Blue Cross of Idaho Employee Community Giving Fund Awards More Than $218,000 to Organizations Across Idaho

Subtitle
In Its First Year, the Employee Community Giving Funds 12 Proposals in Three Focus Areas

Last spring, Blue Cross of Idaho employees donated $107,000 to the new Blue Cross of Idaho Employee Community Giving Fund, a health-focused charitable effort powered by Blue Cross of Idaho employees. A dollar-for-dollar company match combined with a $4,000 donation from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health brought the inaugural total to a just over $218,000.  

The Foundation took grant proposals beginning in November 2017 through January 12, 2018. A small committee made up of Blue Cross of Idaho employees reviewed the 26 proposals received from across Idaho. It awarded 12 grants to projects in three focus areas: Childhood Obesity, Senior Health and Women and Children’s Health.

“Giving back is a core value of our employees,” said Charlene Maher, president and CEO for Blue Cross of Idaho. “We could not be more proud of our team, not only for their financial investment, but their passion to improve the health of their neighborhoods. These projects are one way to expand innovative solutions to help Idahoans make small changes and develop healthy habits.”

This year’s Employee Giving Campaign begins in early May.

Below is a description of each proposal funded by the Employee Community Giving Fund.

Childhood Obesity Grants

Project and Location Description

Advocates Against Family Violence, Caldwell

Renovate the playground at Hope Plaza

City of Jerome

Purchase pedometers and introduce bicycling activities in the Jerome Recreation District Kids’ Fitness Summer Camp

City of Shoshone

Create a nine-hone disc golf course in Mary L. Gooding Memorial Park and a three-hole course at the K-12 school

Desert Sage Elementary School, Boise

Rebuild walking path and construct a shade shelter

Hayden Canyon Charter School, Hayden

Buy playground equipment, materials for raised garden beds for a new community garden

Peregrine Elementary School, Meridian

Purchase and install a kid-friendly, seven-station fitness course

United Way of Treasure Valley, Boise

New playground equipment at Sacajawea Elementary School in Caldwell

Senior Health Grants

Project and Location Description

Valley Regional Transit, Meridian

Purchase software for program that takes seniors to healthcare appointments

Parks Department, City of Emmett

Purchase 10-station, outdoor fitness park targeting seniors

Interlink Volunteer Caregivers, Twin Falls

Expand access to healthcare transportation in the Magic Valley

Women’s and Children’s Health Grants

Project and Location Description

City of Lapwai

Build a splash pad in the city park

Jannus Inc. Mountain States Early Head Start (grant for Bonner County)

Create pilot program for prenatal and postpartum moms

About High Five

High Five is an initiative of the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. High Five is a statewide effort that engages Idahoans to reduce childhood obesity. High Five is working with partners and grant-winning cities to promote healthy communities around the state, as well as with legislators through the Steps for Schools Challenge.

More information is available at www.highfiveidaho.org.

About the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc., is a nonprofit charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The creation of the Foundation stemmed from our desire to improve the health of all Idahoans through wellness and prevention programs.

More information is available at www.bcidahofoundation.org

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.