Funding Available for Blue Cross Foundation's "Connect for Health"

EAGAN, Minn., June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation announces a second round of funding for a program designed to build and strengthen social connectedness among people in low-income communities across Minnesota.  The Foundation will award up to 10 grants of up to $50,000 each with the option of a second year of funding at the same level based on performance and progress toward goals. The RFP guidelines and online application and budget forms are available on the Foundation website.  Online proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2013. Proposals must be submitted using the online application.

"We know that people with strong, positive social relationships live longer, are less likely to be depressed and generally are healthier," said Carolyn Link, executive director. "Connect for Health 2013 continues the investment from last year when we awarded 22 grants and a total of $510,000 to build social connectedness to improve health across the state."

The Foundation is interested in projects that focus on bridging and linking connections. The term bridging is used to describe relationships between like-minded people from different social networks who are working together to address common concerns or achieve shared goals. Linking describes networks that are formed among people with very different social backgrounds or levels of power, such as policy makers and their constituents. These relationships are described in more detail in a publication produced by Wilder Research.

A webinar will be held Tuesday, June 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to learn more about the funding opportunity. No registration is required.

"Proposals for ongoing or sustainable efforts will be considered more favorably than one-time events or gatherings," said Link. "Additionally, strong proposals will show an understanding of the links between social connectedness and health."

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation exclusively dedicates its assets to improving health in Minnesota, awarding more than $32 million since it was established in 1986. The Foundation's purpose is to make a healthy difference in people's lives by improving the conditions that affect the health of children and families in low-income communities.

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