BCBSND Caring Foundation encourages North Dakota communities and organizations to take advantage of SPARK Grants Letters of intent now being accepted for grants up to $50,000

Fargo, N.D. – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation will provide a limited number of one-year annual grants in amounts of up to $50,000 to North Dakota communities and organizations undertaking efforts to support community-based wellness and prevention. The goal of these CaringForCommunities SPARK (Strengthening People, Access, Resources and Knowledge) Grants is to enhance collaborative efforts and community involvement to create long-lasting change.

Evidence shows where you live significantly impacts your health. It also determines what services and amenities are available to you.

That is why BCBSND Caring Foundation invests resources through SPARK Grants to help enhance healthy lifestyles, address service gaps and promote health equity in North Dakota communities.

Caring Foundation Executive Director Pam Gulleson says, “Our goal with these grants is to invest in communitybased initiatives that will lead to improved habits and healthier lifestyles; strengthen capacity for effective collaborations; and expand efforts by local communities to improve health equity and access.”

To be considered, organizations must support initiatives that:

• Encourage health and well-being in North Dakota.

• Exhibit collaboration with community stakeholders.

• Align with evidencebased best practices and principles.

• Grow to be sustainable and a priority for the community.

For example, initiatives may aim to:

• Lower use of tobacco/nicotine/vaping products.

• Raise awareness for behavioral health/suicide prevention.

• Host community gardens and farmers markets for easy access to fresh produce.

• Encourage physical activity by improving bike trails and adding mileage signs.

Those interested in applying for a SPARK

Grant must submit a Letter of Intent by 5 p.m. (CT), Wednesday, Feb. 15, to be considered for the 2023 Spring Cycle. Organizations must be North Dakota-based 501(c) (3) nonprofits, municipal entities (i.e., park boards, public health) or school systems.

The Caring Foundation will contact organizations within two weeks to inform them if they are invited to fill out a SPARK Grant Application. These applications are due March 15. Letters of Intent and Grant Applications must be emailed to caringfoundation@ bcbsnd.com.

The Caring Foundation will review all Letters of Intent and Grant Applications. Its staff will reach out with next steps if an organization’s application is accepted. On April 1, the Foundation will announce recipients for the 2023 Spring Cycle.

Learn more about SPARK Grants at www.bcbsnd.com/caring-foundation/impactareas/spark-grants. For questions, please email caringfoundation@ bcbsnd.com.