WALK Community Grants Scheme : lessons learned in developing and administering a health promotion microgrants program

The WALK Community Grant Scheme was a key component of a federally funded Australian initiative aimed at increasing local capacity to promote and engage priority women’s groups in health-related physical activity. Under the scheme, community groups and organisations were provided with the opportunity to apply and receive small grant funds to support the development of women’s walking groups with the aim of increasing physical activity participation levels in women, and/or to support innovative community ideas for increasing women’s physical activity by improving social structures and environments. This paper describes the development and administration of the WALK Community Grant Scheme, outlines challenges and barriers encountered throughout the grant scheme process, and provides practical insights for replicating this initiative.