liveWELL provides funds to departments or units to support initiatives that directly impact faculty and staff well-being of the department and embed well-being and mental health into all aspects of the department culture. This includes environmental and organizational level strategies to encourage healthy behaviors and connection in the workplace.
Wellness Grant Requirements and Guidelines
Departments that show a commitment to embed well-being into their culture may be eligible for a wellness grant. To qualify, departments must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- At least 50% of employees have completed the Personal Health Assessment (PHA) for the current calendar year. Contact liveWELL to confirm your department’s participation.
- The department has a plan to increase PHA participation. Examples include: adding PHA details to onboarding materials, allowing time to complete it during onboarding, and sending quarterly reminders about its value.
- The department has an active Wellness Ambassador.
- Employee well-being is included in the department’s goals, priorities, or strategic plan. Example: use tools from the Departmental Well-Being Toolbox in meetings and events.
If your department does not meet at least two of these criteria, contact us for support in getting started.
Additional Requirements and Guidelines
- Wellness grants must directly support the well-being and mental health of faculty and staff in a measurable way. They cannot be used to supplement department operations.
- Funding is limited to $10 per person, up to a maximum of $500 per unit. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis each fiscal year.
- Grants are awarded at the department level. For departments with more than 150 employees, liveWELL may award grants at the subdepartment level.
- Each unit may receive one wellness grant per fiscal year.
- All employees in the unit must be able to participate in or benefit from the initiative.
- Departments must follow all university and UI Health Care policies.
- Departments must encourage employees to complete the PHA.
- An outcome evaluation must be completed after the initiative is implemented.
Not Approved for Wellness Grants
Wellness grants cannot be used for:
- Speaker fees. To request a workshop from liveWELL, visit the Department Well-Being Toolbox.
- Food or beverage expenses.
- Exercise classes not provided by Recreational Services. For onsite, virtual, or hybrid classes, liveWELL exclusively partners with Recreational Services.
- Kitchen appliances for break rooms.
- Massage therapy. For one-time appreciation events, consider the Staff Appreciation Grant Program.
How to Apply
The application opens online on July 1, 2025. If your initiative will be implemented before June 30, 2025, email liveWELL Manager Melanie Cuchna at melanie-cuchna@uiowa.edu.
Steps to apply:
- Complete and submit the top section of the workflow application.
- You’ll be contacted within 5–10 business days to discuss your application.
- You’ll be notified within 30 calendar days if your application is approved.
- Applications are reviewed by Wellness Grant Committee the first Wednesday of each month.
- Suggestions may be provided to ensure compliance with grant guidelines.
- Complete your wellness activity or purchase within 90 days of approval.
How to Receive Reimbursement
- Return to the workflow application and complete the bottom section.
- Upload receipts and photos, provide the MFK, and answer evaluation questions.
- Submit within 90 days of your grant approval date to receive reimbursement.
If not completed within 90 days, a new application is required. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the fiscal year (July–June).
Once approved, liveWELL will initiate the transfer of funds to the appropriate MFK.
Embedding Well-Being into the Environment
Departments are encouraged to design wellness grant initiatives using evidence-based environmental strategies that support healthy behaviors, recovery, stress management, or movement. The $10 per person / $500 max funding guideline still applies.
Examples:
- Designing a Well-Being Space: A list of approved items will be provided after your application is approved. Shared equipment must be placed in an accessible area for all employees. Include a maintenance and upkeep plan in your application.
- Fit to Go group exercise classes with Recreational Services: Minimum of 10 participants for virtual classes or 12 for onsite. Include the requested date, time, and location in your application.