Blue Cross Foundation Awards Connect for Health Challenge Grants

22 Grants Total $510,000

EAGAN, Minn., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation today announced that 22 projects have been funded through the Connect for Health Challenge. The projects include: Appetite for Change, Minneapolis; Bridges of Hope, Brainerd; Check Yo' Self Health & Wellness Program at High School for Recording Arts, St. Paul; Clean Up the River Environment, Montevideo and Granite Falls; Cleveland Neighborhood Association, Minneapolis; Community Design Center, St. Paul; Dispute Resolution Center, St. Paul; East Side Neighborhood Development Company, St. Paul; Grant Community School Collaborative, Duluth; Growing Up Healthy in Rice County, Faribault and Northfield; Hope Community, Minneapolis; Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, St. Paul; Lifetrack Resources, St. Paul; Minneapolis Fire Department; Moorhead Parks and Recreation; Northland Foundation, Duluth; Project for Pride in Living, Minneapolis; Refugee Services, Minnesota Council of Churches, Minneapolis; United Way of Steele County, Owatonna; West Side Community Health Services, St. Paul; and Wilderness Inquiry, Minneapolis.

One grant of $100,000 was awarded to The Family Partnership Minneapolis, for its Native American Somali Peacemakers project, which was selected in a public vote through InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth.

"Relationships matter to your health. Strong connections between friends and neighbors help people to be more involved in their communities, perform better in school and live longer and happier lives," said Carolyn Link, executive director of the Foundation.

Proposals were submitted online, and judges from the community were recruited to select the grantees. Minnesotans cast more than 5,200 votes via text, online, phone, e-mail and in person. A total of 386 entries were submitted from across Minnesota. They can be viewed at InCommons.org/ConnectforHealth.

"We are thrilled with the public's engagement in the selection process. The quantity and quality of applications made for difficult choices, but tell us that a lot of excellent work is happening around the state to build strong bonds between neighbors and others in the community. Congratulations to the grantees and all who participated," said Link.

For questions or additional information, e-mail [email protected], or call (612) 547-6145. For more information on Blue Cross' grant-making 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 $31 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