Last week, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation was honored by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for its work in responsive philanthropy. Each year, the council recognizes four organizations in Minnesota that contribute to quality of life in the state.

Along with the Foundation, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits recognized the Foundation’s grantee partner Casa de Esperanza for its work in advocacy in domestic violence prevention, the MicroGrants “Lights On” program for innovation, and the Rochester-area Diversity Council for its anti-racism work.

The connection between health and community safety

Community safety is a health issue. When communities are safe and welcoming, and people are free from fear, violence, and toxic stress, they can build strong social connections, all of which support positive health outcomes.

Conversely, when someone doesn’t feel safe in their community, they may isolate themselves and can experience anxiety, depression and stress, which have significant negative health consequences both in the short and long term.

The Blue Cross Foundation recognizes these health impacts and supports Minnesota communities by working with its grantee partners to help create and nurture more connected, resilient and inclusive communities, where all people have the support and resources to reach their full health potential.

Responsive grants in uncertain times

One way the Foundation addresses the issue of community safety is through the responsive grantmaking that was recognized by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. This grant program began in 2017 as a response to community safety needs identified by communities themselves.

The Foundation listened to its grantee partners and took action to provide support and resources, and did so swiftly and nimbly. This meant significantly adjusting the grant application process and timeline in order to meet these needs.

This rapid response meant that grantee partners were able to quickly implement the solutions they had identified to address the needs of their community. The Foundation’s focus on safe and welcoming communities continues, with the Foundation most recently awarding more than $3.25 million in grants to 23 nonprofits in Minnesota this year.

Want to learn more?

• View Minnesota Council for Nonprofits video featuring the Blue Cross Foundation
• Watch the videos about the efforts of Casa de Esperanza, MicroGrants and the Rochester area Diversity Council
• Learn more about the Blue Cross Foundation’s work in helping create healthy connections in communities