Government entities and non-profit partners can apply for 2019 funding to create or revitalize public spaces; Applications open Sept. 10 – Oct. 8
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will begin accepting proposals for BlueCross Healthy Place projects on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018. Interested parties can submit proposals for 2019 funding through Monday, Oct. 8.
The BlueCross Healthy Place program supports the wellbeing of Tennesseans by creating active, healthy spaces in both urban and rural areas across the state. These spaces provide places for physical activity and allow new connections to form among neighbors, strengthening the bonds that form the backbone of communities.
Through the program, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation can work with both government entities and non-profit partners to develop and revitalize their public spaces.
Each year, the foundation will award up to $7 million to fund BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state.
To qualify for funding, projects will need to be free and open to the public, demonstrate a community benefit and include community input. Additional eligibility requirements are available on the project website.
“Public spaces have the power to bring people together, strengthen community ties and improve the overall wellbeing of Tennesseans,” says Roy Vaughn, executive director of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation. “We look forward to creating and enhancing these spaces throughout the state in the coming years.”
Work is underway on the BlueCross Healthy Place at David Carnes Park in Memphis, the first project aligned with the foundation’s new strategic giving focus. The foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony this summer, following extensive planning and input from residents of the Whitehaven neighborhood where the park is located.
When completed, the BlueCross Healthy Place at David Carnes Park will include a refurbished walking path, adult fitness areas, a playground and an athletic field.
To apply for 2019 funding from the BlueCross Healthy Place program, please visit www.bluecrosshealthyplaces.com. For questions or additional information, email bluecrosshealthyplaces@bcbst.com.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on serving more than 3.5 million members in Tennessee and across the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.bcbst.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Places program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.