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Grants

Building Healthy Communities

Our commitment to the health of Michigan is different from other insurance companies doing business in our state. As a nonprofit health insurer, our mission is to expand access to high quality, affordable health care coverage for everyone.


Uniquely positioned to help support community-based initiatives, we're leading Michigan to a healthier future — one community at a time. Many of our efforts focus on children because lifestyle habits are formed at an early age. We're dedicated to curbing childhood obesity in Michigan by educating children about healthy lifestyle choices.


Find out about the new 2012 Building Healthy Communities grants and how to apply.


Building Health Communities logo

Our Building Healthy Communities grant program plays a key role in our mission. The Building Healthy Communities grants help Michigan children become more physically active and educated about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.


In Michigan, 30.6 percent of youth ages 10 to 17 are overweight, according to a report by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. They have a higher likelihood of suffering from adult health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.


Building Healthy Communities is a comprehensive, school-wide program designed to surround children and families with education and opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity. The Center for School Health in the College of Education at Wayne State University along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Fitness Foundation invite Michigan elementary schools to apply for a Building Healthy Communities grant to implement a healthy school transformation for the 2012-2013 school year.


2009, 2010 and 2011 grant programs

From 2009–2011, 63 schools across the state received grants directly benefiting nearly 23,000 children. In 2011, Building Healthy Communities grants were awarded to 24 schools across the state. They supported activities and events that included:

  • An assessment tool to measure the overall health of the school's environment and policies
  • Physical activity and nutrition education using specific programs designated by BCBSM
  • Walking clubs for students and faculty
  • Celebratory 5K runs and walk events

Read more about our 2010 Building Healthy Communities grant program activities.