Healthy Eating, Active Living Program Grant

The Healthy Eating, Active Living Program Grant supports community-driven, evidence-based strategies that help residents eat healthier and be more physically active. Applicants must use local data and community input to identify needs and design interventions that are relevant and effective for the populations they serve.

All funded projects must include regularly scheduled programming, such as classes, workshops, demonstrations, or group activities, that provide ongoing education, skill-building, and support. Additional strategies, including policy, systems, or built environment changes, may be included to strengthen impact.

Successful proposals will demonstrate a broad reach, address local assets and barriers, and combine programming with other approaches to create lasting improvements in community health.

Applicants may request up to $100,000 per year for up to a three-year period with a maximum request of $300,000. The Foundation will consider only one application per organization; however, it is permissible for an organization to be listed as a partner in multiple applications. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to secure matching funds and/or in-kind support.

If your organization has received a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant and you are solely proposing to continue an existing program(s) at the same level, a maximum of up to $50,000 per year for up to a three-year period is available with a maximum request of $150,000. Please note that the funding opportunity is competitive, and the continuation of funds is not guaranteed.

All funded projects must be offered in The Rapides Foundation's nine-parish service area. Applicants are encouraged to partner with other organizations. Applicants should thoroughly review the Request for Proposals and other key documents included in the Key Materials section (in right column) to see full details, including what grant funds may be used for, application process and proposal requirements. 

Eligible organizations for this funding opportunity may include but are not limited to: community-based organizations; faith-based organizations; not-for-profit postsecondary institutions; and governmental organizations.

Primary applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Classified as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code or a governmental entity. 
• Cannot be a private foundation under Section 509(a).
• Must be an organization within The Rapides Foundation Service Area or seeking funding support for projects restricted to the Foundation's nine parishes.

Funded partners contribute essential expertise and community insight, and The Rapides Foundation is committed to supporting their success. All funded grantees will participate in a structured set of learning and capacity-building activities throughout the grant period, including technical assistance workshops, peer learning sessions, individualized coaching, and other opportunities for collaboration and reflection. These engagements are designed to strengthen organizational capacity, improve program implementation, and build a connected network of partners working toward shared goals.

Participation in these activities is a required part of the grant. Applicants should carefully assess their capacity before applying and ensure they can dedicate the time and staff needed to fully participate. Proposals should include adequate budget support for staff time, travel, and related expenses associated with these activities.

The Healthy Eating, Active Living Program Grant consists of a two-stage submission process. The first stage is submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) using The Rapides Foundation's online application process only. Letters of Intent that are approved by the Foundation's Board of Trustees at its February 2026 meeting will then be invited to submit a Full Proposal of their project. To see full details of the LOI and Full Proposal stages, please refer to the Request for Proposals.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact The Rapides Foundation for guidance before submitting their proposal package. Contact information is located in the right column.

• Thursday, January 15, 2026 no later than 4:00 p.m. CT: Letter of Intent Submission Deadline
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026: LOI Notification of Selection
• Wednesday, April 8, 2026 no later than 4:00 p.m. CT: Full Proposal Submission Deadline for Selected Applicants
• Tuesday, June 2, 2026: Notification of Selection
• Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Grant Start Date