Blue Cross Foundation Announces Connect for Health Challenge

New Grantmaking Initiative to Award Up to $500,000

EAGAN, Minn., March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation today announced the launch of the Connect for Health Challenge, a new grantmaking initiative that will award up to $500,000 to eligible nonprofits, schools and local units of government to support efforts that strengthen social connections in low-income communities across Minnesota.

Through the Connect for Health Challenge, up to 20 grants of up to $20,000 each will be awarded, and one grant of up to $100,000 will be determined by Minnesotans in a statewide vote.

"We know that relationships matter to your health and the health of communities," said Carolyn Link, Foundation executive director. "We're excited to work with organizations in new ways to improve health across Minnesota."

The Connect for Health Challenge will engage people through InCommons, an innovative and growing community-based initiative that connects Minnesotans — face-to-face and online — so they can find and share credible tools, knowledge and resources to address social issues.

Entries can be submitted online beginning April 17, 2012. A short video is available that introduces the Challenge, and interested organizations can also sign up for an e-newsletter that will provide frequent updates, at InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth. Organizations that submit an application by April 27 are entered into a drawing to win time with a videographer who will create a free, two-minute video about their organization. For questions or additional information, e-mail [email protected], or call (612) 547-6145.

Types of projects that build or strengthen social connections could include, but are not limited to, community events, neighborhood gatherings, gathering places, community dialogues, participatory arts, local volunteering, multicultural projects, intergenerational activities and more.

"Strong social connections help people to be more involved in our communities and live healthier, happier lives," said Link.

For more information on Blue Cross's grantmaking programs, visit bcbsmnfoundation.org or call (651) 662-3950 or toll free at 1-866-812-1593.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation  exclusively dedicates its assets to improving health in Minnesota, awarding more than $30 million since it was established in 1986. The Foundation's purpose is to make a healthy difference in people's lives by improving the community conditions that have an impact on the health of children and families.

The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation