The John Rex Endowment supports visible and measurable improvements in the health of children and youth by improving access to health services, by promoting healthy behaviors and by providing opportunities for growth and development.

Funded projects fall into three portfolios:

• Physical Health (which includes the Healthy Weight Initiative)
• Access to Health Care
• Social, Emotional and Behavioral Health

Endowment staff welcome conversations throughout the year about potential proposals in any portfolio. We particularly encourage new proposals that complement current grants in healthy weight and youth development. We have an ongoing commitment to improve access to care. We also encourage projects that will benefit and/or involve more than one agency.

After discussions with our staff, applicants will be asked to prepare a formal application packet. Full instructions are available here. The Endowment's Health Improvement Committee reviews applications, after which grantseekers will be notified of the status of their proposals. The Health Improvement Committee then takes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval.

Application packets for committee consideration should be completed by the end of April, August and December in 2008. More specific guidance on due dates and priorities will be announced during the year.

The Endowment funds government agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits designated as public charities and welcomes proposals that reflect collaborations among organizations. The grant term and financial request should both be determined by the desired outcomes of the proposal. Grantees must submit interim and final written reports on their projects and participate in one-on-one and group meetings for mutual learning and development.

Please be in touch with us at any time of year to talk about your ideas for helping Wake County children and youth receive needed healthcare services. Call us at 919-571-3392 or email Kevin Cain at kevin@rexendowment.org.