Blue & You Foundation seeks to fund important community initiatives

Schools, universities, government agencies and nonprofit groups around the state could receive funds to further the important work they’re doing in their communities. The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas will begin accepting mini grant applications January 1, 2022.

“Mini grants are a great opportunity for Arkansas organizations to receive funding for projects they are working on or areas they would like to improve,” said Blue and You Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Pittillo. “We are excited to announce that we are updating the mini grant program to focus on supporting organizations battling food insecurity, implementing public health initiatives in schools or needing emergency response equipment. We also realize that costs have risen since the mini grant program began, so we are giving organizations an opportunity to request up to $2,000 this year.”

The Bryant School District is among hundreds of organizations that benefitted from previous mini grant awards. The district received funds earlier this year to purchase 16 Narcan kits, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and 12 automatic external defibrillators.

“We are now prepared and ready to activate the emergency plans of the school, school district or IHE (Institution of Higher Education),” said Bryant School District Nursing Supervisor Mandy

Horn. “Within the past year, we utilized an AED at the High School graduation for a family member having a heart attack,” Horn said.

The Good Neighbor Food Cupboard in Diamond City, AR received funds this year to purchase eggs, an important source of protein for the many families they serve.

“We operate on a small budget for 100-150 families, over 450 individuals, that come twice a month for food assistance,” said pantry secretary Mildred Hampton. “The grant we received helped us to provide more nutritious items we would be unable to afford otherwise.”

Pittillo added, “The Blue and You Foundation understands the need is great across the state of Arkansas, but there are also so many wonderful organizations working every day to make a difference to fulfill those needs. We are thankful to be a small part of this improvement. Our hope is that the mini grants will help get great ideas off the ground, shore up some much needed funding and fill gaps that will make a big difference in the lives of Arkansans.”

Applications for 2022 grants should be submitted to the Blue and You Foundation between January 1 and February 15, 2022, at https://blueandyoufoundationarkansas. org.