Posted on October 5, 2012
Deadline: November 1, 2012 (Letters of Intent)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota's Center for Prevention Announces Funding Opportunity

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota's Center for Prevention has announced a new funding initiative that will award approximately ten contracts to eligible Minnesota-based organizations to develop culturally tailored approaches to reduce health inequities related to tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, healthy eating, and active living.

The initiative seeks proposals for funding to support the development of culturally specific strategies rooted in policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches to reduce health inequities related to tobacco and obesity.

The goal of this funding program is to create sustainable efforts that will "make healthier choices the easier choices for Minnesotans." While education and skill building for individuals may be a component in the process, the program's priority is on activities that result in lasting PSE changes related to the Center for Prevention's areas of interest. For example, a program to educate individuals about the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables would not be sufficient to increase consumption of produce within a broad community. Rather, an environmental approach would address issues such as access to and affordability of such healthy foods for an entire community.

Eligible organizations include nonprofits, for-profit groups, government entities, and tribal governments. Applicants must be based in Minnesota and must be formal legal entities; no contracts will be awarded to individuals or groups of individuals. For formal legal entities that wish to work together in partnership but have not formed a legal entity specifically around the partnership itself, fiscal agents will be allowable. Applicants must have a demonstrated, trusted reach into the communities they propose to serve, and have some level of experience in using PSE approaches to create sustainable change.

Grants of $25,000 to $75,000 per year will be awarded to organizations with limited previous experience in implementing health-related policy, system and environmental change strategies and for projects lasting two years or less. Grants of up to $250,000 per year will be awarded to organizations that have more extensive experience and for projects lasting between two and three years.

Visit the Blue Cross Minnesota Center for Prevention Web site for the complete RFP, application procedures, and applicant questions and answers.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Primary Subject: Health
Geographic Funding Area: National

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