Twelve nonprofits awarded $580,000 through the Blue Cross Foundation

EAGAN, Minn. (Sept. 17, 2013) — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation awarded 12 Minnesota nonprofits a total of $580,000 for projects that connect people with diverse groups and networks to create healthier communities.

“More than a decade of research shows that people with strong, positive social relationships live longer, are less likely to be depressed and generally are healthier,” said Carolyn Link, executive director of the Foundation. “These projects will help residents of communities across the state build connections and strengthen networks, which enables groups to work together to tackle common concerns or achieve shared goals.”

The organizations include:

•Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, Minneapolis

•Casa de Esperanza, St. Paul

•Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation, St. Paul

•Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research, Minneapolis (HACER)

•Hope Community Inc., Minneapolis

•Juxtaposition Arts, Minneapolis

•Minnesota Council of Churches, Mankato

•Native American Community Development Institute, Minneapolis

•Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, Northfield

•Northland Foundation, Duluth

•Organizing Apprenticeship Project, Minneapolis

•Project for Pride in Living, Minneapolis

An additional grant of $100,000 was awarded to the Trust for Public Land in Minneapolis to work with Juxtaposition Arts on a community-driven, creative placemaking project in North Minneapolis. The grants are part of a larger health equity initiative that seeks to ensure that all Minnesotans have an equal opportunity to be healthy regardless of income, education, race and other socioeconomic factors that affect health.

For more information on Blue Cross’ 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 $34 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.