Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)
Introducing HealthcarePlus’ new grants programme to support educational initiatives.
HealthCarePlus was started in 1963 by six unions – PPTA, NZEI, TEU, TIASA, PSA and ISEA to enable teachers, education sector members, and their families to access competitive insurance products to support their families’ health and provide financial protection for unforeseen events.
After 57 years HealthCarePlus is still around, still owned by unions, and is still supporting the health and wellbeing of workers in the education and public service sectors. They do that by providing generous healthcare plans but have also expanded their support by providing ‘Grants for Good’.
The ‘Grants for Good’ program makes good ideas possible. It supports educational initiatives that will make you, your colleagues, your workplaces and your communities better off. Topics could range from exploring the future of work, to reducing stress or burnout, to activities that improve well-being, equity and career development.
Union representatives manage the grants process. PPTA is ably represented by past deputy general secretary Bronwyn Cross.
Applications are open
Applications for grants opened on 29 June 2020. The criteria for the grants include:
- Scholarships
- Undertaking practice-focussed research
- Provision and facilitation of professional development and training
- The facilitation of educational conferences.
The criteria are intentionally broad and include anything that contributes to the growth of knowledge, the development of resources and the personal health and wellbeing of employees, learners and their wider communities. Consideration will be given to hardship and equity factors.
Priorities for 2020 are:
- Future of work (work/life balance, workload, Covid-19, life-long learning etc.)
- Wellbeing (enabling members to thrive, focus on issues of stress)
- Equity (Te Tiriti, pay, worker voice, democracy)
- Specific topics
The list is of equal priority. For PPTA members the fourth bullet, specific topics, provides an opportunity to seek financial support for activities that might not be covered by traditional sources of PLD funding. For example:
- Work experience
- Investigating an aspect of teaching and learning either in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas
- Developing subject expertise (in its broadest sense including in areas not directly related to curriculum requirements)
- Supporting a community activity.
Grants
Individual grants range from $5,000 – $20,000 for one year.
Group grants range from $10,000 – $50,000
There is provision for special grants for sums greater than these or for proposals that cover more than one year.
The total sum to be disbursed per year is around $200,000.
Further Information
For more details or assistance with applications, contact PPTA
