagement stipend:
Small stipends may be available to community
members that are representing low income or
minority populations, to encourage their attendance
at planned events. Stipends could cover cost for child
care or mileage reimbursement.
Advertising and promotion of
single/one-time classes or
activities
Advertising and promotion not
tied to sustainable change
Non-approved training materials
Food purchases for snack carts
or programs Staff meals
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V. Definitions and Examples
The following are definitions and examples related to the focus areas.
Policy change refers to standards or guidelines that can be formal or
informal. For example, updating or creating a policy regarding use of public
buildings or outdoor space for group and individual physical activity.
System change refers to changes that impact multiple elements of an
organization. For example, collaborate with or collect input from community
organizations to allow for city farmers markets and seasonal food stands.
Environmental change refers to a physical or material change within a
building space. For example, developing supports that promote physical
activity by conducting a walk or bikeability assessment and implementing
changes into a capital improvement plan or transportation plan.
Targeted populations: includes people 60+, children, low income, and
diverse populations
If Questions Contact:
Stephanie Souter, 651-430-6701, Stephanie.souter@co.washington.mn.us
Patricia Galligher, 651-430-6675, Patricia.Galligher@co.washington.mn.us