Portage Health Foundation announces $100k for community recreational facilities

HANCOCK, Mich. (WZMQ) – Portage Health Foundation (PHF) has released a request for proposals (RFP) focusing on Community Recreational Facilities. Up to $100,000 is available. Grant applications are due March 17, 2023.

Through five years this RFP has led to more than 25 grants totaling about a half million dollars for projects in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. In 2022 about $105,714 was expended for improvements at Camp Josh, Second Sands Beach, Horizons Alternative High School, Copper Harbor Trails Club, Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club and Greenland Township’s Adventure Mountain.

Previous projects have included the installation of a rope tow in Greenland Township, trail and equipment upgrades at Swedetown, Maasto Hiihto, Churning Rapids and Copper Harbor trail systems, improvements to Gratiot River Park in Keweenaw County, Point Abbaye Park in Baraga County, Houghton Skate Park, new playground equipment at Chassell Township Centennial Park and handicap-focused improvements at the Drill House in Calumet Township, Hancock campground and public beach in Ontonagon.

This 2023 RFP is intended to address the need to support inclusion in proposed activities by providing equitable access for the broader community. Universal Design is the standard. Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. An environment (or any building, product, or service in that environment) should be designed to meet the needs of all people who wish to use it. This is not a special requirement, for the benefit of only a minority of the population. It is a fundamental condition of good design. If an environment is accessible, usable, convenient and a pleasure to use, everyone benefits. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process, universal design creates products, services and environments that meet peoples’ needs. Simply put, universal design is a good design.

PHF expects to award up to $100,000. There is no minimum grant amount and the maximum amount awarded per grant under this RFP will be $20,000. An optional, but recommended, letter of inquiry is due February 3, grant applications are due March 17 and grant awards are expected to be announced April 21.

This RFP is specifically addressing PHF’s long-term sustainability goals of healthy living. Community Health grants provide support for activities or opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles which improve the overall health of a community. All application information, letter of inquiry forms and a detailed RFP can be found at phfgive.org/grants.