Blue Cross Foundation Supports Early Childhood Health and Education with Over $1 Million in Grants
EAGAN, Minn. (June 28, 2018) — The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation awarded more than $1M to seven Minnesota nonprofits to increase health equity in early childhood care and education in Minnesota. Most of the grant awards are for two years and range from $85,000 – $100,000 per year. Organizations located in three greater Minnesota regions and the Twin Cities will work to advance health equity through investments in the crucial early years of life.
“Research shows that quality early childhood education paves the way for lifelong health,” said Foundation President Carolyn Link. “We are excited to partner with nonprofits who will work across the state to increase access to quality early childhood care and education.”
The following organizations were selected to receive grants. A description of each is available on the Foundation’s search grantees page.
- Children’s Defense Fund, St. Paul
- Northland Foundation, Duluth
- Northside Achievement Zone, Minneapolis
- Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Bemidji
- La Red Latina de Educacion Temprana, Richfield, through Propel Nonprofits
- Southwest Initiative Foundation, Hutchinson
- Think Small, St. Paul
“These new grants build on over 15 years of Foundation investments in early childhood health and education. We know that well-focused investments in the early years yield high public returns—as much as $16 for every $1 spent,” said Link. “The benefits last a lifetime by helping prevent disease and promoting adult health. We can make a difference, and these organizations are leading the way with their communities.”