Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is dedicated to giving back to the community with the goal of making Alabama a healthier state – both now and in the future. One of the many ways they support organizations and nonprofits throughout the state is through The Caring Foundation.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama’s The Caring Foundation focuses on improving the health and well-being of communities across Alabama. Established in 1990, the foundation primarily supports initiatives related to health education, preventive care, and outreach programs aimed at underserved populations. Its mission is to provide access to healthcare services, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance overall community wellness through partnerships, grants, and charitable contributions.

The foundation has championed what manager Tim King describes as the philanthropic entity’s “three pillars” — the improvement of Alabamians’ health, wellness and education. Various charitable entities across Alabama have received support and funding for the past three decades.

One such beneficiary is the University of West Alabama’s Division of Nursing. The Caring Foundation has contributed nursing scholarships for the past five years to help ease the financial burden that many students face. Students are required to travel to clinical facilities for onsite experiences. Support from The Caring Foundation helps offset the financial burdens associated with travel as well as students’ equipment and uniforms.

“We believe it’s hard to really be healthy and well if you don’t have a good education,” Tim King says. “A lot of the focus we’ve had at UWA and other universities has been to help them fund various health provider degrees in the state, because we do have the need for more health care workers in Alabama, especially in nursing and primary care doctors.”

Another health initiative that the foundation has spearheaded is the Be Healthy School Grant Program. Launched in 2012, the program provides financial grants to schools in Alabama to fund projects that encourage healthy lifestyles, promote physical activity, and improve nutrition among students.

Since its inception, the Be Healthy School Grant Program has helped numerous schools implement sustainable health initiatives that benefit thousands of students across Alabama.

These programs help to establish healthier school environments and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice healthy behaviors that they can carry into adulthood.

“The reaction from parents, teachers, and administrators has been outstanding,” says Tim King. “We’ve seen tremendous growth of the program over the years, and it continues to be very exciting and rewarding.”

Any public or private school in Alabama serving children in grades K-12 can apply for up to $10,000 in funding for the upcoming school year. The grant application process is conducted from May-July of each year with funds awarded by September. On average 30 grants will be awarded each school year.

Across all of these programs, The Caring Foundation is changing the lives of Alabamians and creating healthier futures. To learn more about eligibility for TCF funding, visit The Caring Foundation page on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s website.