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ORLANDO -- AdventHealth's Community Health Impact Council, also known as CHIC, is accepting grant applications from nonprofits that are launching innovative new programs that will improve the health of Central Florida.

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This year, the board will provide $1.2 million in grants for programs that address issues such as food insecurity, improving access to health care or helping people manage chronic diseases.

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"Our goal is to help our neighbors feel whole, and so we are excited to see the innovative ways the talented members of our community can help us further our mission," said Samantha Kearns O´Lenick, executive director of AdventHealth Community Impact. "We hope nonprofits in our community will take advantage of this opportunity and allow us to form new partnerships and create a stronger impact for those we serve."

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Prior grant recipients include Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the Osceola Council on Aging, Grace Medical Home and Aspire Health Partners.

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Grants are awarded based on intervention and prevention in the areas of health, health care, education and community.

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Funding is available for one to three years with a strong emphasis on metrics to ensure programs are truly impacting the community.

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The primary goals of CHIC are to help equip and partner with other nonprofits that care for Central Florida's underserved and marginalized, and to reducing preventable medical costs.

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Since 2005, the Council has invested more than $13 million in 45 programs across the tri-county area and impacted more than 140,000 people.

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The deadline to apply for a grant is 5 p.m. April 1, and program funding will begin Jan. 1, 2020.

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For more information visit https://www.mychiconline.org/about.