The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation Announces Funding Opportunity

Grants help build healthier communities through health impact assessments

EAGAN, Minn., May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation announces a funding opportunity to support two health impact assessments (HIA) in Minnesota. An HIA is a study that can help policy makers and community members better understand the potential health impacts of policy proposals, programs or projects in non-health sectors such as agriculture, energy or education.

The grants are a part of the Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, which is funding eight HIAs across the country under a current call for proposals. Two additional grants, funded by the Blue Cross Foundation, will be up to $125,000, awarded to government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations specifically in Minnesota. Grantees will also receive training, mentoring and technical assistance from the Health Impact Project and leading HIA experts.

"Blue Cross is committed to making a healthy difference in people's lives," said Marsha Shotley, Foundation president. "Our two grants will provide important information to help federal, tribal, state and local leaders in Minnesota advance more effective policies today to prevent health problems in their communities tomorrow."

Applicants may submit a brief proposal through June 1, 2011.

To submit a brief proposal or for more information about Health Impact Assessments, visit: http://www.healthimpactproject.org.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation is the state's largest grantmaking foundation to exclusively dedicate its assets to improving health in Minnesota, awarding more than $28 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 and close the health gap that affects many Minnesotans.

The Health Impact Project, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, is a leading national organization exclusively dedicated to promoting the use of health impact assessments in the United States. Learn more at www.healthimpactproject.org.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation