Blue Cross Foundation Names Finalists in Connect for Health Challenge

Minnesotans Can Vote to Select $100,000 Grantee

EAGAN, Minn., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation today announced the three finalists for a $100,000 grant through the Connect for Health Challenge. Minnesotans will have the opportunity to select which organization will receive the grant.

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. Voting is open July 9-20 and can be done online at InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth, via text to 83224, by emailing [email protected], by calling (612) 547-6145 and in person at selected events and libraries in the finalists' communities. Finalists include:

• East Side Community of Choice Initiative, East Side Neighborhood Development Company

To vote for this project, text "Choice" to 83224 (message and data rates may apply)
The East Side Community of Choice Initiative will bring diverse neighbors together in St. Paul's Payne-Phalen neighborhood, a community that has been heavily affected by foreclosure and poverty.

• Growing Up Healthy - Broaden and Build, Growing Up Healthy in Rice County

To vote for this project, text "Build" to 83224 (message and data rates may apply)
Growing Up Healthy is a community-based coalition of local neighborhood teams in Rice County who work at the grassroots level to build community through neighbor-led gatherings.

• Native American Somali Peacemakers, The Family Partnership

To vote for this project, text "Peace" to 83224 (message and data rates may apply)
Native American Somali Peacemakers (NASP) is an active group in the Cedar Riverside and Phillips neighborhoods of Minneapolis that addresses growing intercultural tension by building community through collaboration.

Detailed descriptions of all 386 entries can be found at InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth.

For questions or additional information, e-mail [email protected], or call (612) 547-6145. 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 affect 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