Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Accepting Applications for 2016 Community Health Grant Program

PROVIDENCE, RI  – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is now accepting applications for its 2016 BlueAngel Community Health Grant (BACHG) program. This annual program grants funds to nonprofit organizations working to address critical health issues in Rhode Island, particularly the continuing issue of childhood obesity.

Since establishing a dedicated focus on this issue in 2013, the BACHG program has impacted over 30,000 Rhode Islanders by awarding funds to organizations that seek to improve the health and wellness of our children through nutrition education, physical activity, disease prevention and management, or support of safe play environments.

“By collaborating with organizations aiming to reverse or prevent the epidemic of childhood obesity, we hope to play a role in making our children healthier while easing the financial strain on our already overburdened healthcare system,” said Carolyn Belisle, Managing Director, Community Relations at BCBSRI. “It is a privilege to partner with organizations who share our goal to improve the health and wellness across the state.”

BCBSRI will consider community-based organizations that aim to collect and capture statewide data regarding the state of children’s weight in Rhode Island, and increase access to affordable healthy foods. . BCBSRI will also consider Rhode Island organizations that work to increase access to safe places to be active, help schools and youth-serving programs increase children’s physical activity levels, and support local community-based organizations that provide education and outreach on the importance of good nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight for children and their families.

To qualify for a grant, an organization must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status. Applicants can access eligibility requirements, grant program information, frequently asked questions, and the online letter of intent (LOI) form by visiting BCBSRI.com/about-us/community. Organizations must submit their LOI online submission by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24. Favored applicants will be those that provide innovative programs, prevention initiatives, and/or collaborations with one or more agencies working together.

BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each LOI received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. BCBSRI will notify the selected applicants and invite submission of a full proposal approximately 30 days before the deadline. Grant award winners are notified in December with funding to begin in January 2016.

About the BACHG Program
The BACHG Program is the cornerstone of BCBSRI’s charitable giving. Since the Program’s inception in 2002, BCBSRI has donated approximately $2.9 million dollars to support Rhode Island nonprofit organizations helping un- and under-insured Rhode Islanders live healthier lives. Funded programs have touched more than 255,000 people in Rhode Island since the BACHG’s launch.

About BCBSRI
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 450,000 members. Our mission is to improve our members’ health and peace of mind by facilitating their access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. BCBSRI is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.bcbsri.com, follow us on Twitter @BCBSRI, and like us on Facebook at fb.com/bcbsri.

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