Vitalyst Health Foundation has opened the application process to Arizona nonprofits for the 2018 Innovation Grants. For four years, Vitalyst has been awarding Innovation Grants to fund projects that have a direct impact on building healthy communities around the state.

The Vitalyst Innovation Grants will fund projects that address issues affecting community health and well-being; strategically leverage infrastructure, systems design and policies to improve health where we live, learn, work, pray and play; improve the environmental, social, behavioral and health infrastructure conditions that impact health; and create sustainable solutions that will endure after the term of the grant funding.

“We’re looking for new ways communities are trying to address their challenges to health with solutions that are more effective, equitable or sustainable way than existing approaches,” said Melanie Mitros, director of strategic community partnerships at Vitalyst Health Foundation. “We encourage Arizona nonprofits working with their partners to create healthier communities for Arizonans to register for an informational meeting and learn more about our Innovation Grant process.”

Interested nonprofits are invited to register for informational meetings, which will take place August 29 and 30, at goo.gl/M9Gcs6. Letters of intent are due September 29.

In May, Vitalyst, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, awarded innovation grants totaling $624,703 to five Arizona nonprofits: Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services, Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department, Nature Conservancy, Arizona Community Health Workers Association, and Living Streets Alliance.