The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas provides financial support to improve the health of Arkansans across the state. In 2022 alone, the foundation awarded $5 million in total grants to Arkansas nonprofits and governmental agencies, several of them for more than $100,000. These grants are having a major impact in the lives of people across the state.
In 2023 the foundation awarded 209 mini grants ranging from $500 to $2,000. Some examples of mini grants making an impact in communities are:
Gurdon High School Automated External Defibrillator
“This grant provides an automated external defibrillator (AED) for rural Gurdon High School, where the nearest hospital is 23 miles away,” said Wendy Schaeffer, LPC, school-based health center coordinator. “Having the medical equipment ensures that we can respond appropriately to our more than 200 students, 30 employees and visitors in the case of a cardiac emergency,” she said.
White Hall Food Pantry
The Blue & You Foundation mini grant allowed the White Hall Food Pantry to purchase premium ground meat, providing more protein to 61 families in need. “Before this grant, the pantry could only provide canned meats, such as tuna, chicken and Vienna sausage,” said Susan Wolf, project coordinator. “Now, the pantry can provide fresh meat products to those in need.”
El Centro Hispano En Arkansas, Jonesboro
The Blue & You foundation mini grant allowed us to provide 20 car seats to Latina mothers completing our La Cuna (the Cradle) educational sessions and teach them how to use the devices and place the children in them correctly,” said Gina Gomez, executive director of El Centro Hispano En Arkansas. “Through this support, we can expand our efforts and provide equitable access to pre- and postnatal support for an even larger number of Latinas.”
Searcy Police Department CPR Training
“The Searcy Police Department is working to make our community safer by providing CPR/AED training to our department and the community, using the life-saving equipment provided by the mini grant from the Blue & You Foundation,” said Sgt. Jason McGlawn. The Searcy Police Department purchased a CPR/AED starter kit with adult and infant manikins, AED trainers, and accessories. “We are very thankful for this grant and the additional opportunities to serve our community.”
Mini grants have the power to impact lives in your community! To learn more about Blue & You Foundation Mini Grants and other opportunities for funding, sign up for the e-newsletter at blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org to be well informed.