Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Its primary goal is to support health improvement initiatives across Arkansas. The foundation is focused on funding projects that positively impact the health of state residents, with special emphasis on behavioral health, maternal and pediatric health, and the social determinants of health.

Background

Established as a charitable entity of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Blue & You Foundation has a long history of promoting better health in Arkansas. It operates by awarding grants to various organizations, including schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and municipal bodies. Over the years, it has awarded more than $62 million in grants across the state, aiming to improve health outcomes in all 75 counties of Arkansas[1].

Grant Programs

The foundation offers several grant programs:

• Major Grants: These grants support large-scale community health projects, ranging from improving maternal and pediatric health to addressing behavioral health needs and social determinants of health[1].
• Mini-Grant Program: This program focuses on smaller-scale projects such as food pantry support, health initiatives in educational institutions, and emergency response equipment purchases[3].

Impact

The Blue & You Foundation's grants have been instrumental in creating and sustaining various health programs. For example, they have supported initiatives like the Arkansas Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools (TRIS) and the ARConnect service, both aimed at improving behavioral health services for children and families across Arkansas[2]. Additionally, the foundation has supported projects that address substance use disorders, improve access to equitable health care, and enhance community resources for underserved populations[1][2].

Application Process

The foundation periodically updates its grant application process. For instance, a new process was implemented in 2024 to simplify the application procedure and expand funding opportunities for community organizations[5].

Mission

The mission of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is to support and enhance the health and well-being of Arkansas residents through strategic investments in community health initiatives. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, the foundation seeks to make a lasting difference in the health outcomes of Arkansans.