Blue & You Foundation awards first COVID-19 relief program grants; still taking applications

RUSSELLVILLE — The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas has awarded the first 10 grants in its Rapid-Response COVID-19 Relief program, which will provide up to $1.7 million in grants to organizations in Arkansas that are working to prevent the spread of the virus or helping communities deal with its consequences. Rapid-Response COVID-19 Relief grants were awarded to:

In the River Valley & Ozark Edition coverage area, the Boys & Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley in Russellville received a $10,000 grant to provide health, hygiene and educational materials to low-income, at-risk youth by distributing packets to community residents.

Any 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, governmental agency (city, county or state), nonprofit hospital or church in Arkansas is eligible to apply for the grants, which are not given to individuals. Applications must be submitted at www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org.

Applying organizations may request a grant ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. The foundation will review applications and make funding decisions weekly. Grants not approved immediately each week will be held for consideration for funding in later weeks.

“The Blue & You Foundation recognizes the tremendous health, economic and social needs created by the coronavirus pandemic, and we want to help eligible organizations lessen the consequences of the virus on the individuals, families and communities they serve,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation.

“Whether from our own personal experiences or from what we see and hear in the news each day, it’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic has become not just a public health crisis but also an economic and social crisis that’s impacting every part of our lives,” said Curtis Barnett, Arkansas Blue Cross president and CEO. “As we have been for more than 70 years, we’re here for Arkansans, providing critical funds for our communities. We are working closely with our customers and state agencies to monitor needs and respond.”