Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation Building Healthier Rural Community (BUILD) Grants Program

The purpose of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation Building Healthier Rural Community (BUILD) Grants Program is to focus on transforming the health and well-being of rural North Dakotans and address the social determinants of health affecting its communities so we can build a better future of equity and full potential for all.

The program targets the following primary focus areas:

• Economic stability
• Education access and quality
• Healthcare access and quality
• Neighborhood and built environment
• Social and community context

It is anticipated that six to eight grants will be awarded in the amounts of $5,000 to $7,500.

2023 Guidance

• Grant proposal guidance   CLOSED
  Deadline to submit: 5:00 pm Central on December 2, 2022
  Funding Period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
  
  For technical assistance, please contact Holly Long at holly.long@UND.edu.

Year 17 Awardees, 2022-2023

These projects must be completed and funds expended by February 15, 2023. Final report and invoice must be submitted by February 22, 2023.

• Foster County Public Health, Carrington
  Will develop a proposed west park playground upgrade project in Carrington, including upgrading 40-year-old equipment and serve as a space to increase physical activity for the low-income area of town and will be Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
• Beyond Boundaries Occupational Therapy, Inc., Fargo
  Will continue to provide therapy services for families in rural communities for children in need ages birth – 18 years and provide educational opportunities for parents and caregivers to learn about safety and wellness for children in the rural communities.
• Steele County Public Health Department, Finley
  Will implement a wellness program, starting with the aging population then working into the younger population.
• Christian Unity Hospital doing business as Unity Medical Center (UMC), Grafton
  Will enhance space at the UMC facility for a pediatric gym, which will augment therapy services for children.
• SMP Health - St. Aloisius, Harvey
  Will build an outdoor patio attached to SMP Health – St. Aloisius long-term care unit.
• West River Health Services, Hettinger
  Will create a recreational library for community members to check out recreational equipment.
• Nelson County Health System, McVille
  Will create a compliant playground for community children.
• Mountrail County Health Foundation, Stanley
  Will host leadership program for organization's leadership staff.

Summaries of Past BCBSND Grants

• BCBSND Rural Health Grants, Yr. 1-11, 2001-2017
• BCBS Rural Recess Grant Awards, Yr. 11
• BCBS Rural Recess Grant Awards, Yr. 10
• BCBS Rural Recess Grant Awards, Yr. 9
• BCBS Rural HIT Grants, Yr. 4-7, 2005-2010
  • BCBS Rural HIT Grants Map, Yr. 4-7
• BCBS Rural Program Grants, Yr. 1-3, 2001-2004