Launched in early May, the BeWell Grant is a one-year pilot program from Human Resources that provides funding to support small-scale workplace well-being activities and projects. Employees from any department or portfolio from across Queen’s University are eligible to apply for funding and encouraged to do so in advance of the application deadline on June 26, 2024. 

“The BeWell Grant is an exciting initiative that empowers teams to create meaningful wellness projects tailored to their unique needs,” says Sydney Downey, Director, Employee Wellness Services. “We recognize that funding can often be a barrier and want to make it as easy as possible for all employees to foster a healthy and well Queen’s community.” 

The number of grant applications funded will be dependent on the number of applications received and the amount distributed for each successful grant. To best prepare for a successful grant application, employees are encouraged to: 

• Start early, create a timeline, and plan ahead: Putting together a grant application always takes longer than you think it will. Plan time for internal review of your grant application by colleagues.
• Ask for advice: Peers, mentors, and sometimes the funding agency can all provide you with tips on developing a successful application.
• Review successful proposals: Ask colleagues if they can share successful proposals with you. Deconstruct the grant – what is effective about its structure, phrasing, and format? How might these strategies be applied in your own proposal?
• Carve out time to write: Secure blocks of time in your calendar for writing the application.

Throughout June, Human Resources will host a series of virtual drop-in sessions designed to support employees with brainstorming ideas and refining their grant applications. Mona Rahman, Research Awards Officer, and Ishana Gopaul, Manager of Special Projects, will be present to offer their expertise in proposal development and help ensure that submissions are as robust and impactful as possible. 
Session dates and registration include:

• Friday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Register online.
• Monday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Register online. 
• Thursday, June 13 from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Register online.  

Employees are encouraged to visit the BeWell Grant page to learn more about the pilot program, review the guidelines, and apply for funding before the application deadline on June 26.