Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota's Center for Prevention Announces Funding Opportunity

Active Living for All funding initiative focuses on reducing the barriers to routine physical activity

EAGAN, Minn., Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) will award up to 10 Active Living for All contracts to support the development of programs to increase physical activity in Minnesota communities.

"We are pleased to announce a new funding initiative that is designed to increase access and reduce barriers to routine physical activity," said Janelle Waldock, director of Blue Cross' Center for Prevention. "With nearly two-thirds of Minnesotans overweight or obese, regular physical activity is one of the best ways to combat this public health issue and ensure Minnesotans live healthier lives."

Organizations with limited experience implementing policy, systems and environmental (PSE) change strategies, and projects lasting two years or less, will be considered for contracts of $25,000 to $75,000 per year. Contracts up to $150,000 per year will be awarded to selected organizations that have more extensive active living PSE experience, and projects lasting between two and three years.    

Eligible organizations include nonprofits, for-profit groups, government entities and tribal governments. Applicants aren't required to be based or headquartered in Minnesota, but they must have a local, credible presence in the Minnesota community they propose to serve. Priority will be given to programs that result in lasting active living PSE changes. This includes one or more of the following activities: influencing policy and legislation, changing organizational practices and/or the built environment, and fostering coalitions and networks.

Organizations should submit a letter of interest (LOI) to Blue Cross by Feb. 8, 2013, 1 p.m. (Central). The LOI should describe the organization's qualifications and commitment, the community or communities to be served, the demonstrated need and the specific approach. The LOI also should describe how the program will engage residents of the target community, and how it will address health equity issues and the culturally specific needs of all populations. This includes but is not limited to all ages, races, socio-economic status, levels of ability and people who use various modes of transportation. Full instructions can be found at: http://preventionminnesota.com/objects/Funding/ALfA_LOI%23733_Final.pdf.

All LOIs must be submitted online at: https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_1061?SA=SNA&FID=35037.

Blue Cross will hold an informative webinar for LOI applicants on Jan. 22, 2013, 1-2 p.m. (Central). Information on how to join the webinar is available at www.preventionminnesota.com/objects/Funding/ALfA_LOIwebinarInfo_2012_FINAL.pdf.

All applicants will be notified by e-mail by March 15, 2013 on whether or not they will be invited to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due on April 12, 2013, and funding recipients will be notified by May 29, 2013.

About the Center for Prevention
The Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota delivers on Blue Cross' long-term commitment to improve the health of all Minnesotans by tackling four leading causes of heart disease and cancer: tobacco use, obesity, lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating. Funded through proceeds from Blue Cross' historic lawsuit against the tobacco industry, we collaborate with organizations statewide to help build vibrant communities where healthy choices are easier and more accessible.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today as a health company: to promote a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. Blue Cross is a not-for-profit, taxable organization. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago. Go to bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota