The Foundation’s final discretionary grant of 2023 will fund up to $45,000 to organizations across the state

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement (the Foundation) announces its final discretionary grant opportunity of the year for organizations addressing Arizona’s most critical health challenges: mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and health equity. 

“Through the Foundation, we’ve been able to impact programs and projects that bring together partners from multiple sectors to meet evolving community needs and create opportunities to enhance the health of Arizonans,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, Foundation President and Board Chair. “There are so many organizations around the state doing important work to improve health, and we hope to continue to uplift them and be part of their success.”

The Foundation is accepting applications from Aug. 21 until Sept. 15, 2023, at 4 p.m. MST. Funding priority is given to proposals that expand publicly available resources, are scalable (or have the potential to increase systems-level capacity) and have a measurable impact. The grant term is one year, with a funding date of Nov. 30, 2023. 

“The Foundation is one of many ways Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona supports Arizona’s communities,” said Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Tackling these health challenges in partnership with organizations allows us to be part of the solution and create a healthier Arizona.”

The Foundation aims to mobilize and advance the health of communities statewide by focusing on Arizona’s key health challenges. The Foundation’s impact is amplified through cross-sector partnerships with trusted local organizations. Through its funding opportunities, the Foundation can expand boots-on-the-ground efforts and invest in programs and applied research that improve well-being and addresses health disparities.

In 2022, the Foundation funded nearly $3 million through 88 grants to 85 Arizona organizations, including a $2 million investment in mental health alone. By the end of Q3, the Foundation will provide nearly $2 million in funding through 37 grants in 2023. 

To learn more or apply for the grant, visit: https://www.azbluefoundation.org/grants/overview

 ABOUT THE BCBSAZ FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY & HEALTH ADVANCEMENT 

The Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement invests in the health of Arizona by tackling mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and health equity. A 501(c)(3) private, non-operating foundation, the Foundation works in service of the public good through grant funding for programs and applied research that align with its focus areas. The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  For more information, visit: www.azbluefoundation.org