Officials with The Wellmark Foundation say they are currently accepting Community Kickstarter grant applications for up to $10,000 for projects in Iowa and South Dakota focused on making community members more active or improving access to healthy foods. Stephanie Perry, The Wellmark Foundation manager, says “The Community Kickstarter grant is designed to provide funding to communities that may not have the resources to complete a project on their own. Examples of projects include community and school gardens, bike-sharing programs, community walk and bike audits, just to name a few.”

The application process is easy. A few of the questions include:

· What is the problem or issue that affects active living or access to consumption or healthy foods?

· How is this a priority in your community?

· Who will be affected and how will they benefit?

· How will the project have a sustainable impact on the community?

In order to be eligible to apply for the grants, applicants must be classified as a 501(c)(3) organization or governmental entity in Iowa or South Dakota. Qualified organizations can submit applications at Wellmark.com/Foundation through Sept.18th. Perry said “We want the public to be part of the process as well. All eligible submissions will be uploaded to Facebook, allowing the public to show their support by telling us which one is their favorite.”

From Sept. 26 through Oct. 7, the public can show their support for their favorite projects by visiting Facebook.com/WellmarkBCBS. Grant recipients will be announced in November.

To apply and view past Community Kickstarter grants visit Wellmark.com/Foundation.