The 2024-2025 Community Wellness Program is a grant initiative led by the United Way of Central Florida in collaboration with the Polk County Health and Human Service Community Health Care program. This program aims to provide behavioral health services and preventative or early intervention programs to qualifying residents of Polk County, Florida. The total funding available for this initiative is $9.6 million, which is intended to support programs that address the health needs of individuals and families without healthcare coverage, specifically those with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The primary purpose of the Community Wellness Program is to enhance the health and well-being of Polk County residents through a variety of services. The program focuses on two main objectives: prevention and early intervention, and behavioral health. Prevention and early intervention services are designed to promote awareness and healthy lifestyle choices, encompassing areas such as physical activity, nutrition, and wellness education. Behavioral health services aim to improve the psychological and emotional well-being of participants.

Funding for this program requires a minimum request of $50,000 for proposed services. Eligible organizations must be able to provide a 501(c)(3) Determination Letter and must ensure that their proposed services are directed towards Polk County residents who meet specific income and insurance criteria. The program is particularly focused on individuals and families who do not have any form of health insurance, including Medicaid or Medicare, and who are documented full-time residents of Polk County.

Organizations interested in applying for the grant must adhere to several eligibility requirements. They must provide complete answers to all application questions and refrain from including any unrequested materials or private personal information. Additionally, organizations must commit to mandatory data collection and monthly reporting of program expenditures and eligibility determinations. Applications that do not follow the required format may be penalized, and late submissions will not be considered.

The evaluation of applications will be based on the completeness of responses, adherence to guidelines, and the potential impact of the proposed programs on the community. Organizations are encouraged to review relevant Florida statutes and local ordinances to ensure compliance with all regulations associated with the grant.

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2024-2025 Community Wellness Program is October 23, 2024. Organizations should prepare their proposals in advance to meet this deadline and ensure that all required documentation is included. For further information, interested parties can visit the United Way of Central Florida's website or contact them directly via email.