Whidbey General Hospital Foundation is accepting grant applications for the 2009 Community Grant Program. The board has approved a total $25,000 for its 2009 community grant awards.

“Our community grants are intended to encourage creative solutions and support grassroots responses to health care needs in our community,” said Bert Speir, foundation board president and chair of the grant committee.

Requests must be focused on health care projects or outcomes on Whidbey Island. Committee member Dr. Jane Mays said, “We want to look beyond the hospital system to people and organizations in our community who are working to help their neighbors and friends address health care challenges.”

The grant application deadline is April 30. Successful applicants will be announced June 1.

Any nonprofit organization or public health agency serving Whidbey Island residents, or any creditable, reliable and accountable individual and group of individuals is eligible to apply for a grant.

No grant funds may be used for operating expenses, salaries, routine maintenance or upkeep.

A request for proposal criteria and application form can be found at www.whidbeygen.org.