Town of Oxford
Municipal Wellness Program
Overview and Guidelines
The 2027-2028 Grant Program application process will launch in Spring 2027 on the NSFM Funding Portal.
The Municipal Wellness Program offers an annual grant program. The purpose of the grants is to fund projects that promote workplace wellness for municipal employees and elected officials through new initiatives, including but not limited to activities, events, projects, or enhancements to existing initiatives.
- Eligibility: These grants are only available to municipal units participating in the NSFM Group Benefits program. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact the Municipal Wellness Program Coordinator.
- Deadline: Complete the application form by the prescribed deadline.
- Selection: Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee. The Project Lead for each proposal will be contacted directly and informed about the status of their application.
Important Application Information
All proposals should promote one or more of the five dimensions of health:
- financial
- mental/emotional
- physical
- social
- workplace/workload management
In addition, applications should:
- Includes a well-defined rationale, objectives, and clearly explained methodology with expected outcomes
- Outline an evaluation process to determine how well the objectives have been met.
- Contain an appropriate and justified budget, with an explanation of associated costs.
- Demonstrate benefit to a significant number of employees and elected officials, either directly or indirectly.
- Explain how the project benefits will continue beyond the grant period of one year, as applicable.
- Include an endorsement from the unit’s CAO on the proposal.
Guidelines for Approval
- Proposals are invited for projects within the following dollar amount guidelines:
- Benefits to municipal employees – up to $3,000
- Benefits to municipal employees and elected officials – up to $4,000
- The evaluation committee reserves the right to award an amount different from the requested amount.
- This is not an equipment fund. However, if the project merits equipment, that component may be considered for funding. Applicants must demonstrate that the equipment is unavailable at the municipal unit and is instrumental to the project.
- If a proposal is for partial funding of a larger project, a clear distinction must be made for what specifically needs funding from the Municipal Wellness Grants Program.
- Only one application per municipality can be submitted.
Project Procedures
- The successful applicants will have one calendar year from the date the funds are released to spend the total fund amount and complete project activities
- Updates on progress throughout the project timeline are required and encouraged. Periodic reports and updates will be requested
- A final report, including an expense breakdown, is required within one month following the project completion date as indicated in the proposal
- Transfers of funds to other budget accounts are not permitted
- Any unused funds must be returned
- NSFM reserves the right to communicate information about funded projects and their outcomes internally or externally, as deemed appropriate
2026–2027 Municipal Wellness Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the municipalities selected as recipients of the 2026–2027 Municipal Wellness Grants!
These grants support initiatives that promote workplace wellness for municipal employees and elected officials through activities, events, projects, and enhancements to existing wellness programs.
View the 2026–2027 Municipal Wellness Grant recipients (PDF)
Wellness Resources
Access trusted information and practical resources to support mental, physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being.
Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Mental Health Commission of Canada offers a range of resources on mental health, including fact sheets, guides, and practical information for individuals, workplaces, and communities.
Explore Mental Health Commission of Canada resources
Nova Scotia Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Government of Nova Scotia provides information about mental health, addiction, well-being, and available supports and services.
Explore Nova Scotia Mental Health and Wellbeing resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information and resources that support mental health, recovery, resilience, and well-being.
The Municipal Wellness Committee oversees the direction of the Municipal Wellness Program funded by the NSFM Group Benefits Plan. The Committee supports the wellness pillars, objectives, and program initiatives, and increases awareness and participation in the Municipal Wellness Program.
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The Working Mind
The Working Mind (TWM) is an evidence-based mental health training program designed to reduce stigma, increase awareness of mental health, strengthen coping skills, and create more supportive workplaces.
The program uses videos, case studies, practical exercises, reference guides, and handouts to help participants:
- Understand mental health and the impact of stigma
- Use the Mental Health Continuum to monitor mental well-being
- Develop strategies for managing stress and building resilience
- Have supportive conversations about mental health
- Better support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges
The training consists of four interactive modules:
Module 1: Mental Health and Stigma
Explore mental health concepts and the effects of stigma.
Module 2: The Mental Health Continuum
Learn how to use the Mental Health Continuum to monitor mental well-being and encourage open conversations.
Module 3: Stress & Resilience
Explore strategies for managing stress and building resilience.
Module 4: Supporting Others
Learn practical strategies for having sensitive conversations and supporting the mental well-being of others.
Cost
- AMA members: $75
- Non-members: $100
For information about upcoming training sessions, watch your email or contact municipalwellness@nsfm.ca.
The Municipal Wellness Program offers training and webinars to support the health and well-being of municipal employees and elected officials.
Topics include mental health, stress and resilience, nutrition, financial wellness, movement, sleep, ergonomics, workload management, and more.
Upcoming Webinar Topics
Webinars may cover topics such as:
- Positive mental health and resilience
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Financial literacy
- Intuitive eating
- Movement and physical activity
- Menopause
- NSFM Health and Wellness Benefits
- Retirement planning
- Sleep
- Smoking cessation
- Ergonomics
- Workload management
Webinar Recordings
Defeat Diabetes: A Path to Prevention
November is National Diabetes Month. This session helps municipal employees understand their diabetes risk and learn practical prevention steps.
Watch the recording: Defeat Diabetes: A Path to Prevention
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Information Session – Employees
Learn how to navigate the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program and access available supports.
Watch the recording: EAP Information Session – Employees
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Information Session – Managers & People Leaders
This session covers the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program and resources available to managers and people leaders supporting employees.
Watch the recording: EAP Information Session – Leaders
Blue Monday: Strategies for Positive Mental Health
Explore insights, coping strategies, and practical approaches to build resilience and support positive mental health.
Watch the recording: Blue Monday – Strategies for Positive Mental Health
Healthier Eating on a Budget for Busy Professionals
Learn practical strategies for grocery shopping, using unit pricing, reducing food waste, and maintaining healthy eating habits while managing food costs.
Watch the recording: Healthier Eating on a Budget for Busy Professionals
Workload Management
Learn practical strategies for prioritizing tasks, managing time, setting realistic goals, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Watch the recording: Workload Management
Blue Monday Webinar – January 2024
This recorded webinar explores strategies, coping mechanisms, and practical tips to support resilience and positive mental health.
